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Trains to Lewes
Views: 5381
I've been looking at train fares for Saturday week. There's a direct train leaving Victoria about 1pm, with a return about 5.20, journey being just over an hour. Here's the dilemma, if I book on line now I can do it for £16 return. However, if I buy on the day it'll be about £26. With the weather still a bit iffy I'm not sure whether to chance the cheaper on line ticket (which I believe is non refundable). Also, has anyone used one of the automatic ticket machines that issue your pre-booked ticket? Are they reliable?
I realise that some of you have employee / old codger discounts so the figures don't apply (I sometimes feel I'm the only mug that has to pay full price for everything).
Anyone else considering the train to Lewes?
Re: Trains to Lewes
Views: 5361
I can get that another pound off for you if you book tomorrow - http://www.southernrailway.com/tickets-and-fares/ticket-types/daysave-off-peak/
Doesn't help with your dilemma otherwise though.
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www.hendonfc.net
Hendon FC Supporters Trust
Trains to Lewes
Views: 5088
Thanks for that. Just had a look at that offer, sounds good and according to the terms and conditions can book just 3 days in advance. However, what a terrible website. I'd been comparing various online ticket sellers and scrubbed that one off my list as just too much hard work. Maybe it's just me, might have another go tomorrow.
Re: Trains to Lewes
Views: 5061
I regularly book my train tickets online and pick them up from ticket machines - never yet had a problem.
It's always a gamble at this time of year, and I'm also hesitating about booking tickets in advance to go to Lewes.
Greensnet - The Official Hendon FC Website
Hendon FC Supporters Trust Official Website
re: Lewes trains.
Views: 5133
I regularly book advance train tickets on line as well.... and I always have a problem at Victoria.
The last four occasions - I jest thee not - when I've gone to collect pre-paid cheapo tickets at Victoria, several machines have told me to bog off via something like "card not recognised" messages, meaning I've had to go to the booking office. I only missed my intended train the first time. On two occasions, a customer immediately in front of me at a booking window, then at the adjacent window when I was having a whinge, was complaining about the same problem.
This has happened on two different bank cards, over a period of about five years. (After the first couple, in successive weeks about five years ago, I've only pre-booked Victoria trains when absolutely necessary and been prepared for the drama.)
Also, the barriers at Victoria don't open for pre-booked on-line cheapos... meaning you have to show your ticket to a monkey, who then opens a gate... just so they make sure passengers aren't travelling on the wrong train and diddling Southern out of money.
I've never had similar problems at other London stations - nor when collecting pre-booked tickets for Southern from machines at Brighton.
The solution to the question of whether to book in advance is simple: Don't even think about it!
Why?
Because the First Capital Connect cheapo London-Brighton fare is £10. Even if you walk-up and use the ticket office or a machine on the day. The £10 fare only applies to First Capital Connect trains out of London Bridge, but they run every 20 minutes or so and get to Brighton just as fast as the Victoria departures. A Brighton-Lewes return is £4.80.
I should add that Brighton-Lewes trains are frequent - every 10-15 minutes. Some stop three times on the seven-mile route, but many go direct, taking 10 minutes.
Re: re: Lewes trains.
Views: 5067
Thanks for the comments regarding the First Capital Connect fares Alan - that is a very good point. First Capital Connect don't do cheap advance tickets, but they do Super Off Peak Returns on weekends and bank holidays - which are a substantial discount on a standard off peak return price.
I've just had a look and utilising my Network Card I can do Luton to Lewes via Brighton on 2 trains, in just over 2 hours for a mere £15 return - buying on the day. There are 4 FCC trains an hour back to London until just after 8.30pm.
Getting a Network Card (or any other railcard you may be eligible for) is well worth it. The Network Card is £30 a year, and you get an additional 33% off all fares other than advance ones. (Can only use after 10am on weekdays subject to a minimum fare of £13, but can be used at anytime on weekends and bank holidays with no minimum fare).
Greensnet - The Official Hendon FC Website
Hendon FC Supporters Trust Official Website
Re: re: Lewes trains.
Views: 4956
I've just had a call from Lewes. Chances of play are close to zero, and they are in the process of trying to arrange an inspection for tomorrow afternoon. They expect it to be a formality following the rain this week, along with the rain that is forecast today and tomorrow.
I'll update the website once the inspection time has been sorted out.
Anyone for water polo?
Greensnet - The Official Hendon FC Website
Hendon FC Supporters Trust Official Website
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