More train madness.

[rhythmaning]

I am travelling south this weekend: a long weekend in Oxford, seeing my mother (who I haven’t seen since August) and catching up with friends.

I thought about flying, but I prefer the train, so that was my first choice.

The cheapest way to Oxford was, believe it or not, via London – GNER down the east coast line, and then to Oxford via Paddington. Since I love this route, that was fine, though it will take a while – six and a half hours or so. (But I reckon flying would take four or five hours, door to door; and I can feel green and virtuous. Until my train is cancelled…)

The journey back is even more bizarre. The cheapest ticket by a long way is first class on a direct Virgin train, up the west coast route. (Don’t ask me why this option wasn’t available on the way down, but it wasn’t.) So I shall have a spacious seat and travel back in some style. And I rather like the idea of doing a circular trip.

And all cheaper and more comfortable and far less stressful than flying.

Comments

[filmstalker (from livejournal.com)]

I'm curious, can we talk costs? I looked at the train for my London 300 trip and it was £600+ return, flying was a mere £180 - that's for two obviously.

[pshtaku.livejournal.com]

I think it's first value advance ticket that you need. there are a limited number available on the train, and they are sold as singles, not returns, so you need to click on the bit that says that "2 singles may be cheaper". they are available upto 24 hrs before travel. I got a northbound frm MK to Glasgow for 79.50 and south for about 53.50 and this was substantially cheaper than gner and you get forcefed alcohol and food...

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

The fare to Oxford (via London! was £29 single. The fare from Oxford to Edinburgh (first class) was £44.

It might actually have made sense to fly down and take the train back - I could have flown down for £36 (BMi), but it was about £80 to fly back.

[pshtaku.livejournal.com]

beware virgin first class! they come round every hour with alcohol and every two hours with food, and you have to give a good reason not to want either! not that I was complaining, and I did roll off the train at the other end...

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

And the problem is?