Another rail fare question

[Cush]

A slight problem with rail tickets.
Return fare Carlisle - Blackpool with Senior rail card out on 28/09 back 29/09 = £29.50
Advance single out on 28/09 (17:09) = £10.90
Advance single back on 29/09 (08:00 to 12:00) between £ 4.95 and £12
As I will want a bike ticket as well how do I get the advance single ticket from Blackpool? I have tried in the past to get a single ticket from one station that is valid from another but with out success.
and how can there be such a variation in fares (a 50 minute later train from Carlisle doubles the single fare)

 

[theloafer]

I use these as you can book bike space online here at the same time ... and book well ahead cheap to http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/

 

[Cush]

My thanks to theloafer, I have now booked, fare £9.90 +£1 p & p, that includes bike reservation. Now I book up for the Manchester - Blackpool night ride.

 

[gavintc]

You are not comparing like with like. Your advance tickets will always be cheaper than the standard fare.

 

[Puddles]

I use these as you can book bike space online here at the same time ... and book well ahead cheap to http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/

Where is it that you can book the bikes? I was peering at this site and did a "fake" journey but could not see when I choose the bike reservation

 

[4F]

Where is it that you can book the bikes? I was peering at this site and did a "fake" journey but could not see when I choose the bike reservation

At the bottom of the 2nd page after you have selected price / tickets


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bicycle space

 

[Cush]

You are not comparing like with like. Your advance tickets will always be cheaper than the standard fare.

Yes you are right. advanced will always be cheaper, as will off peak but how can the % difference be justified? here we are talking of 2/3 difference on a relatively inexpensive fare. On one journey I use fairly regularly. It is cheaper to get two cheap day returns than a single fare!!