How do you buy the right train ticket in the UK? [duplicate]

I recently traveled by train in the UK. I went to the station and bought a return ticket from Bristol to Oxford. The machine presented a huge number of options but in the end I chose a super off peak return as I was coming back the next day out of what I thought were peak times.

When I attempted to come back at 9:40 am I found that my ticket wasn't valid until 10:30am. I checked my ticket and there was nothing written on it about when it was valid and no times were shown on the machine I bought it from either.

How on earth can you tell which ticket you should have at what time of day?

uk trains

Best Answer

I would recommend one of two options:

Go to the ticket window at the station, not a machine. The machines are quick if you know exactly what you want, but the ticket office staff know the system much better than anyone and are able to help if you're not sure exactly what you need.
Buy (or at least search for) your ticket online. You can say exactly what train you want, and see the price, and usually also see what other trains you can travel on with the same ticket.

Regarding "no times were shown on the machine I bought it from", there is usually a "more information" button on the more modern machines that brings up a screen showing the restrictions on one particular ticket, but this is still not necessarily easy to interpret.

Pictures about "How do you buy the right train ticket in the UK? [duplicate]"

How do you buy the right train ticket in the UK? [duplicate] - The Conductor Asking Boy For a Ticket on a Train

How do you buy the right train ticket in the UK? [duplicate] - Faceless woman buying metro ticket via electronic machine

How do you buy the right train ticket in the UK? [duplicate] - Content couple using ticket machine in underground

How can I get duplicate railway ticket?

1. If the ticket that is confirmed or RAC is torn or mutilated, a duplicate ticket can be issued on collection of 25 per cent of the fare, after the preparation of reservation chart. Before chart preparation, charges are same as applicable for issue of duplicate ticket in lieu of the lost/misplaced ticket. 2.

Will a screenshot of a train ticket work?

\u201cThe terms and conditions of e-tickets are clear that the customer must activate and take the ticket with them when they travel. A photograph or screenshot is not acceptable, as this is not the ticket and could be used by anyone.

Can I use the same train ticket twice?

If the stations you leave at have ticket barriers they may swallow your ticket. But provided the conductor doesn't stamp or mark your return ticket, you should be able to use it again as the next conductor wouldn't then be able to tell its been used.

Are Hard Copy train tickets necessary?

IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) has a simple and 'mobile' solution. Yes, instead of carrying a printout or hard copy of your Indian Railways train ticket, IRCTC now sends you SMS-based tickets that can be shown to the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE).

🤔How to Buy bus and train tickets on very cheap price in uk🇬🇧? Travelling tips and tricks in uk ?

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