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Bristol - Douglas (Isle of Man)

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bnm

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Looking to make this journey sometime in June and have been looking into routeing options.

'The Manual' shows a fares structure for journeys to the Isle of Man based on geographical 'zones'. My starting station, Bristol Temple Meads, is in Zone D and the routeing permission says:

Tickets from stations in Zones D and E in England are available for travel via London as well as by any more direct route. The cross-London symbol ✠must be shown on the ticket.

Now I'd much prefer a FGW HST to Paddington, tube, then Virgin Pendolino to Lancaster for connection to the local service to Heysham Port, rather than Voyagers via Brum.

I can't get booking engines or NRE to give me a fare or itinerary via London and asking at my local staffed station and making a dummy purchase we found there was no way the clerk could raise a fare with the cross London symbol. In fact the TIS would only give up valid itineraries via Brum.

I know the Routeing Guide says there are occasions where cross-London is permitted but no maltese cross is shown. What do I do when I travel with a Bristol-Douglas(IoM) Economy Return via London and LU refuse me access for the cross-London transfer?
 
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bkhtele

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The easiest solution is to pay the oyster fare, is it £1.50 or argue the case that it is valid. I had the same problem with a Didcot to Belfast ticket. Some times it is accepted sometimes not! Someone else may find a way of issuing the ticket with the cross. Suggest you make reservation to avoid arguments
 

dorsetman

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Thought of flying?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Flights from Bristol to Douglas with Flybe cost from about £40 single and you'd be there within an hour!
 

bnm

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Why would I fly? I get a railcard discount on the IoM rail+ferry fare, making the return considerably cheaper than two single air tickets. I can be flexible with my travel plans, I can turn up at my start station anytime before departure, I don't need to carry photographic ID, I don't need to go through over the top security, I can carry my own liquid refreshment, I don't need to fork out for the extortionate Bristol Airport Flyer coach or get from Ronaldsway to Douglas.

And finally, I wish to travel out on a Wednesday and back on a Friday. Can't do that with Flybe. ;)
 

MrJamesBrown

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How much does it work out as??
Also can somebody tell me how to work out the fare? Or is it only available in the Manual??
Thanks
James
 

Howardh

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I think Manx2 fly from that area (Gloucester airport) direct to the IOM, and you should really fly with them. It's an experience...and a darned good one at that! Coming back Ronaldsway airport is the equivalent of a first class lounge - for everyone.

I love the railways, but for once they're trumped. Pay the extra and fly with them!!
 

bnm

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I think Manx2 fly from that area (Gloucester airport) direct to the IOM, and you should really fly with them. It's an experience...and a darned good one at that! Coming back Ronaldsway airport is the equivalent of a first class lounge - for everyone.

I love the railways, but for once they're trumped. Pay the extra and fly with them!!

I'm not going out of my way to pay for unneeded photographic ID (can't drive for medical reasons, no passport) just for a trip to the IoM. Very easy to say pay the extra when it's someone else's money you are spending. :roll::p

For the dates I want (return journey): Rail+Ferry = £69.50. Manx2 from Gloucester £213.88 (excluding airport transfers)

No contest. And I wouldn't say trumped. My wallet disagrees.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
How much does it work out as??
Also can somebody tell me how to work out the fare? Or is it only available in the Manual??
Thanks
James

See: http://www.steam-packet.com/SailandRail
 
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John @ home

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What do I do when I travel with a Bristol-Douglas(IoM) Economy Return via London and LU refuse me access for the cross-London transfer?
The text in the linked page indicates that IoM SailRail prices "do not include underground travel through London".
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said:
Please note, that the above fares do not include underground travel through London. Additional charges will be incurred for use of the London Underground.

http://www.steam-packet.com/SailandRail
 

bnm

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The text in the linked page indicates that IoM SailRail prices "do not include underground travel through London".

Well aware of that. 'The Manual' says otherwise though, and for itineraries where 'via London' is the only real option, National Rail Enquiries include details of a cross-London transfer, and Avantix Traveller shows fares with a routeing including a '+'.

Virgin Trains manage the fares to/from Isle of Man, not the ferry company, so I believe the info on the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co website is wrong.
 
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