Cardiff to Bridge of Allan and back

[90019]

Hey all,

I'm trying to help a friend who might be coming to visit me next month and I'm trying to find the cheapest tickets possible, the journey will be from Cardiff Central to Bridge of Allan, outward on either the 23rd or 26th October, returning on the 30th.
Earliest time leaving Cardiff on the way out is about 11, though a little earlier would be ok, and he needs to get back into Cardiff before about 9.30pm on the way back.

He doesn't currently have a railcard, but if it saves enough for this trip, he's prepared to get one.

Thanks in advance.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Just been told that he can also go from Hereford if it's cheaper, leaving after 12 and arriving back before 5.

Thanks


Sorry for the edits of the dates

 

[yorkie]

You can get cheap Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) Advance fares from Cardiff (CDF) to Manchester (MAN). From MAN, there are cheap fares on TransPennine Express (TPE) to Scotland.

It is also worth looking at alighting from ATW at Crewe, and getting a Virgin Advance from there.

It is probably worth getting a Railcard, especially if using TPE as he'd get 50% off those fares if the booking is made on the TPE website.

 

[Greenback]

Having tried for cheap South Wales - Scotland before, I would agree with Yorkie. I found the best option was a split at Crewe in the end, all of the through fares I found must have been set by XC, as they were ridiculously high compared to the other options!

 

[Failed Unit]

Last time I did it myself I split at London, but it is probably a bit close to the date to get the best deals here.

 

[yorkie]

via London, when the fares are first released, is cheaper than XC! You can get Cardiff to Finsbury Pk (including LU) for around £11, and London to Bridge of Allan for £19 (EC) or £14 (VT). But once the very cheapest deals via London sell out, it gets more expensive via London. In any case, avoid XC as they are extremely overpriced.

 

[Greenback]

I have been to the North East and to Scotland by splitting in London. But you do have to book early! I used to get some excellent FC Advance fares with GNER!

As I like the 175's on ATW I'm quite happy to go via Crewe or Manchester and have a ride up the WCML!

 

[90019]

I've managed to get the outward down to £24 with a railcard by going to Manchester and then Edinburgh, with 4 connections in total on the 23rd, or £29.30 on the 26th with 4 connections (got it to 26.65, but that's 6 connections to make).

Still working on the return.

My brain hurts
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
We've decided that it's just too complicated to get tickets we can actually afford, so just going to drive instead.

 

[route:oxford]

Bit late now, but is he over 55?

www.club55.co.uk

 

[90019]

Bit late now, but is he over 55?

www.club55.co.uk

Not for some time yet :P