Getting last minute advance tickets cheaply?

[Andybravo]

"Most people know that buying train tickets in advance is usually cheaper, but many don't realise you can often buy them right down to the wire - the golden rule is always check if advance tickets are still available before you travel. If tickets haven't sold out, six firms now let you buy advance tickets on the day"

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-train-tickets/

Is there a better way to look for advance tickets the day before than my current method? i.e just checking The Train Line app on my phone? Any specific times to look etc?

 

[gazthomas]

To save money don't use the Trainline for starters. They charge a booking fee while train operators (typically) don't

 

[Merseysider]

There are nine companies which offer Advances on the day (these plus GWR). AFAIK the CrossCountry app sells all of them, and there are no fees.

 

[Andybravo]

Thankyou

Just to clarify it is ok to use trainline as a general guide to prices? as in they don't just make their own up? it would cost exactly the same as on the train companies own website/app it's just they charge a booking fee? that is it?

And how is it that advances are sometimes available on the day if they werent available a few days before?

 

[alistairlees]

Thankyou

Just to clarify it is ok to use trainline as a general guide to prices? as in they don't just make their own up? it would cost exactly the same as on the train companies own website/app it's just they charge a booking fee? that is it?

The ticket prices on the Trainline are the same as everywhere else. They are not allowed to make prices up! So the only difference is indeed the fees.

 

[yorkie]

Providing the itinerary is the same, the price should be the same.

 

[centraltrains]

AFAIK the CrossCountry app sells all of them, and there are no fees.

CrossCoutry often charges £1 for collection via ticket machine for their own tickets where a print at home/m/e ticket is available...

 

[Merseysider]

CrossCoutry often charges £1 for collection via ticket machine for their own tickets where a print at home/m/e ticket is available...

It doesn't on the app.

 

[centraltrains]

It doesn't on the app.

How lovely and consistent of them

 

[Merseysider]

How lovely and consistent of them

Indeed.

On the other hand, their offer of free changes to Advances doesn't apply to tickets bought on the app

 

[ForTheLoveOf]

Indeed.

On the other hand, their offer of free changes to Advances doesn't apply to tickets bought on the app

You surely can't be expecting to have your cake and eat it!