National Express East Coast Ticket Options
Posted by James Mead Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:55:00 GMT
Update 1: These fares are now almost certainly out of date.
Update 2: I’ve updated the links to NXEC which is now East Coast.
Introduction
In the past, I’ve tended to buy Advance Single tickets for most of my journeys between Durham and London. This is usually the best option when booking a couple of months ahead, but when you have to book at shorter notice, I often overlook some of the return fares.
Despite the supposed simplification of UK train fares, it’s not straightforward to find all the relevant information in one place, so I thought I’d write it up here. I hope other people might find this useful, but please double-check with the NXEC (now East Coast) website or a Travel Centre before spending any money.
Fares from Durham to London
| Ticket Type | Cost |
| Super Off-Peak Return | 105.00 |
| Off-Peak Return | 163.80 |
| Business Carnet | 239.40 |
| Anytime Return | 266.00 |
| First Class Anytime Return | 370.00 |
Super Off-Peak Return Conditions
Northbound
Valid on any train from London King’s Cross except those timed to depart before 0929 Monday-Friday and from 1457-1859 inclusive, Monday-Thursday and from 1457-1815 on Fridays.
On a weekday, this means you can travel on the following direct services, departing London: 0930, 1130, 1230 & 1430, 18301, 1900, 19301, 2000, 2100.
Southbound
Valid on any train timed to arrive in London King’s Cross 1117 or later, Monday-Friday.
On a weekday, this means you can travel on the 0845 departure from Durham or any later train.
Off-Peak Return Conditions
Northbound
Valid on any train from London King’s Cross except those timed to depart 0645-0815 inclusive, Monday-Friday. Outward portions also barred 1559-1745 inclusive, Monday-Friday.
On a weekday, this means you can travel on the following direct services, departing London: 0615, 0830, 0930, 1130, 1230 & 1430, 1530, 1820, 1830, 1900, 19301, 2000, 2100.
Southbound
Valid on any train timed to arrive in London King’s Cross 1020 or later, Monday-Friday.
On a weekday, this means you can travel on the 0804 departure from Durham or any later train.
Business Carnet
- 10 Anytime Return tickets for the price of 9.
- To be used within a 3 month period.
References
1 Fridays only
That’s obscene. I can fly from Melbourne to Brisbane and return for GBP 390 today (on demand) or GBP 135 booking a month in advance; to Sydney and return booking a month in advance costs just GBP 88.
Unfortunately I then get to pay a taxi GBP 70 from home to the airport… But there are cheaper buses!