What is the cheapest way to travel first class from b'ham to scotland on a train?

Question

My g/f really wants to go to scotland and travel 1st class on a virgin train (not a plane) for some reason. I would like to take her but the tickets seem unbelielably priced - is there any way of getting them cheaply?

Answer 1

If I was travelling alone, I would agree with Vincent and go at the weekend with the tenner upgrade option. However, your girlfriend might think it a bit mean if it is a special treat.

Make sure you check the single option - if you can organize your trip in advance (tickets generally get released three months beforehand), then you will find it may be cheaper. When I checked, there were some Value advanced first singles at £35 each [ie. £70 return], a major difference. These are restricted tickets so you need to be sure you would be travelling those dates. The first Open return B'Ham - Glasgow is a staggering £273 each - who pays that sort of money?!

My other tip, buying two tickets for the same journey (ie., B'ham-Preston, Preston-Glasgow) might also not be appreciated since it may involve having to change seats midway! It is perfectly legal - the only proviso is that the train must stop at the changeover stations (here Preston).

I have written some other tips, including incorporating Rover tickets into journeys - don't think Rovers will help here. My url is below - thanks if you support it!

Answer 2

Travel at the weekend and buy a Weekend First upgrade - £10 extra on top of your standard class ticket, per person, per journey.

Answer 3

dont take a main train station in birmingham, go to kinver, etc and you can save a tenner

Answer 4

if u buy your ticket on board you can only purchase the first open single or return which  is expencive for someone on a buget  ,the walk up fare is slightly cheaper but the best way is to book in advance as there are some good deals on the website ,however if you buy a virgin value standard  in advance the price will be quite cheap then upgrade for £15 on board but this up grade is only avaible at weekends.you can also buy a 1st value advance ,again this is subject to availabilty and on specified trains so the quicker you book the better chance you have of getting a great deal

Answer 5

illegaly