train network

[choclupie]

What is the cheapest way of travelling from Portsmouth/Southampton to Preston, Lancs

[JackDanielsU]

Portsmouth to London Waterloo

Waterloo to Euston

Euston to Preston (5 hours)

OR

Portsmouth to Southampton

Southampton to Birmingham NS

Birmingham NS to Preston

Jouney takes 5 hours and costs around �80 for a saver return

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/index.html

has times, fares etc

[Buenchico]

Virgin Trains offer a 'Value Advance Single C' ticket for just �15. Terms & conditions are here:
http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/display_ticket_terms.asp?t icket_type=VCS

If these have all sold out, you might still be able to get a 'Value Advance Single B' for �25.
T&C:
http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/display_ticket_terms.asp?t icket_type=VBS

The availability of those tickets is very limited. (e.g. I just tried the National Rail website, putting in some Saturdays in May, and I couldn't find any tickets for the times I'd selected) but it's worth a try. Try the Virgin website, here:
http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/default.aspx
or, possibly easier, phone their telesales department:
08457 222 333

Chris

[Buenchico]

PS: If the only train fares you're offered are expensive ones, remember that FlyBe operate from Southampton to both Liverpool and Manchester. Prices start from �21.99 (including taxes and charges). It's fairly easy (and cheap) to get to Preston from both of these airports:
http://www.flybe.com/

Chris

[waimarie]

My son had to travel from Portsmouth to Cheshire and, after trying both routes (via London or via Midlands) he reckoned the London route was far superior. That is quite apart from flying which as Buenchico says is the obvious choice.

[dzug]

You can get to London by Megatrain from either Southampton or Portsmouth for �1 upwards

http://megatrain.com/

Then try Virgin Value to Preston - there could be more availability from London than cross country from Southampton.

[choclupie]

Thanks for all your replies - I have checked it out and its �20 cheaper to fly and takes a fifth of the time.

Cheers

[markja]

have you checked out national expess website? i know it's nowhere as quick as flying of course!

[helliebobs]

And a big warm welcome when you do get here choclupie!!