Calling UK train users: what's the best way to buy tickets these days? I'm spoilt by the wonderfully simple SBB app. I'd rather not give TheTrainline a booking fee, but I also don't want to scour every TOC site/app. I need to travel from London to Kent next Thurs eve sometime and Kent to LHR on Sun. - ThreadSky

linguistforsail.bsky.social • 41 days ago

Calling UK train users: what's the best way to buy tickets these days? I'm spoilt by the wonderfully simple SBB app. I'd rather not give TheTrainline a booking fee, but I also don't want to scour every TOC site/app. I need to travel from London to Kent next Thurs eve sometime and Kent to LHR on Sun.

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linguistforsail.bsky.social•38 days ago

FWIW I stuck with Trainline in the end. Easy to use, not geoblocked (which my GWR app seems to be), and charged me in CHF, thus saving the 1.75% my bank charges for card payments in foreign currency. Simplicity has a value too.

raquelitae.bsky.social•41 days ago

I find LNER app easy to use personally

michaelfrom.uk•41 days ago

https://splitmyfare.co.uk for the cheapest tickets. You get an email detailing which trains to catch, where you'll be sitting, and which ticket to use. Can be a little confusing, using multiple tickets, but email is very clear about when to get off/stay on.

michaelfrom.uk•41 days ago

Avoid Trainline (as you seem to know - surcharge for no benefit); each TOC app is very similar, so if you want simple, pick one of those, then use https://realtimetrains.co.uk on the actual day to find how the trains are running.

dalestranslator.bsky.social•41 days ago

Try the Railboard app.

linguistforsail.bsky.social•41 days ago

Thanks, I'd never heard of it. This split ticketing thing makes my head explode 😱

Any and all other ideas also welcome! I guess long gone are the days when you just turn up at the station and buy a ticket to where you want to go when you want to go (unless you have deep pockets)

dalestranslator.bsky.social•41 days ago

For longer journeys, the Seatfrog app is good for first class upgrades, especially on weekdays when first class passengers often get free food and drink.

dalestranslator.bsky.social•41 days ago

It’s a fairly new app, and I think it includes split ticketing. I’ve used it twice recently, with good results. Leeds to Bristol return for £60, for example.

benbl.bsky.social•41 days ago

Maybe I'm just lazy but I find that booking through my normal Avanti app (even for places outside their routes) works just fine for me.

benbl.bsky.social•41 days ago

Split ticketing and following an email itinerary might be cheaper but it certainly sounds like hard work.

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