Originally Posted by
Mizter T
I think that's the easiest way of doing it - it's how I do it at least. FWIW, I find the booking system used on the
East Coast site is the best - it looks a bit confusing at first, but once you've got the hang of it, you'll see it's actually got quite a powerful interface. The same system is used on the
Chiltern,
Southern,
Southeastern and
London Midland sites too. The main alternative booking system used by other train companies' sites is the one based on TheTrainline's interface, which is rather more basic. (Tip - don't ever book directly with TheTrainline, as it charges a £1 booking fee, plus an extra fee for paying with a credit card - if you prefer the Trainline interface, then use say First Great Western's booking site instead and avoid these fees.)
Very good points, and I think I shall flag this explanation to give to the next group of Marshall Scholars/Marshall Sherfield Fellows coming over next year. We were pointed toward The Trainline upon arrival, so I think many started booking there. I booked on The Trainline once and got socked by their booking fee and CC fee. Quickly realized I could use AmEx on the TOC sites and not pay booking or CC fees. I agree about the power of the East Coast system and love them discounting their tickets when booked through them. I'm using them to go from Edinburgh to Aberdeen in a couple of weeks and got a nice price on a first class advance ticket with their 10% discount.