[Travel] Discounted rail travel - a tip (?)

[BrightonCottager]

While browsing the Fulham equivalent of NSC, I came across a link to this thread about the cheapest way to get an Annual Gold Card that gives discounted rail travel all the way up to Birmingham.

I'm unsure what advantages a Gold Card has over a Network or Senior (or other) railcards but it may be useful for some far-flung Albion supporters.

What is more intriguing is why anyone would buy an annual season ticket from Newhaven Town to Newhaven Harbour and if anyone has done so at £200!

 

[beorhthelm]

dont get it, what does a gold card get you that a £30 network rail card doesn't?

 

[maffew]

Family and friends seems to gives me the biggest discount on most trips ( with the kids) and you can add another person to use it for free.. just got a 300 pound journey down to 180 last week using it... or good old network rail card... both 30 quid and can more than pay for them selves in a single use

 

[maffew]

Either of those gets me an open return to brum, from Eastbourne for 61 pound (subject to trains actually running)

 

[BNthree]

dont get it, what does a gold card get you that a £30 network rail card doesn't?

It covers a wider area and also gives the discounts for peak times. This page explains it better:

Which Railcard for someone aged 55 and travelling alone? - AndyBTravels

There are a plethora of Railcards in the UK available which age wise cover people from 16 - 30 and 60 plus. Then there are Railcards that have the following eligibility: HM Forces Member or partner Veteran Disabled Person Family & Friends - need a child to be travelling with you Two Together - 2...

www.andybtravels.com

Basically you’re buying the cheapest annual season ticket available and using it solely for the additional benefits it gives. You’d need to be using the trains for long journeys at least every week for this to be worthwhile surely?

 

[Cowfold Seagull]

dont get it, what does a gold card get you that a £30 network rail card doesn't?

Exactly, a third off all rail travel, and valid nationwide too. Pays for itself after a few trips.

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

 

[BNthree]

Exactly, a third off all rail travel, and valid nationwide too. Pays for itself after a few trips.

Not all rail travel, network rail card is off peak only but that gold card gets you money all peak tickets too. For someone doing the commute to London a couple of times a week it could well be worth getting that cheap season ticket to get the discount.