V-Flyer

Ok, a question for you UK folk!

While sitting at work this morning I got the bug to go visit my family, and booked a trip to London (see signature for ITN).

Not flying with VS, but my DL flight benefits don't work on VS, and $100 is a lot cheaper haha. My question is more about ground transportation. It's been years since I've been to LGW, but DL doesn't service LHR...

Normally my family picks me up at the airport, but since I'm giving them such short notice, it's unlikley they'll be able to get the day off to come and pick me up. I'm looking for sugestions on how to get to Ipswich (most likley via train) from Gatwick.

My original plan was LGW-London Victoria on the Gatwick Express, then Victoria to Liverpool Street on the tube, and Liverpool Street to Ipswich Station via train (anglia rail/one). Being that I've never done this before I'm just looking for tips. Is there an easier way? To my knowledge, LGW does not have a tube station, correct? Is it a good idea to book train tickets and such in advance, and if so, will they mail them to my home in the US? I've only got a week or so, so any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks everyone!

Yes - all that you say is good - there is no other route to take on the train - the only real alternative is to hire a car. You can book tickets on the train and there is a helpful link here -

You can sort out times and tickets on that if you need - really depends on the time of day you plan to travel as to whether you need to book in advance[y]

Ok, thanks for the quick link... just a couple questions...

When I put in Gatwick Airport to Ipswich on that planner (which is REALLY good), it came up with a First Capital Connect train service from the airport to Farringdon. Is this a better option than the gatwick express service to victoria? Same number of stops and everything, but it looks like getting a complete ticket through national rail will be cheaper. I've heard of First Connect busses, but not their trains--is their service any good?

You may not know the answer to this, but for arguments sake, let's say I booked this on the national rail website. I'm assuming this includes both trains and the tube? How do I get my actual ticket? If it's something I have to pickup day of travel, when I pick it up is it good for the whole trip, or do I have to get a ticket at gatwick then pick up another ticket at Farringdon then pick up another one at Liverpool Street?

Im pretty sure you can colllect yoru ticket on the day - and no - you will only need one ticket which will see you all the way through - and you can of course make it a return! I use that site a lot and its always spot on.

Mark,

As I've never used this before... what Vendor would you recommend, and where would I go to pick up the ticket at Gatwick?

Thanks for all your help!

Originally posted by webdes03
Ok, thanks for the quick link... just a couple questions...

When I put in Gatwick Airport to Ipswich on that planner (which is REALLY good), it came up with a First Capital Connect train service from the airport to Farringdon. Is this a better option than the gatwick express service to victoria? Same number of stops and everything, but it looks like getting a complete ticket through national rail will be cheaper. I've heard of First Connect busses, but not their trains--is their service any good?

That would be my preferred route. Farringdon rail and tube stations are on the same level which makes the transfer much quicker and easier. The tube journey from Farringdon to Liverpool St is considerably shorter than Victoria to Liverpool St.

The First Capital Connect service is reliable. I use it all the time.

the "One" Railways (Lpl St - Ipswich) are pretty good and offer a very good meal service in the restaurant car.

Regards

John

webdes03,
You can buy a ticket at LGW follow signs for trains and you'll see the ticket office - I'd also reccommend the farringdon route as its quicker and cheaper than the express option

Does anyone know how bad the price increase is if I wait to buy day of travel at the airport, as opposed to reserving ahead of time on the website? Is it like air travel where dat of travel tickets cost like twice as much?

Nah - prob same price at this stage!!

Turn up and jump on!!

You can save a bit by buying in advance as there are standard tickets and super advance (book by 18:00 the day before)

the difference is about 11UKP (although this seems to apply only to singles) as returns dont seem to have apex tickets on that route

For a return you can purchase a Saver ticket on the day for £35
versus the £55 standard return fare

(All based on Gatwick-Ipswich)