Silly Question Train Tickets online?

[resident paul]

Not experience this before but how the train tickets online work?
I will be going from Preston to Manchester in 2 weeks time.
I mean if order it does it comes through the post or do you have to collect it at the nearest train station?
The reason I'm asking this so I can cut costs down when going to the Hi-Score event in just under 2 weeks time.
Thanks for the help!

[The Beans]

Usually, you buy online and print out the ticket itself or a receipt for the ticket that's handed in at the station booking office.

[resident paul]

Usually, you buy online and print out the ticket itself or a receipt for the ticket that's handed in at the station booking office.

Cheers for that info.

[The Beans]

I wish all the companies would do the same thing. I went from Preston to London on a Virgin train and I had to collect my ticket from the booking office.
I went from Preston to Manchester Airport on a Transpennine train and I was given a code I had to put into a ticket machine on the platform.
On ScotRail I just had to use the printout from my computer.

Sending tickets through the post seems to be the only thing the rail operators don't do.

[Antiriad2097]

You can usually select to have tickets mailed out or collect from the station.

If you collect, you'll get a booking reference number. You can either put that into a machine at the station or go to the sales booth and they'll issue from there.

Usually I just use the machine, but then I use that every day on the way to work.

[Mire Mare]

Not experience this before but how the train tickets online work?
I will be going from Preston to Manchester in 2 weeks time.
I mean if order it does it comes through the post or do you have to collect it at the nearest train station?
The reason I'm asking this so I can cut costs down when going to the Hi-Score event in just under 2 weeks time.
Thanks for the help!

I usually use Trainline.com. If I'm booking a few weeks ahead of my travel date I get the tickets delivered. Otherwise I collect them from the ticket machine at the station. The booking ref and card you paid with online are required if you go for collecting at the machine.

[Rinoa]

I use RedSpottedHanky.com instead of TrainLine. Same prices, but without booking fees.

[RetroBob]

Having them delivered isn't really needed (and gives you that worry have I lost them/brought them with me) when you can just get them from a machine at the station, no queuing up for the counter.

[Mire Mare]

I use RedSpottedHanky.com instead of TrainLine. Same prices, but without booking fees.

Thanks for the tip, Rinoa.

[Negative Creep]

I wish all the companies would do the same thing. I went from Preston to London on a Virgin train and I had to collect my ticket from the booking office.
I went from Preston to Manchester Airport on a Transpennine train and I was given a code I had to put into a ticket machine on the platform.
On ScotRail I just had to use the printout from my computer.

Sending tickets through the post seems to be the only thing the rail operators don't do.

The reasons are complex, but it's basically because the train ticket itself is the product, which is why the train company won't replace one if you lose it. Electronic ticketing is only available on a few routes and has to be agreed with Association of Train Operating Companies and the government. The logistics, cost and legalities are what is stopping more companies doing it.

OP, make sure to bring the card you used to make the purchase, and if you bought them for a specific train don't try and board a different one!

[speedlolita]

I use RedSpottedHanky.com instead of TrainLine. Same prices, but without booking fees.

I've never encountered a booking fee.. Or is it that £1 charge? idk

[Mire Mare]

I use RedSpottedHanky.com instead of TrainLine. Same prices, but without booking fees.

I've never encountered a booking fee.. Or is it that £1 charge? idk

That is indeed the booking fee. The grabbing !?£&@!

[resident paul]

Just one more question can you get the tickets anytime now before setting off on the train ride?

I have booked it through RedSpottedHanky.com but website weren't that easy to navigate as I have to double booked & delete the second booking to get the cheap price.

[Antiriad2097]

You can usually get the tickets well in advance of the journey. I always pick up mine from the machine at least a day or two before the trip just in case there's any problems having had the machines go out of order (like this morning on the way to work).

[Treguard]

Got tickets from the machine a week after booking on trainline.com, an hour before the train was due last week. No bother.