Train Tickets

[emzy]

I need someones help

As I'm not used to public transport anymore, please can someone tell me what site is the best to use to price to train tickets from Accy to manchester picadilly. Would need to be at the MEN for about 6.30 / 7pm and return the same night. I have checked a couple of sites but the best price I can find was around £50 for a return.

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

[BERNADETTE]

£50 return to Manchester think you've got that wrong Emzy

[emzy]

Originally Posted by BERNADETTE

£50 return to Manchester think you've got that wrong Emzy

So do I, thats why I'm asking for help haha x

[flashy]

nationalrail.co.uk

you'll have to get the train from Blackburn Em, 7.90 return

[shillelagh]

return is £11.70 emzy ..

Sorry

will say this though you might be better off going by bus ..

[emzy]

Thanks was trying to figure out if it would be cheaper by train than car for 4 of us.

But figured out why it was saying nearly £50, coz id put it for 4 adults I am so dim sometimes haha

[SamF]

Bus would be cheaper for getting there but doesn't run late enough to get back the same night - your best bet if going to the MEN is getting the train to Manchester Victoria and not Manchester Piccadilly as the MEN is actually attached to MV, the site I normally use to check train times is National Rail Enquiries - Official source for UK train times and timetables.

You won't be able to get the train all the way back to Accrington as the last train that does that leaves manchester victoria @ 10PM. If you need to get back the same night it might involve leaving slightly early and getting the 11PM train to Blackburn and then a taxi from Blackburn to Accy. Another option is getting the bus to Manchester for around £5.80 and then getting a taxi back from Manchester, a friend of mine regularly comes over to manchester for gigs and he only gets charged £25 for the trip back - it depends how many of you go really but say £25 between 2-4 of you won't be that much - ring round firms see how much they'd charge you I think he uses Central.

[emzy]

Am thinking taxi may be the way to go, there is 4 of us going but it doesnt end until 10.45, plus gotta allow for time to get out of the place aswell. Might have a ring round and see what they can come up with

[Galloping Hairpin]

Hi there.
I have travelled to the MEN arena many times on the metro (tram). It is a really smooth journey and very easy. There are several metrolink stations where you park up, buy a ticket from the machine and that's it!
So for example I often go from Prestwich or Bury, park up, buy the ticket and go straight to Victoria which is the station right next to the arena, literally under the same roof! Just hop off and climb some steps (or use lift)and you are in the 'City room' of the arena.
Catching the metro back is just as easy. Just do the journey in reverse.
The only thing you need to check is what time the last tram runs, and if it is late enough for you. They run past midnight I think but not all night. Sometimes the trams are quite packed but everyone still crams on and it's still the best way to go and quickest too. If you have ever been on the Tube in London then it's very much the same but overground.
Prices are really reasonable, much less than going by train and so much easier. There is about a 10/15 minute walk from Piccadilly to the MEN.
A full map of the Metrolink stations, and times is on the link below:

Metrolink Home Page

If you really wanted to go by train, I always use Virgintrains. It's easy to use and they have the best deals usually. The earlier you book, the cheaper you can get the tickets.

Try different combinations like return, 2 singles, return to a different station (you get off earlier) and even look at the first class if they do it for that journey. I have often got 1st class to London cheaper than standard. It all depends on when you are travelling.

Also if you are student or concession or have a family it may be worth buying a £20 rail card and then getting a discount and the kids all for £1. I have also saved money doing this to London in peak time. The only thing is that at least one of the kids has to be with you.
Hope this is of some use. If it comes to buses however....I know nothing..!

[Neil]

Originally Posted by SamF

You won't be able to get the train all the way back to Accrington as the last train that does that leaves manchester victoria @ 10PM. If you need to get back the same night it might involve leaving slightly early and getting the 11PM train to Blackburn and then a taxi from Blackburn to Accy.

And our wonderful Government want us all to leave our cars at home and use public transport. They need to make the trains and buses operate at sensible times then.

Stuff the train and bus and use your car it is easier than all the messing about.

[emzy]

Have decided to get a mini bus, the bf has found someone else going. The trains and buses didnt operate late enough so it was either that or to drive. Did try public transport but just wasnt suitable for the return home

[Restless]

train station is right outside if i remember correctly. M.E.N was bad for sound last time i went to see depeche mode

[Gayle]

Originally Posted by Restless

train station is right outside if i remember correctly. M.E.N was bad for sound last time i went to see depeche mode

They may have invested in a new sound system since 1985.

[Atarah]

I am sure the Metro is being re-vamped anyway

[Restless]

Originally Posted by Gayle

They may have invested in a new sound system since 1985.

lol Gayle was only a couple of years ago