Some of our Interest Groups use the local rail company c2c to get to an event in say London. The rail company offers a number of way of paying for the trip.  c2c has been nationalised so with the help of our member, Brian McDonald, we have updated our listings of what is available and how to get the best price for your ticket. Remember, these offers and prices quoted can change, so it's best to research what is available before purchasing your ticket.

c2c have recently changed their rules on travel times when going to and from London. They now have an off-peak period from 9.30am until 4.00pm and again after 7.00pm. Before 9.30am, going into London and leaving London between 4.00pm and 7.00pm requires peak time tickets.

Railcards: There are various railcards which may enable you to get a reduction in the off-peak fare, normally one third. These include Senior Railcards for those over 65, Two Together Railcards and Disabled Person’s Railcards. More information below. There is a full list on the c2c website. A Senior Railcard is £30 for one year or £70 for three years. However, you can use Tesco Clubcard points to buy a one-year Railcard (but not a three-year one).

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or at the machines outside the station. The situation since nationalisation changed on the 1st October 2025. You can no longer get the discount for buying tickets at least three days in advance.  On some offers you may not get an addition discount  using a Railcard. 

There is a senior rover ticket at £10 for off-peak travel between 9.30am and 4.00pm which is available on the day from the ticket office but cannot be loaded on to a c2c smartcard.

The alternative is £10.90 for an off-peak ticket which can be bought online and loaded on to the smartcard. Travel during peak periods (before 9.30am and between 4.00pm and 7.00pm) requires a much higher priced ticket.

The other alternative is to tap in and out on the day using a contactless credit or debit card and you will be charged the appropriate fare depending on the time travelled.

Remember, these offers and prices quoted can change, so it's best to research what is available before purchasing your ticket.

London Underground: When travelling on the underground it is easier to use a contactless credit/debit card or an Oyster card, but you must remember to check in at both ends of the journey, or you will be charged a maximum fare.

From 22 September 2024, you will be able to use a contactless card throughout the system, including the underground, but you will be charged the cheapest adult price as if bought on the day.

Disabled Persons Railcard

If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult you might qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard. If you are registered deaf or use a hearing aid it counts as disabled.

The Disabled Persons Railcard cost £20 and allows you to get 1/3 off most rail fares throughout Great Britain. In addition, an adult companion, travelling  with the card holder is entitled to the same discount. (The person with hearing loss may need to have announcements translated - hence the discount for the travelling companion.) 

Click here for more information and the terms and conditions Disabled Persons Railcard

Senior Railcard

A 60th birthday is a big milestone. But with a Senior Railcard, it’s also the starting point for travelling many more miles too. A Senior Railcard costs £30, so will pay for its self after a couple of trips, AND gives you 1/3 off Standard and First Class, Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares.

It means you can save money on visits to the grandchildren, trips into town to catch a show, or weekends by the seaside – as many times as you like.

Click here for more information Senior Railcard