Which? Magazine

The respected consumer magazine Which? produced a report on savings that could be made by buying train tickets in advance.

For Virgin, Which? used a return trip between Euston and Birmingham as an example, and reported that buying in advance wouldn’t be any cheaper.

We knew this couldn’t be right and challenged Which? over its findings. The magazine has admitted that it made a mistake. The following statement will be published in the next edition:

Cheaper rail fares, 24102, January 2009. In the infographic map 'A fare deal', the Lowest fare for the Birmingham journey (Virgin trains) should read £27, not £39.50. This equates to a saving of 32% compared to the On-the-day fare. This means that for the off-peak Birmingham service we looked at, it may well have been worth booking in advance, contrary to the statement made regarding this journey under the heading 'The great train ticket lottery'.

There are great deals to be had with Virgin Trains. Remember the two golden rules for getting hold of the cheapest tickets: travel outside peak hours and book early.

Information last updated: 16 January 2009, 17:29