Millions of London 2012 spectators can now buy great value rail fares, well ahead of next summer’s Games, following the launch of a new dedicated website.
Train companies are offering special rail fares exclusively to Olympic and Paralympic spectators.
‘2012 Games Train Tickets’ are now available to buy more than 12 months in advance of the start of the Olympic Games, allowing spectators to book their rail travel once they have confirmation of all their London 2012 sports event tickets.
Serving all of Britain’s train companies, the website offers great value rail fares from every National Rail station across Britain to all the Games venues, with a Lowest Fare Finder tool that will search for the cheapest ticket available for spectators’ chosen journeys.
The website also provides information on:
- The thousands of extra rail services that will be provided during the Games, with earlier starting and later finishing trains
- Discounts available on the 2012 Games Train Tickets, including with Railcards, for children and for those travelling in groups
- How to book assistance for those that need help when travelling to 2012 Games events.
2012 Games Train Tickets are designed to be flexible and will allow spectators to change the time they return should an event be unexpectedly rescheduled, or if they simply wish to remain longer.
They can be used by event ticket holders to travel to and from London and all cities hosting Games events: Coventry, Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff and Weymouth.
Ticketed spectators travelling to Games events in and around London will also receive a Games Travelcard with their Games event ticket, allowing travel within zones 1–9 and as far as Watford Junction on most National Rail services, and all Transport for London services throughout the day of their event.
Spectators with event tickets to venues around London – Eton Dorney (Rowing), Lee Valley White Water Centre (Canoe Slalom) and Hadleigh Farm (Mountain Biking) – will also receive a Travelcard, and will be able to travel on National Rail between London and the recommended stations for those venues at no additional charge.
Train companies have also worked with Network Rail and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to draw up a special Olympic and Paralympic timetable providing thousands more services, running later in the evening and starting earlier.
This will ensure that more than eight million people are able to get to and from London 2012 Games venues.
There will also be more maximum length trains, and extended peak hour periods offering more frequent trains.
Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), said:
“The rail industry is committed to offering fast, flexible, reliable and affordable travel for the millions of spectators expected at Olympic and Paralympic events.
“Not only will the 2012 Games Train Tickets offer spectators great value for money, they can be booked over 12 months in advance – a UK first for a major event – and are flexible to allow spectators to change their plans.
“Thousands of extra services, earlier starting and later trains will be provided during the Games, to help ensure spectators enjoy all of the action.”
