Sail & Rail

[Mark Gleeson]

There is a serious problem with respect to non use of reservations it can result in being left behind particularly on Holyhead Dublin. But thats not the reason for this, its to stop people using Sail/Rail to bypass UK fares i.e. not travel on the ferry. That doesn't apply to IE issued tickets as you have to take the ferry to get to the UK in the first place

Irish Rail are actively looking at online sale of Sail/Rail but it could be some time

[Thomas Ralph]

The main problem I foresee is whether IÉ-issued tickets will be accepted without UK reservations by badly-trained ATW/Virgin staff.

[comcor]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

That doesn't apply to IE issued tickets as you have to take the ferry to get to the UK in the first place

I don't think that's strictly true.

For example, IIRC, if you ask for a single to Bangor from Cork, it's about E15 cheaper than a single to Dublin from Cork.

However, the only way you make a saving is on walk-up singles to Dublin.

[Mark Gleeson]

Irish Rail has very limited number of offices selling SailRail unlike the UK where any staffed office can sell them so there is a very low rate of abuse on the system.

For comparison a walk up single London Holyhead is £135.50/£80.30 SailRail is £32

Cork Bangor is 20 + 35 = 55 Cheapest walk up cash fare is the 51 euro day return, 37 euro online. So its not a massive weak spot in the system.

[Traincustomer]

Having arrived at Dublin Ferryport for the 08:45 Jonathan Swift fast craft sailing to Holyhead one morning in the Autumn without a ticket, myself and family member had the SailRail tickets we purchased stamped with standby numbers 8 & 9. Luckily all standby passengers were then carried.

I was surprised it was so busy.

Wonder what the book in advance requirement on UK side will entail; at least two hours before commencing the first leg of the journey?

[Mark Gleeson]

UK will require purchase a day in advance as the requirement is a reserved seat on the train portion.

Neither railway administration correctly implements reservations on ship currently despite the coupon you might be issued

[Traincustomer]

Interesting...I always assumed the ship reservation coupon issued with one's ticket(s) in the UK was somehow transmitted forward to the ferry company through the ticketing system.

A day in advance seems reasonable.

[Mark Gleeson]

The ferry company does have some say in the number of coupons issued but it has no way to discover how many coupons have been issued.

There is no linkage between the ferry and rail systems. This is why SailRail collapsed during the ash crisis.

Those holding coupons will be second in priority to board after those foot passengers holding reservations issued directly by the ferry company where there is a capacity restriction.

So for Ireland UK you are best to book directly with the ferry company but since Irish Ferries charge crazy handling fees you are better to talk to Stena