nottingham to London ?

[Patrice]

hi,
I was looking for trains to get back from Nottingham to London St Pancras, for december. It's not yet open for booking, but I have just looked for november to check prices/times.
i'm very surprised because the London --> Nottingham is less than 2 hour (saturday) and at £16, but the return Nottingham --> London is 2h30 or 3h and price is more than £50 !?
why is it so long this way ?
maybe price will be cheaper when booking will be available for december ?

any other advice to get to London ?
thanks

[Erekosë]

Not 100% sure at the moment but I'll probably be driving down from Nottingham to Canterbury, so might be able to give you a lift and drop you off on the way.

[Danny]

You're making the mistake of thinking the UK rails system is logical (which is quite an understandable mistake to make if you come from a country where it is) - overhere train prices change according to the season, the position of the moon in the sky, what day of the week, time of the day and clothes you're wearing when you attempt to buy them etc.

And on top of that they are the most expensive in Europe (and therefore most likely in the whole world although I can't be sure of that) and the service you get is one of the worst if not THE worst...

[Barty]

I regularly get the train from Nottingham to St Pancras and it's usually around £17 each way. 2 singles are often cheaper than a return. It typically takes 1h 45m - not sure what that slower train is all about - presumably one that stops at loads of stations.

There are various websites to book from so shop around.

Alternatively, there is the National Express coach which takes around 3h 30m to Victoria but only around 2h 45m to Golders Green which is in Zone 3. Not sure when the last coach to leave Nottingham is though.

Good luck mate.

[Patrice]

thanks for all your answers, I guess I'll have a good price when booking for december will be open !
@Danny: I'm not surprised by price changing with the moon, it's working the same way in France for trains ! 
@Erekosé: thanks for your offer, I'll let you know if I can't find a train at a reasonable price.
hope to see you in Nottingham maybe 

[Erekosë]

Or Paris, Cologne or Amsterdam 

[Patrice]

Or Paris, Cologne or Amsterdam 

oh yes, I forgot that , Paris and Cologne for me