London 2012 spectators planning to travel with East Midlands Trains to next summer’s Games can now take advantage of some great value rail tickets, following the launch of a dedicated new website this week. 

The website, www.nationalrailgamestravel.co.uk will offer special rail fares exclusively to Olympic and Paralympic ticket holders.   

Examples of 2012 Games trains advance fares on the East Midlands Trains network include:

·      Sheffield to London St Pancras – Standard Class return £25 or travel in First Class for £37 return
·      Derby/Nottingham to London St Pancras – Standard Class return £23 or travel in First Class for £33 return
·      Leicester/East Midlands Parkway to London St Pancras – Standard Class return £21 or travel in First Class for £31 return
·      Corby/Kettering/Wellingborough to London St Pancras – Standard Class return £11 or travel in First Class for £23.

These prices will be even lower for spectators with a Railcard, who will be able to get at least a third off any 2012 Games train fare.

These special fares are being made available to spectators more than 12 months in advance of the start of the Olympic Games, allowing spectators to book their train travel once they have confirmation of all their London 2012 sports event tickets. The 2012 Games Train Tickets are designed to allow more flexibility by allowing spectators to change the time they return should an event be unexpectedly rescheduled, or if they simply wish to remain longer.

East Midlands Trains has also worked with Network Rail to provide more late night trains and additional capacity on a number of services throughout the Games.  Five additional late night services will run from London St Pancras every night during the Olympics and Paralympics, providing greater travel options for spectators returning home to Northamptonshire, the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.  On Sundays during the Olympic period, there is a revised timetable which offers improved journey times.

Details of the additional services are available for passengers to view when booking their tickets through www.nationalrailgamestravel.co.uk.  Alternatively, a copy of the special Olympics timetable can be found on East Midlands Trains dedicated webpage, www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/gamestravel.

Tim Shoveller, Managing Director for East Midlands Trains said:  “We know that many people will now have their spectator tickets for next year’s Games confirmed and will be eager to make travel arrangements.

“By confirming full details of the additional trains we’ll be running and providing early access to some great value rail fares, we’re hoping that spectators will choose to travel by train as an easy, cost effective and environmentally friendly way to get to the 2012 Games.”