Self service ticket machines at Waterloo

[polo54]

Has anybody used these before? I need to get a train from Waterloo tomorrow at 7.50 and was wondering if it's any easier to buy online than queue up? How does it work - do I put my card in the machine and do I need to put my pin in as well?

[davepoth]

If you order online you use the self service machine. You have to have the reference number in your email, but I don't think you need your pin. It's probably a bit faster to buy on the day, but obviously more expensive.

[polo54]

davepoth said:

If you order online you use the self service machine. You have to have the reference number in your email, but I don't think you need your pin. It's probably a bit faster to buy on the day, but obviously more expensive.

Thanks. When you say it's faster to buy on the day, do you mean queueing up? Will there be a big queue at that time?

[davepoth]

polo54 said:

Thanks. When you say it's faster to buy on the day, do you mean queueing up? Will there be a big queue at that time?

You use the same machines to collect tickets and buy tickets, so there may well be a big queue. I've never been at Waterloo at rush hour so I couldn't tell you what it's like.

[Relli]

Just get there well in advance. There are lots of ticket machines but that's because there are lots of people! Who largely appear to be useless at operating them with any degree of competence.