Difference between "Return" & "Open Return rail tickets

kouyate

Hi all
I'm looking to book train tickets for a journey on Saturday 22 August '09 from Nuneaton to Cardiff Central, returning on Sunday 23 August '09 and wasn't sure which is the best and cheapest way to do this, so any advice would be great

dzug1

Well don't book yet that's for certain - any cheap tickets that there might be will not yet have been released.

In general a 'return' ticket might have an off-peak restriction on it - or could be a day return rather than period. If you ask for this it should ask you to specify a return date if you haven't already. An 'open return' will have no restrictions and will be the most expensive ticket you can buy, with the possible exception of two open singles.

You want to look for advance singles when they become available - but double check that an off-peak return isn't cheaper

ticketcollector

Anytime Return
Also known as: Open Return

No restrictions, Valid for outward within 4 days of date of purchase, Valid for return within a month.
Also most expensive walk up ticket.

Others
Off-Peak Return
Also known as: Saver
Loads of restrictions, valid for outward on day of purchase, valid for return within a month. Cant Travel on peak trains. Cheaper walk up ticket.

Super Off-Peak Return
Also known as: Saver/Super Saver
Even more restrictions, valid for outward on day of purchase, valid for return within a month. Cant Travel on peak trains and some other trains. Cheaper walk up ticket.

Advance Single
Also known as: Apex, Super Apex, Advance, Super Advance, Value Advance, etc etc
Stupidly restrictive, valid only on train(s) reserved. Miss the train and your ticket becomes worthless with no refund value at all. Cheapest ticket.

anewman

ticketcollector wrote: »

Anytime Return
Also known as: Open Return

Alternately known as: Rip off fare which costs much much more than driving there instead.

ticketcollector wrote: »

Off-Peak Return
Also known as: Saver

Alternately known as: A bit cheaper, but still a rip off costing more than driving there.

ticketcollector wrote: »

Advance Single
Also known as: Apex, Super Apex, Advance, Super Advance, Value Advance, etc etc

Alternately known as: Now your talking. Costs about the same as the petrol would, but unfortunately you have to book ages in advance when with the car you can just hop in. If you cannot travel at the booked time you're screwed.

All fares come with free chavs playing crap music loudly over their mobile phone and being rowdy.

Livingthedream

anewman, excellent and sadly very true

But you forgot your description of a 'Super Off Peak Ticket'

ticketcollector

Oh I do like that list.
Just makes me glad I still get free travel across the network.