Train - Difference between a Standard Open Return and a Standard Open Return?

Anon

This may sound like a daft question, but I am trying to reduce the cost of a train journey. A return Peterborough to London Kings Cross ticket (bought on GNER or thetrainline) shows two Standard Open Returns for this route - one at £34 (First Capital Connect), another at £68 (GNER).

However, looking at the T&Cs for the cheaper one, and unless I am mistaken, it does say that you don't need to reserve a seat, that there are no time restrictions, etc. In which case, could you purchase a £34 ticket and then travel on one of the GNER trains (including the outward journey) so long as it was on that day? The t&cs are below for information.

I know that I can potentially get singles cheaper but am looking at this option as I may need flexibility on the evening return leg.

Many thanks

Anon

STANDARD OPEN
DESCRIPTIONFully flexible Standard class single or return ticket.
TRAIN OPERATORMost Train Operating Companies
BOOKING DEADLINESWalk-up ticket: can be purchased either in advance or on day of travel.
DISCOUNTSChild fares and most Railcard discounts apply
REFUNDSFull refund minus a GBP10.00 cancellation fee if wholly unused.
If outward portion used, the cost of the applicable single fare less a GBP5.00 cancellation fee can be claimed.
CHANGES TO TRAVEL PLANSUsually valid by Any Permitted route or specified geographic route. If route is to be changed, a GBP10.00 administration fee is charged.
CONDITIONSSingle journey must be on the date on the ticket and completed by the following day. Outward and Return portions of a return ticket can be made within one calendar month. Reservations are not essential but are recommended for longer journeys. The outward portion of a Standard Open Return ticket is valid only in conjunction with the unused return portion
BREAK OF JOURNEYValid for break of journey on outward and return portion of ticket.
AVAILABILITYAvailable on all journeys
VALIDITYValid every day. No time restrictions.
SLEEPERSReservations are inclusive of berth accommodation for travel overnight. Please refer to the ticket conditions for specific details about your reservation.

Voyager2002

Wonderful!

Check whether the cheaper ticket is valid on GNER trains (you can easily see that on the Trainline website).

And remember, don't buy on the Trainline because they charge a booking fee for credit card use.

alanrowell

Voyager2002 wrote:

And remember, don't buy on the Trainline because they charge a booking fee for credit card use.

In this case it won't make any difference, but if you book GNER specific tickets on the GNER website you get a 10% discount

Anon

Voyager2002 wrote:

Check whether the cheaper ticket is valid on GNER trains (you can easily see that on the Trainline website).

The T&Cs above are from thetrainline website - does anyone know if the First Capital Connect Peterborough to Kings Cross ticket would be valid on any of the GNER trains that day please (as I cannot see anything above that would prevent you from using it, unless I am missing something)?

Many thanks

Anon

Teahfc

First capital and GNER are 2 completely different companies and for £34 you are paying for a journey that will have several stops en route to Kings X ans take about 90 minutes as against the GNER to Kings X which will have max of 1 stop to Kings X and take about an hour. If you buy a £34 ticket and take the GNER train I am afraid you will be asked to pay the £68 fee for the GNER ticket.