cheapest Ipswich to Norwich train

avenue12

Hi trying to get the cheapest tix to Norwich from Ipswich Aug 25th Friday and return Saturday 26th. tried most companies, but it's really hard to tell if it's an open return or day return line. Anyone know what tix are called nowadays and what is the cheapest fare?
Thanks 

James_Londoner

Assuming no railcards are involved, then an Off Peak Return is £29.10 which lets you come back up to a month after the outward journey.

An Off Peak Day Return is £21.60 but that's no good for a weekend trip.

In principle the fare should be the same whichever app or website you use (though there are edge cases where this isn't true).

avenue12

thanks have a senior railcrd so assume it's the £24 one. is it a walk up fare do you know please?

James_Londoner

With a Senior Railcard, the Off Peak Return is £19.20

Yes, it's a walk-up fare, so it won't go up in price or sell out. Therefore not much to be gained by buying ahead of the day of travel.

avenue12

Thanks so much!

MilesT6060842

There may be cheaper buses, especially while £2 fare promo is running (will be £2.50 later this year).  Try traveline.info

Also GA is one of the companies that has a single operator railcard (the "Club 50"), this is often a better deal than Network railcard (when in Network card area) but the other "national" railcards are usually better if you are eligible (I am not eligible for any of the other "national" railcards, for sole travel)

It is annoying that King's Lynn is in Network card area but Ipswich and beyond on the GEML are not (similar distances into the hinterland from London)

Also--GA runs "Hare Fare" promos from time to time, which could have been cheaper (sometimes these are day returns, sometimes these can cover multiple days)

KxMx

You might strike lucky with a Hare Fare buying in advance, but @avenue12 a strike has been announced for Saturday 26th.

I'm familiar with the area any bus travel will involve multiple changes and a journey time of several hours. Don't think it's a viable option, personally. 

avenue12

thanks both! In the end we did Greater Anglia train Ipswich to Norwich and every other one were running despite the strike! Then Green coaches to Sandringham. It was great!!