Train travel by any permitted route

Chomeur

The terms for a train ticket I am intending to buy state that it is valid via any permitted route, which is a fat lot of use - they need to tell me what is permitted, not just say that you can do what we permit. Is there a website I can use to determine what is permitted and what isn't? You would think it would be possible for me to look this up. I'm looking to go from London to Lymington and then back to London the next day with a break at Liphook, if that helps. I've emailed SW Railways and they say it will take them two weeks to answer, great. Thanks.

daveyjp

Hope you are sat down and have time for a good read!

https://data.atoc.org/routeing-guide

Alternatively use national rail site to search for a ticket from Lymington to London via Liphook and see if it is the same price.

la531983

Try asking over on UK Rail Forums, they are a knowledgeable bunch and you will have an answer by the end of the day

Emmia

How many routes go between your start and end points.

For example it is possible to go to London from Reading by four routes -
1. Reading to Paddington Direct 
2. Reading to Waterloo (via Staines) Direct
3. Reading to Waterloo (changing at Guildford) non direct.
4. Reading to Victoria (Changing at Clapham Junction) non Direct

An any permitted routes ticket from Reading to London allows all those routes. But it's more expensive than the via Staines route (2 or 4) or the via Guildford route (3)

outtatune

la531983 said:

Try asking over on UK Rail Forums, they are a knowledgeable bunch and you will have an answer by the end of the day

This is the forum @la531983 means
https://www.railforums.co.uk/forums/fares-advice-policy.105/

Doubt you'll need to wait as long as the end of the day for an answer!

Andy_L

"Your ticket may show a route or train company that you must use for your journey. If not, you are allowed to use any permitted route for the journey you are making. Permitted routes cover all reasonable routes available for making your journey, including direct services and suitable connecting services."

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/tickets-railcards-and-offers/buying-a-ticket/

nyermen

One comment - you mention back with a break at liphook.  That complicates things, a simple return ticket doesnt cover that (a season ticket would).  You may need to ask at a ticket office as to best option, especially if outgoing train doesnt stop at liphook.

Background of knowledge (because I know no one cares ) - As someone who lives in Farnborough, the "Farnborough to London Terminals" has to be one of the most complicated routing tables of all, as it counts for both Farnborough main and farnborough north, where there's "not via reading, but via X / Y / Z etc" stations, as well as "any route" which includes reading.  And its complex further because - of course, that means routes via so many alternative ways, eg. Basingstoke is allowed, as SWR Farnborough main via Basingstoke to reading is cheaper than GWR from Farnborough north to reading.  Try understanding all that on the routing tables, especially with a season ticket where you can get off at intermediate stations!    The ticket inspectors dont normally know either, they just ask the computer.
It makes a huge difference cost wise as well.  Day return not via reading - about £40.  Day return (any route, including reading) - £60+.