Great Western Coffee Shop

A work colleague was buying a ticket from Maidstone to Maidenhead recently. An anytime single is ^26.40. Compare that to the price of a Maidstone to London Victoria ticket which is ^21.40.. That technically means that the rest of the journey (including the underground) is ^5..  Which I find a little odd.. but also a bargain!

Also I just checked and the journey in the opposite direction is ^28.70.. for the same journey but in reverse.. :)

The +Any Permitted Anytime Day Singles are the same price in either direction - ^28.70. Allowing travel via St Pancras on HighSpeed services from Maidstone West (direct in the peak, change at Strood off peak) as well as the classic routes from Maidstone East to Victoria, and Maidstone West to Charing Cross/Cannon St via a change at Tonbridge.

There is a +Not HS1 Maidstone Stns-Maidenhead Anytime Day Single at ^26.40. Why that fare isn't offered in the other direction I've no idea.

Incidentally, if travel is after 1000 then the Off Peak Day Return +Any Permitted (1ST and STD) fares on this route are great value. Any route to/from the stations in Maidstone can be used, including HS1. Also of note, they have no restriction through Paddington to the Thames Valley in the evening. Getting through the gateline at Paddington though...