Great Western Coffee Shop

Need to get to Manchester Airport for 0410 am check in on Sunday 13th November, returning on Wednesday 16th November, landing at 1555. I am taking all i need for the trip in a hand luggage. ^28 charge for hold luggage for 3 days worth of stuff isnt worth it, when i'm sure i can buy wash stuff/ liquids at my destination for considerably cheaper than ^28!
I've a YP railcard, and struggling to get a fare under ^101.30 single.
I appreciate I will need to arrive at Manchester airport around midnight,
Can anyone help me avoid driving. ^202.60 for a return is rather much a joke to me.

To drive it will cost me around 600 miles round trip so about ^70-80 in fuel, and the car parking is ^29.60

Penryn 1504 - Man 0022 ^40.60
Man 2000 - Penryn 1004 ^40.60 (if you don't mind sleeping at Bristol!)

Alternatively...

Using Off Peak Returns
Penryn - Bristol TM ^42.25
Bristol TM - Manchester Airport ^49.00
Total ^91.25

Penryn - Bristol TM ^42.25
Bristol TM - Hereford ^20.45 (this is valid to Birmingham New Street)
Birmingham NS - Manchester Airport ^24.70
Total ^87.40

I don't have time to look up any more combinations, the peak restrictions or explain why the Hereford ticket is valid to BHM (search the forum), but hope this helps.

Can you point me where to get these fairs, as FGW is giving only an anytime single at ^101.30 for these trips you've given, thanks

I took them from the East Coast website, entering Saturday as the outward date.

They are both advance fares.  I'd be wary of booking this on the return flight (as if you're late, you lose it).

I'd advise buying the combination of Off Peak Return split tickets as Brucey highlighted. Whilst you might save a few quid with Advance Purchase (not much on this route/dates of travel) you run the real risk of having a worthless ticket if your return flight is delayed. You are then at the mercy of 'staff discretion' allowing you travel on a later service.

Much better to have the peace of mind of a flexible ticket.

what time is classed as evening off peak from the airport on the Wednesday I return?

If you buy the Bristol Temple Meads - Manchester Airport Off Peak Return the time restrictions are thus:

               

Therefore, no evening peak restriction with this ticket.  

flexible is better where flights are involved

You won't be able to sleep on the station at Bristol TM either. It'll be out on the pavements at locking up time unfortunately.

shame you aint going from holyhead..... its only 31.90 open return with your railcard  ;)

Thats enough to make me want to drive, BTM is not in the most pleasant of areas neither is it?
FGW is now recommending a manchester to London service then to use the night riviera, which it didnt come up with the other day! Any thoughts on this being a worthwhile idea?

That could be a more comfortable option. Certainly viable.