Open Return/Weekend First upgrade

[whole diary]

[James Vertigan]

Hi guys,

Looking to book a trip up to Hereford for a weekend on the 08:21 train on Saturday 23rd of this month, but not sure if I'm returning on the Sunday or Monday yet so was going to get an Open Return.

I was just wondering, would it be possible to do a Weekend First upgrade on the PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains)-HFD^» (Hereford - next trains) portion of my Open Return? If so, which type of Open Return ticket do I need to buy?

[JayMac]

Are you travelling from Tiverton Parkway? And mentioning Paddington I assume you don't wish to travel via Bristol/Worcester?

Via Paddington is not a 'permitted route', neither is via Reading, so you'd have to buy split tickets.

[James Vertigan]

Are you travelling from Tiverton Parkway? And mentioning Paddington I assume you don't wish to travel via Bristol/Worcester?

No - travelling from Paddington to Hereford on the 08:21 direct service on the Saturday.

[JayMac]

Apologies, kinda assumed from your avatar, that's where you were starting from. 

Best ticket for your needs is the PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains)-HFD^» (Hereford - next trains) Off Peak Return (SVR - Route: Evesham) at ^48.00. Outward travel from Paddington at any time Monday through Sunday (yep, no weekday restrictions) and return travel after 0630 from Hereford Mon-Fri, any time at weekends/bank holidays. If you do need to return from Hereford before 0630 on the Monday then you'll need the Anytime Return (SOR - Route: Evesham) at ^76.00

FGW^▸ (First Great Western) Weekend First upgrade will be ^15 PAD-HFD. This is now only available to purchase on the train.

Incidentally, there are cheaper LONDON MIDLAND ONLY walk-up fares available from Euston to Hereford, although the time restrictions are much less generous.

[ChrisB]

If you're likely to make similar-distance journeys across the LTV^▸ (London [and] Thames Valley) area, why not consider a network Card? Valid as far as WOF on this trip, you'd get 33% off that off-peak return to WOF - then just buy a return from there to HFD^» (Hereford - next trains)....you still make quite a saving IF you are likely to use that railcard again within 12 months.

There are, I think only one - valid a month.

THe LM^▸ (London Midland - recent franchise) trip via Birmingham is a lot longer, no?

[James Vertigan]

Apologies, kinda assumed from your avatar, that's where you were starting from. 

No worries, Mac - was my fault for not stating I wanted to travel from Paddington in my original post!  My avatar is Tiverton Parkway 'cos I travel there a fair amount as the family has a place in Devon so it kinda became my favourite station!

If you're likely to make similar-distance journeys across the LTV^▸ (London [and] Thames Valley) area, why not consider a network Card? Valid as far as WOF on this trip, you'd get 33% off that off-peak return to WOF - then just buy a return from there to HFD^» (Hereford - next trains)....you still make quite a saving IF you are likely to use that railcard again within 12 months.

There are, I think only one - valid a month.

THe LM^▸ (London Midland - recent franchise) trip via Birmingham is a lot longer, no?

Thanks Chris, but would I not get the same discount anyway as I currently hold a 16-25 railcard until next April, so I wouldn't really need the Network Railcard - don't think I'd be able to use both! 

[ChrisB]

Hmm - you didn't say that either!

[James Vertigan]

Hmm - you didn't say that either!

AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHH!!!!!    lol

[JayMac]

And these few preceding posts highlight what a minefield it can be attempting to provide accurate fares advice. 

So, as a gentle reminder to all (and in no way a criticism of JV), please, when asking for fares advice, provide:

Start Station
Destination Station
Out and return dates
Preferred travel times (and an indication on flexibility, whether your happy being tied to one train for example)
Number of passengers (Adult, Children)
Railcards held

(I might just make that list a 'sticky' in 'Fare's Fair')

I do like a fares challenge, as each one has to potential to surprise me. This one for example threw up cheaper LONDON MIDLAND ONLY walk-up fares (yes, ChrisB much slower ) that I wasn't previously aware of.

Always learning.