Originally Posted by
Misco60
Off-peak Day Return, £49.40. This ticket cannot be used before 09:30.
Clarification on this - the time restriction only applies on weekdays Monday-Friday. Off-Peak tickets can be used at any time on weekends and public holidays.
Originally Posted by
goodeats21
That is perfect - thank you so much for the great info.
Agree that for a couple extra £s, the Anytime Day return seems the best option.
Any risk in waiting until day-of-travel to purchase the ticket? Do they ever "sell out"? Also, is it just sit wherever, or do I need to worry about a seat assignment?
As above if you are travelling on the weekend (or after 09.30 on weekday) there is no point buying an Anytime - they are no more flexible than Off-Peaks with the exception of said time restriction.
Also there is actually a fourth option for this route - the Super Off-Peak Day Return. This is £42.80 vs the £49.40 for the Off-Peak. The only difference is a slightly later start time on weekdays, from 10.00. Otherwise it is the same - valid all day on weekend. Flexible, valid for any train.
So the Super-Off Peak is your best option if not leaving before 10am on a weekday.
There is no risk in waiting until day of travel as there are no reservations on these particular routes, so you cannot book a seat anyway.