manchester > reading

[Jammer]

hello,

if i wanted to get from manchester to reading via crosscountry on 15th march after 3pm and return on the 24th march anytime, what is the cheapest way to do it?

am i able to split my tickets at all?

i am going to get a network railcard, if it's not possible to split my tickets, am i able to buy a manchester > reading off peak return with a network railcard or would i need to split and get a ticket from manchester to banbury then banbury to reading with my railcard?

i miss my YP railcard already!

 

[bb21]

am i able to split my tickets at all?

i am going to get a network railcard, if it's not possible to split my tickets, am i able to buy a manchester > reading off peak return with a network railcard or would i need to split and get a ticket from manchester to banbury then banbury to reading with my railcard?

i miss my YP railcard already!

You can't get Network Railcard discounts beyond Banbury so will need to split there. Also bear in mind that there is a £13 minimum fare on weekdays so it might not be worth it.

There should be splits available although I can't check at the moment. You can try splitting at the list of calling points on the direct services to start with.

 

[SS4]

A cursory check gives:

Manchester Pic [MAN] - Stafford [STA] = £20.80
STA - Birmingham International [BHI] = £15.20
BHI - Banbury [BAN] = £15.90 via Coventry
BAN - Reading [RDG] = £14.90 (with network railcard)
Total: £66.80

edit: seems I posted 3 times thanks to an error >.<

 

[Jammer]

thanks for your responses. do i have to book this in advance, or can i ask for the tickets like this at any station?
is this the same for the journey back?

 

[SS4]

The tickets I put are walk-up period returns so you don't have to book in advance but you do have to request splits at the ticket office and the return portions will be valid for the journey back.

You must make sure your train calls at each split point and goes via Coventry though.

 

[Jammer]

thanks SS4, very helpful.