Out and back by different routes

[norbitonflyer]

I have yet to find a search engine (NR's own site, Trainline, RailUK's own site) that allows one to easily plan or book an open return ticket journey that allows you to specify a via point in one direction only (eg out direct but going via a different (but permitted) route on the way back, either to break journey en route or because of a lack of suitable services on the direct route at the time I wish to travel). Only possible by trying the journey details both with and without the via point and seeing if the same tickets come up and the route is permitted.

Particularly relevant to me at the moment as I intend to use an LNER service on a Friday next month but come back on the Sunday when, because of the strike, I may have to go back to London via the Midland Main Line. Don't want an advance ticket because
a) there may after all be LNER trains I can use on the Sunday
b) I don't know when exactly I'll be returning

Fortunately I am not travelling as far as Newcastle, so off-peak return tickets are still available on LNER.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

@norbitonflyer. What are the proposed origin and destination stations for the journey you're planning?

 

[Benjwri]

I have yet to find a search engine (NR's own site, Trainline, RailUK's own site) that allows one to easily plan or book an open return ticket journey that allows you to specify a via point in one direction only (eg out direct but going via a different (but permitted) route on the way back, either to break journey en route or because of a lack of suitable services on the direct route at the time I wish to travel). Only possible by trying the journey details both with and without the via point and seeing if the same tickets come up and the route is permitted.

Particularly relevant to me at the moment as I intend to use an LNER service on a Friday next month but come back on the Sunday when, because of the strike, I may have to go back to London via the Midland Main Line. Don't want an advance ticket because
a) there may after all be LNER trains I can use on the Sunday
b) I don't know when exactly I'll be returning

Fortunately I am not travelling as far as Newcastle, so off-peak return tickets are still available on LNER.

This is possible on the forum site from deselecting 'Use same options for return'.

 

[norbitonflyer]

@norbitonflyer. What are the proposed origin and destination stations for the journey you're planning?

London and Lincoln - I want to have the option to return via Nottingham if LNER has no service. It certainly was possible five years ago.

 

[Tazi Hupefi]

The issue will be that there is no longer an ANY PERMITTED return fare.

The fares either VIA RETFORD or ANY PERMITTED (single fares only).

Alternatively

EMR ONLY does have returns (can't be excessed to allow LNER or any other operator).

You need 2 x singles.

 

[AlterEgo]

London and Lincoln - I want to have the option to return via Nottingham if LNER has no service. It certainly was possible five years ago.

That's a permitted route so there should be no problem using the forum's ticketing site to generate an itinerary using a single ticket, but there is no Any Permitted return.

 

[norbitonflyer]

That's a permitted route so there should be no problem using the forum's ticketing site to generate an itinerary using a single ticket, but there is no Any Permitted return.

Thanks - the absence of "any permitted" off peak returns was what has changed since 2019 then. I should know by the Friday whether LNER will be running a train at a suitable time on the Sunday.

Of course, if it was not a Sunday, I could go via Spalding, using EMR and GN/Thameslink, and avoid LNER altogether.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Aug 2024 ==

The fares either VIA RETFORD or ANY PERMITTED (single fares only).

It always stuck in the craw that, if there was no suitable connection at Newark (which until recently meant any time after 1700 on a Sunday!) they had the brass neck not only to send you twenty miles out of your way (and until recently, on a Pacer!), but charged you extra for the privilege. A lot more, as there were no Advance fares on that route. (Although you could split at Saxilby, where there were advance fares via Retford)