Question about starting a return journey mid-way along the route..

[TheConfusedMan]

Imagine I have an off-peak return ticket from A to B.
For the return portion, can I get on the train at ANY station along the route that the train happens to be passing, or do I HAVE to start at B for the return leg?

 

[gordonthemoron]

Providing the ticket allows break of journey, I expect you can start anywhere on the permitted route

 

[Bletchleyite]

Providing the ticket allows break of journey, I expect you can start anywhere on the permitted route

Correct, unless break of journey is barred by a restriction code* or because the ticket is an Advance you can start a journey anywhere on a permitted route between the two places named on the ticket. Note in particular that Northern are quite strict in enforcing this for Advances.

Even where it is barred it may be tolerated if not done to save money, e.g. tickets from Bletchley to places north thereof generally appear to work the gateline at Milton Keynes Central.

* So far as I am aware the only restriction code that bans break of journey on a return portion is 8A, which is found only on Transport for Wales flows and a few other regional routes. It's far from clear that this was intentional, and TfW don't appear to be particularly bothered about enforcing it.

 

[Gaelan]

* So far as I am aware the only restriction code that bans break of journey on a return portion is 8A, which is found only on Transport for Wales flows and a few other regional routes. It's far from clear that this was intentional, and TfW don't appear to be particularly bothered about enforcing it.

Off hand there’s also 1X, used on flows involving Belfast-Cairnryan SailRail.