Returning via different route - ticket validity

[Malton Seadog]

Hi all,

I will be travelling Doncaster-Oxford in May, travelling on Friday via Sheffield/Birmingham direct (no problems) and returning on the Sunday.

Due to major signalling works at Birmingham New Street, the trains back are via Paddington/Kings Cross and then up the East Coast Mainline.

I can claim the ticket back on expenses, so I'm not overly fussed either way, but will an open return NOT via London be valid on this route (cheaper) as I am being forced to take this route on the way back, or will I have to buy an open return valid via London?

The difference in price is £91.70 for a not via London, and £117.30 for a Super Off-Peak on any route.

 

[CyrusWuff]

I suspect the official line will be that you have to purchase the "Any Permitted" ticket, given that it's planned Engineering Work and a rail replacement service will be in operation between Birmingham and Leamington Spa.

If that is the case, you could buy the cheaper ticket and get an "Alternate Route Excess" for the return leg at HALF the difference in fares.

Having said that, NRE is showing a handful of direct trains between Doncaster and Oxford on the Sunday in question (1500, 1558, 1651, 1758 and 1858 ex-Doncaster) which are diverted via Solihull instead of Coventry.

 

[yorkie]

I can claim the ticket back on expenses, so I'm not overly fussed either way, but will an open return NOT via London be valid on this route (cheaper) as I am being forced to take this route on the way back, or will I have to buy an open return valid via London?

The difference in price is £91.70 for a not via London, and £117.30 for a Super Off-Peak on any route.

The excess will be £12.80 including LU cross London transfer. (Check if the H&C is running direct on the date of travel)