Derby [DBY] - Birmingham International [BHI], anytime return

[Heinz57]

Hi all,

I am trying to book an anytime return ticket with Cross Country on the above route for next weekend.

I select the outward journey time with an any time return, but it keeps asking me to select a return time. Why? This is supposed to be a any time return so I can go and catch a train home whenever I'm done.

I've even tried selecting one way only, but obviously then the anytime returns don't come up.

What am I doing wrong, how am I supposed to book this ticket?

Cheers,

Heinz

 

[dzug2]

Just select any time - as it's an anytime ticket you are not bound by it.

Some sites offer an 'open return' option as well as single and return.

 

[yorkie]

If you are travelling on a Saturday/Sunday and returning the same day, an Anytime Return (SOR - formerly Standard Open Return) is not required, and a Cheap Day Return (CDR - formerly Cheap Day Return) will suffice. If you are returning on a weekday at a later date, then an Off Peak Return (SVR - formerly Saver Return) will suffice if you travel after 0930.

Walk-on fares are the same price from the station, as they are online. The only advantage to buying on the XC site is that you can pick a seat if you want to make a reservation.

Return Fares in Standard Class are as follows:

Derby [[stn]DBY[/stn]] - Birmingham Intl [[stn]BHI[/stn]]
CDR £15.00 (Any train except those timed to depart M-F before 0930 or between 1530-1815)
SVR £16.50 (Any train except those timed to depart M-F before 0930)
SOR £23.50 (Any train)

CDR is only valid for 1 day.
SVR allows you to return within 1 month
SOR allows you to return within 1 month (and outward journey can take up to 5 days)

 

[Heinz57]

Wow that was fast!

So I basicaly just need to select my ticket, and a rough return time. But I am alowed to come back any time I want?

Cheers

H

 

[yorkie]

Yes

The CDR is valid at any time on weekends, but on weekdays it is not valid during the evening 'peak' which in this case is defined as between 1530 & 1815, but if you are travelling on a Saturday/Sunday (which it sounds like) then there is no problem using this ticket at any time.

 

[Heinz57]

Thats awsome, thanks very much for your help!

Yeah I will be traveling on the Saturday. Bet you could all guess what for, whats going off at the big exhibition centre next to International next weekend

Cheers!

 

[LexyBoy]

Hi all,

I am trying to book an anytime return ticket with Cross Country on the above route for next weekend.

This is why I encourage everyone to use ticket offices rather than buying online. Retail staff would sell the cheapest ticket for your itinerary, and probably query you if you asked specifically for an Anytime ticket.

There's no need to buy in advance unless you want a reservation. The price would be the same on the day, or for Anytime tickets, on the train.

 

[mallard]

This is why I encourage everyone to use ticket offices rather than buying online. Retail staff would sell the cheapest ticket for your itinerary, and probably query you if you asked specifically for an Anytime ticket.

Conversely, having to be rather insistent to ticket office staff trying to steer me towards buying advance tickets is one of the reasons I prefer to buy online, despite living only a couple of minutes walk from my local station.

In other words, good ticket office staff will help you save money, bad ticket office staff will try to make you give up flexibility in exchange for a little extra profit (advance fares don't get shared via ORCATS) for their employer (yes, it may be cheaper, but when I say I can't/don't want to be tied to a specific train, just sell me the ticket I asked for).