How do you buy open rail tickets?

[Ari]

I'm trying to buy a return rail ticket that is 'open' (ie can be used any time) in both directions. However every ticket selling site I look at insists on a start date and time, with no 'open' option (although they all have the option of 'open' returns).

I've tried Google, I've tried 'Ask Lisa' on the National Rail Enquiries web site (which is an utter joke), all to no avail.

Anyone done this or knows of a site that allows you to do it?

[Countdown]

There's an "anytime single" option on TheTrainLine after youve put your days/times in...

[essayer]

AFAIK there is no such thing. Return tickets need to have the outbound journey on a specific date.

Some operators sell carnet tickets which might suffice?

Edited by essayer on Wednesday 16th March 10:26

[Impasse]

It might be worth popping down to your nearest manned train station and speak with the person in the booth. Online stuff and ticket machines aren't always the most helpful.

[DrTre]

Edit: completely misread the post.

FYI. If you're traveling any sort of distance then look at splitting your ticket. Can save a lot.

[Ari]

DrTre said:

Thetrainline and Redspottedhanky both have open return toggles on their pages.l

Open return, yes, but not open going.

[Countdown]

Ari said:

Open return, yes, but not open going.

I misread as well. I've never come across an "open both ways" ticket.

[Ari]

essayer said:

AFAIK there is no such thing. Return tickets need to have the outbound journey on a specific date.

Some operators sell carnet tickets which might suffice?

There seems to be.

What are Anytime tickets?
Anytime fares are fully flexible tickets, with no time restrictions on when you can travel. Perfect for people who need complete flexibility.
You can buy Anytime tickets any time before you travel and you can use your ticket to travel on any train. With an Anytime ticket you can also break your journey at stations along the route of travel.

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/ticket_t...

[Ari]

Impasse said:

It might be worth popping down to your nearest manned train station and speak with the person in the booth. Online stuff and ticket machines aren't always the most helpful.

Think I might need to do that.

[essayer]

essayer said:

AFAIK there is no such thing. Return tickets need to have the outbound journey on a specific date.

Some operators sell carnet tickets which might suffice?

Actually I've just seen that on a SOR ticket (anytime return, not a day return or an off peak return) you can travel outward on the date specified or up to five days later, then up to one month after for the return journey.
Never realised that.. You may run into issues with gate line staff or unaware train guards..

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/ticket_t...

Edited by essayer on Wednesday 16th March 10:34

[DrTre]

Ari said:

Open return, yes, but not open going.

Yep, sorry, you got in while I was editing my post.

They will split the tickets at the station too.

[bigandclever]

Depends on how open open you want it. The out part of an Anytime ticket has to be used within 5 days of the date on your ticket (not necessarily the purchase date) and the return still has to be made within 30 days of your out date. However, these tickets are refundable for an admin charge, usually a tenner.

[deckster]

An open return is by far and away the most expensive way you can possibly buy a train ticket. Almost always it will be cheaper - often much cheaper - and never more expensive, to just turn up on the day and buy whatever the machine will sell you.

[Ari]

That's a good point, thanks.

[rcspeirs]

- What journey? On a few routes, only day returns are available.
- On many routes there are (expensive) "anytime" return tickets and (not too terrifying) "off-peak" returns. These are always the same price, no need to buy in advance.
- You have probably hit the problem that many booking engines have been programmed by idiots - they insist you specify times - even for fully flexible tickets.
- Don't bother with trainline. They add additional fees so they are ALWAYS more expensive than buying from the train company directly. They were forced to drop their previous advertising campaign as it wasn't true.

[Ari]

All good advice, thanks.

I tend to use Trainline for looking up train times as is a good app, but buy online direct.