Why do fares vary so much? (UK ONLY)?

Question

I live a good 4 hour train ride from my family and i am going to visit them soon.

Last time i went i paid about £80 for an open return, which was all that was listed on the National Rail website.

I happened to lose my return and had to pay around £70 for a single to get home.

So i just ordered another ticket to go and see my family on the National Rail site again but this time there was some singles listed, not for all trains on that day - just for about 1 in 10 of the trains.

The total cost for two singles was only around £50! Still £80 for an open return but i didn't have a choice listed last time.

So, is there a legitimate reason for:

Only very few trains having single fares available which are cheaper than returns?

Returns (ie - an advanced purchase = money in the bank) being more expensive than singles?

Last minute singles costing £70 when they are as low as £18 a week in advance?

These are exactly the same route and i don't care what time i travel.

Thanks

Answer 1

Railways in the UK use airline style pricing structures. Book early for a specific train outside of peak hours and you can get some very cheap fares, turn up at 8am on Monday to buy a ticket for the next train and you'll be buying a relatively expensive unrestricted ticket.

If you're under 25, over 60, a full-time student, live in the South East or are travelling with children, you can buy a railcard which will give you a discount off most fares.

Incidentally, book through NXEC at http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com and you won't be charged a booking fee.

Answer 2

Privatisation They want YOUR money,Try  http://www.thetrainline.co.uk/

Answer 3

Even before private railways took over there where a lot of different fares and structures for long distant journeys.  What they hope to achieve of course is to know how many people want a seat, the more advance you book the cheaper the fare.  If you come up on the day then of course the more expensive the ticket, same as if you was trying to get an air ticket.