Banbury to London Marylebone - am I missing something?

[BanburyBlue]

I'm travelling to London on Sunday. Arriving into Marylebone around 12 noon, leaving just after 4 p.m.

When I look on the Chiltern website, the cheapest fare I'm being offered is a off-peak return costing £46.30.

When I look on National Rail Enquires, it's offering me a super off-peak return costing £33.10, and says sold by Chiltern Railways.

Why is this? Am I missing something?

Thanks

 

[The DJ]

Just checked the Chiltern website myself for your exact journey and the SOPR is there as clear as day. Buy Cheap Train Tickets Online | Rail Fares | Chiltern Railways

 

[Bletchleyite]

The return of the Super Off Peak is barred from 1600 to 1900 inclusive, so it is not valid for your return journey.

Full text:

Outward Travel​
Return Travel​
Restriction Code: PV Restricted Days: Mondays-Fridays ​
OUT: Not valid on trains timed to arrive at London Marylebone or London Paddington after 04:29 and before 11:30. Not valid on trains timed to arrive at Reading after 04:29 and before 11:00.
RTN: Not valid on trains timed to depart London Marylebone or London Paddington after 04:29 and before 08:30, or after 15:59 and before 19:01. Not valid on trains timed to depart Reading after 04:29 and before 09:30, or after 16:29 and before 19:01.

Sorry, you said Sunday. Yes, it's valid.

Is the issue the 1615 return which isn't direct and involves changing at Paddington? I can't quite see why it wouldn't be valid that way, assuming you paid your own Tube fare or walked, but I suspect it's the presence of a Tube journey in the itinerary that's mucking that up.

Edit edit: It seems it is only shown as "cheapest semi flexible return" right at the top and not clearly with the name "super off peak return". Not a great piece of software that.

 

[BanburyBlue]

Just checked the Chiltern website myself for your exact journey and the SOPR is there as clear as day. Buy Cheap Train Tickets Online | Rail Fares | Chiltern Railways

Hi,

I agree - that’s really weird.

I’ve just re-checked and it is.

Not sure what happened there.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

The OP may be depressed to learn that the £33.10 Supersaver Return fare to Marylebone, at weekends, is the same as that bought from Birmingham, or even Kidderminster, for getting on for twice the distance...