Chiltern Fares

The 0745am service from Snow Hill is treated by Chiltern as a peak fare service, arriving as it does in Marylebone at 9.59. Thus, the walk-on RETURN fare is quoted as £82 but do you ever need to pay this exorbitant (in Chiltern though NOT in Virgin terms) amount? The answer is NO.

First, note that the following 0812 train gets into Marylebone 29 minutes later yet costs only £31.90 return - ie saving 29 minutes costs you £50.10 ...

Secondly, if you really do need to be in London by 10, buy a Peak SINGLE for the 0745 and earlier trains at £45.90 (or cheaper, see below) as there are NO Peak restrictions on trains back from Marylebone. So use an off-peak or super off-peak ticket for the return journey.
*** Don't forget that the return portions of Off-peak and Super Off-peak return tickets, which cost pence more than the equivalent single, are valid for a month so can be used later to return to London on off-peak or super off-peak trains. ***

Thirdly, savings on Peak Single fares can be made by splitting the journey as follows:

0543 (Bicester North - £16.40 + £21.40 = £37.80)
0615 (Banbury - £14* + £28.90* = £42.90*)
0650 (Banbury - £14* + £28.90* = £42.90*)
0714 (Haddenham & Thame Parkway - £20.80 + £15.20* = £36)
0745 (Haddenham & Thame Parkway - £20.80 + £15.20* = £36)
* Anytime Day Singles
DO NOT be afraid to ask for split fares at the Booking Office - there is no reason why you shouldn't be sold them.

Fourthly, if you are sure about which train you are taking, then Chiltern Advance fares booked before 6pm the day before travel are often available at a maximum £35 single.

Finally, don't forget to use a Railcard if you are eligible for one - they save on both walk-on and advance fares.

Off peak trains:

From Birmingham Snow Hill: 0812 onwards Monday to Friday
From London Marylebone : ALL Departures

Super off peak trains:

From Birmingham Snow Hill: 11.52 onwards Monday - Friday
From London Marylebone: 11.24 to 15.20 / 2000 onwards Monday to Friday; 11.24 onwards Saturday; 11.20 onwards Sunday