The other problem is the sheer number of fares. I can sort-of see that advance fares should be cheaper than walk-on fares, and I can see the on/off peak thing. That's it. Four fares. Return should be double the price of a one-way. All tickets should have the same cancellation terms; should be transferrable to other trains on the same day etc. It's not like an aeroplane - it's not like you are guaranteed a seat anyway (even if you have a reservation).

I cannot get over the price of trains in the UK. I have a season ticket for a short journey into London. It costs the same as a season ticket to travel anywhere at any time in Germany. And the Heathrow express can **** off as well.