It is very well known that if you break up your journey and buy several train tickets, you may make savings. Try this one though. If are going to London from Plymouth by train and booking through Trainline, instead of buying a return ticket to Paddington, select your destination to Ipswich.
As an example. Monday (26th July) 0813 Plymouth to Paddington and returning on the 1836 Paddington to Plymouth. The return price paying today is £157.20 (£103.70 with a Railcard).
If you book a return ticket from Plymouth to Ipswich travelling on the SAME TRAINS as above, the return fare paying today is £66.10 (£43.60 with a Railcard). You then simply don't bother to use the ticket between London Liverpool Street and Ipswich.
I don't know why Ipswich, I just know that at the moment it works out cheaper. Booking in advance can save even more money. For example next Saturday there is a Plymouth to Ipswich (via Paddington) single ticket for just £18.20 with a Railcard and no doubt a similar offer will be available to return.
As an example. Monday (26th July) 0813 Plymouth to Paddington and returning on the 1836 Paddington to Plymouth. The return price paying today is £157.20 (£103.70 with a Railcard).
If you book a return ticket from Plymouth to Ipswich travelling on the SAME TRAINS as above, the return fare paying today is £66.10 (£43.60 with a Railcard). You then simply don't bother to use the ticket between London Liverpool Street and Ipswich.
I don't know why Ipswich, I just know that at the moment it works out cheaper. Booking in advance can save even more money. For example next Saturday there is a Plymouth to Ipswich (via Paddington) single ticket for just £18.20 with a Railcard and no doubt a similar offer will be available to return.