Great Western Coffee Shop

I have to travel to and from Gatwick out 9/9 and back 23/9. My return flight is due to land at 10.00. I can travel from either main Bristol station. The two authorised routes appear to be via Reading/Guildford or Salisbury/Clapham Junction with little  difference in the cheapest price. However the via Reading fare is a supersaver which can only be used up to the 1329 departure or after the 1729. With flight and/or immigration delays the 1329 may not be achievable. As both approved routes involve long transfer walks, I would prefer to travel via Fareham with a simple same platform change there on to the Southampton to Gatwick train. No fares are quoted for this route. Is there a reasonable split fare option here

Bristol Temple Meads to Billingshurst via Havant?  But I think you need to add singles onwards as Billingshurst to Gatwick is too short for a period return.

Split at Salisbury - the ticket from there is valid via Fareham.

Thanks for the advice. Graham, there is one big snag with your suggestion. The SOU - GTW services do not stop at Billingshurst. Chris B, I hadn't thought of your suggestion. In fact there is a SAL-GTW fare, route Barnham which gives me the cheapest overall fare. The problem is that both GWR & SWR booking engines state that there is no suitable fare by that route. The good news is that AWC, Southern and LNER all quote it and AWC give Nectar points. Just awaiting final confirmation from my travel agent that the holiday is definitely on(No tickets etc received yet).

Sorry, AWC?

Avanti West Coast….

A poor replacement for Virgin West Coast in my experience. Will be looking for alternative providers to Manchester and the north west in the future.