I paid a lot more for two returns last year, less the couples discount.
I randomly chose 17th October. Prices are £51 for the 05:48. £136 for the 07:00 and evens out around £66 for the rest of the morning. Get past 15:00 and it almost doubles in price to over £100 to £136.
Two journeys. These are dates at random in the future.
Kings Cross to Edinburgh. 4.30 hours. 400 miles cost £60 to £80
Lille to Marseille. 4.40 hours. 600 miles. £22 to £45
Yes, we need a high speed train service, but one that works, is on time, is reliable but most important, it has to be cheap.