Denmark also does this — Copenhagen to Århus on 10 December at 10:52 is £16 if purchased now. My example wasn't especially ridiculous. Try something like Stans

Denmark also does this — Copenhagen to Århus on 10 December at 10:52 is £16 if purchased now. My example wasn't especially ridiculous. Try something like Stansted Airport to Birmingham — 200km, 45 minutes slower than driving, and £97 — or £67 off peak. The other ridiculous feature of British train tickets is when some return tickets cost just £1 more than a single ticket.