Cheapies › Cheap rail travel in the UK
Cheap rail travel in the UK
Trains can be expensive on the day, but a railcard, an advance ticket or an off-peak fare can cut the cost sharply. Here are the main ways to pay less.
Railcards
National Rail lists the railcards available in Great Britain. They usually involve a fee and give a discount on eligible fares, with conditions such as time restrictions or a minimum fare. Cards available include 16-25, 26-30, Senior, Two Together, Family and Friends, Disabled Persons, Network (south-east England) and Veterans railcards, but eligibility, prices and discounts change, so use the National Rail railcards page for current details. Work out how many journeys you will make before buying.
Advance and off-peak tickets
- Advance tickets are for a specific train and usually the cheapest, but cannot be changed freely. They usually go on sale some weeks ahead, but the date varies by route and operator.
- Off-peak and super off-peak fares are cheaper if you can travel after the morning rush.
- Anytime fares are flexible but the most expensive.
Split ticketing
Sometimes buying separate tickets for parts of a journey on the same train costs less than one ticket from start to end. It is legal where the train stops at the place where you split, but check the rules and your fare conditions. Use a reputable fare-comparison website or the train operator's site.
Other ways to save
- Compare times. Moving a journey by an hour can drop the price.
- Look at day or rover tickets for regional travel, such as a Day Ranger, if you plan several trips in one area.
- Children: children usually pay less than adults on trains. Check National Rail for the current age bands.
- Delay Repay: if your train is delayed, you may be able to claim compensation. Each operator has its own scheme.
Buying tickets
Buy from National Rail, the train company or an official retailer, and watch for booking fees at some third-party sites. You can often use a ticket on an app, but keep a copy in case of phone problems.
Cheap day out by train
Many of the places in our other guides can be reached by rail: free museums in city centres, walks from rural stations and the coast. Some attractions give discounts if you show a train ticket. Check the attraction's website.
Buses and coaches
For some routes, long-distance coaches or local buses can be cheaper than trains. Compare before you book. Many areas have day or weekly bus passes; ask the local council or bus operator.
Check before you travel
Keep your railcard with you, since you may need to show it with the ticket. Check that the railcard discount applies to your time of travel, as some have minimum fares or morning restrictions. Always check that your train is running on the day, using the National Rail journey planner or operator app, and know what to do if a service is cancelled.
Planning ahead
Check the journey on the day before you travel in case of engineering work, especially at weekends and bank holidays. Allow extra time for connections, and take a note of your booking reference. If a train is cancelled, the operator's website explains what tickets are valid on other services. Travelling with a bike, buggy or large luggage? Check the operator's rules in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How much do railcards save?
They give a discount on eligible fares, with conditions. Check each card's details on the National Rail website.
Are split tickets legal?
Yes, if the train calls at the split point and you follow the fare rules. Check the conditions.
When do advance tickets go on sale?
Typically a number of weeks ahead, but it varies by route and operator. Check on the day you plan to travel.