Whether you’re travelling to work or for vacation, Train fares can quickly add up. Making a dent in your budget. We know that finding cheap train tickets is a major pain point for many individuals in the UK. But don’t worry. We’ve got your back.

This article will share 11 easy ways to save money on Train Tickets.

Whether you’re a seasoned commuter or a newbie to train travel, weather you buy advance tickets or an annual season ticket, the tips given in this article will be a game-changer for your wallet.

1. Use a rail card

If you’re a frequent train traveller, investing in a railcard can help you save significant money on train ticket prices in the UK. Railcards offer discounts on rail fares for various groups, including seniors, students, and families.

The cost of a railcard can vary. This depends on the type and train company you select. However, the savings you make can be significant. You can select from various options like

• 16-25 Railcard
• 26-30 Railcard
• Network Railcard
• Disabled Persons Railcard
• Senior Railcard
• Family & Friends Railcard
• Veterans Railcard
• Two Together Railcard

For example, a 16-25 Railcard can save you up to one third off rail fares. Additionally, a family & friends Railcard can reduce up to 60% on children’s fares and up to one third on adult fares.

To apply for a railcard, you can visit the National Rail website or Trainline. You’ll need to provide basic information, such as your name, age, and address. Once you receive your railcard, carry it with you whenever you travel by train, as you’ll need to present it along with your ticket to avail of the discount.

2. Buy in advance

Many train companies release their advance tickets up to 12 weeks before the travel date, and if you book your tickets at this time, you can quickly get cheap tickets.

If you book your tickets at this time, you can quickly get cheap train tickets, especially if you travel during peak season, such as holidays and weekends.

Additionally, if you book in advance, it gives you the peace of mind that your travel plans are sorted, and you won’t have to worry about last-minute price increases or sold-out trains.

To book your train tickets early, you can use the National Rail website or other ticket booking platforms like Trainline. Although, compare prices across different providers and check for any discounts or promotions that may apply to your journey.

3. Purchase season tickets

If you’re a regular commuter or frequently train traveller on a particular route, purchasing a season ticket is a cost-effective way to save money on train travel. Season tickets are available for various lengths, ranging from a week to a year, and they offer significant discounts on regular fares.

For example, if you’re a commuter who travels to work by train daily, purchasing a monthly or yearly season ticket can save you much money compared to buying a daily ticket.

To purchase a season ticket, you can visit a staffed station or buy it online through the National Rail website. But make sure to check the terms and conditions of the season tickets before purchasing, as some may have restrictions on travel times or routes.

4. Use a fare finder

When booking train tickets, comparing prices is essential to ensure you get the best value possible. Fortunately, there are several online fare-finder tools available that can help you find the cheapest train tickets.

You can use fare finder tools like Trainline to search for the cheapest fares for your desired route and date.

Be flexible with your trip dates and times when using a fare finder tool. By travelling at off-peak times, you can get cheap train tickets. You can also consider splitting your journey into multiple tickets, known as split ticketing, to save even more money.

5. Avoid Booking Fees

When booking train tickets online, it’s common to encounter booking fees or processing fees. These fees add up to increase the overall cost of your journey. However, there are ways to avoid booking fees and save money on UK train tickets.

One way to avoid booking fees is to book directly with the train operator. Many train companies offer websites where you can book tickets without any additional fees.

Another way to avoid booking fees is to use a cashback website. Cashback websites offer rebates on purchases made through their links, including train ticket bookings.

Lastly, you can avoid booking fees by booking your tickets at a train station. You can avoid online booking fees and even save money on your journey by booking in person.

6. Smart ticketing

Smart ticketing is an innovative way of travelling by train in the UK.

It lets you buy and store your train tickets electronically on your smartphone or smart card. Not only is this method more convenient, but it can also save cash on your train fare.

These smartcards offer you discounted fares on rail journeys, helping you save money on your travel expenses. Moreover, smart ticketing eliminates the need for paper tickets, making it an eco-friendly option.

7. Book your tickets late

Booking train tickets late may seem counterintuitive, but it sometimes saves you money. Most train companies offer discounts on unsold tickets rather than putting high advance fares in the days leading up to the departure date.

These tickets are usually available for travel on less busy trains, so booking your tickets late is excellent if you have a flexible travel schedule.

However, it’s important to remember that some risks are associated with booking late tickets. And prices can sometimes be higher for last-minute bookings, especially during peak travel periods.

If you decide to book your train tickets late, do so as soon as possible once the discounts become available. Also, regularly check the official train company website for updates and be prepared to act quickly when you see a good deal.

8. Make use of promotions

Everybody loves a good discount, and by keeping an eye on promotions and special offers, you can quickly get an excellent discount on your train fares.

Many train operators in the UK offer promotional deals throughout the year, such as discounts on off-peak train tickets or special fares for specific destinations.

Check out third-party booking websites such as Trainline or Trainpal, which often have exclusive promotions and discounts.

When booking your tickets, make sure to read the terms and conditions of the promotion carefully. Some promotions, such as limited travel dates or specific routes, may have restrictions. Also, be aware that promotional fares are often limited in availability and can sell out quickly, so be sure to book as soon as possible.

9. Stay away from rush hour

Nobody likes a stressful and overcrowded commute during rush hour.

Peak hours on weekdays are generally when people commute to and from work, meaning trains are busier on weekends, and fares are higher. Weekday peak hours are typically between 6:30-9:30 am and 4-7 pm.

If you have the flexibility to avoid travelling during these times and can book in advance, you could save a considerable amount of money.

10. Travel in groups

Travelling with friends or family is fun. And it’s a great way to save money on train tickets. Many train operators offer group discounts, which can make a big difference to the cost of your journey.

Group discounts usually apply to groups of three or more people, ranging from 25% to 50% off the total fare. So, if you’re travelling with a group, it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for a group discount.

There is an alternative to consider. A GroupSave ticket can be purchased for groups of three to nine people. These are basically split tickets which allows the group to receive discounted train tickets. This can be an excellent option for families or friends looking to save money on their train tickets.

11. Avail of refunds

Many passengers often overlook getting a refund on train tickets, but it can be a great way to save money. Most train companies have a refund policy that allows passengers to get their money back in case of cancellations or delays.

You may be allowed a partial refund if your train is cancelled or delayed. It’s important to note that refund policies may vary depending on the train company and the type of ticket you’ve purchased.

Remember, you don’t get what you don’t ask for. Feel free to claim your refund if you’re entitled to one. It’s an excellent method to save money on train tickets.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve gained some valuable insights about ways to cut back expenses and make train travel more affordable.

The solutions discussed above can help you significantly reduce the cost of travelling by train in the UK.

These simple tips can save significant money, making train travel more affordable and accessible for everyone. So, the next time you need to travel by train, make sure to follow these tips and make your trip more affordable and enjoyable.

Lastly remember to stop spending on unnecessaries and make use of budgeting tips and budgeting apps to plan your trip more wisely so you can enjoy your trip without burning a hole in your pocket.

Frequently Asked Question

Disclaimer: The information given above is provided for reference only. This is not financial advice.