The best tips and tricks to save money on train tickets in 2024

Train tickets in the UK can be expensive - not to mention complex. In fact, rail fares rose by 4.9% earlier in March this year.

In this guide, we'll share some tips and tricks to help save your wallet the next time you opt to travel by train.

Book in Advance

Advance tickets are usually released 12 weeks before departure and can be significantly cheaper than buying tickets on the day of your travel. They sell out quickly, so make sure you book as early as possible to get the best price.

Buy a Railcard

Railcards can offer substantial discounts on fares. Options include the 16-25 Railcard, Senior Railcard, and the Family & Friends Railcard, each providing up to a 1/3 off Standard Class tickets. The initial cost of a railcard may put you off, but the savings become noticeable after just a few trips.

Split Ticketing

Split ticketing involves buying two or more tickets for different portions of your journey instead of one ticket for the entire trip. This method is usually cheaper, especially for longer journeys, even though you're travelling on the same train.

Travel Off-Peak

Travelling during off-peak hours (usually after 09:30 for most places) can reduce the price of your ticket significantly. Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are much cheaper than Anytime fares. You'll also get to enjoy a quieter journey - you won't be on board with hundreds of angry commuters!

Group Discounts

If you're travelling with family or friends, you can often get group discounts. GroupSave tickets offer discounted travel for groups of three to nine people when travelling together. It's best to purchase tickets at the ticket office to ensure your group discount is applied.

Check for Special Offers

Train companies (TOCs) occasionally run special promotions and sales. Sign up for newsletters from your favourite TOCs and visit their websites frequently to see if there are any active promotions. 

Consider Season Tickets

If you travel the same route regularly, a season ticket can save you a lot of money over time. Options range from weekly to annual passes and can be worth the investment for frequent travelers.

Avoid Booking Fees

Many third-party apps and websites such as Trainline charge booking fees. To avoid any extra charges, book directly with your train operator via their official website.

Know Your Tickets

It can be overwhelming when you're trying to buy tickets and are presented with what feels like hundreds of different types, each with their own price and restrictions. Luckily, we've put together a simple guide outlining the various ticket options available to you.