How to Save Money on Train Tickets

For all its problems, train travel remains a popular and convenient way to get around, whether you're commuting to work or planning a weekend getaway. However, with ticket prices rising year after year, it’s good to look for ways to save money on your journeys. 

In this blog, we’ll guide you through some of the best ways to save money on your train tickets. From booking in advance and using railcards to knowing when and where to buy your tickets, these smart tricks can help you cut down on your UK travel costs, without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

If you're a regular traveller, these tips should help you stretch your budget further and make your travelling expenses more affordable. 

1. Take Advantage of a Railcard

One of the easiest ways to save money on train tickets in the UK is by using a railcard. Railcards give you up to 1/3 off most train fares and are available for different age groups and travel needs. 

The most common options include the 16-25 Railcard, Senior Railcard, Disabled Persons Railcard, Two Together Railcard, Veteran’s Railcard, Family & Friends Railcard and more. Most cost around £35 for a year and can quickly pay for themselves after just a few trips. 

You can buy them online or at train stations. If you travel often, a railcard is a smart investment that can help you save money all year round.

2. Book in Advance

Booking your train tickets in advance is one of the best ways to save money on your UK commute costs, if you know when you’re travelling. Most train companies release tickets 8 to 12 weeks before the travel date, and these are often much cheaper than buying on the day. 

Advance tickets are limited, so the earlier you book, the better the deal you’re likely to get. You can book them online, through train apps, or at a train station. Just keep in mind that advance tickets are usually for specific trains and often have an admin fee if you want to change it, so you’ll need to stick to your chosen time.

Planning ahead can make your train journeys much cheaper.

3. Use Fare Finder Tools

Fare finder tools can help you find the cheapest train tickets quickly and easily. These tools compare prices across different times, dates, and routes so you can find the best deal. This is particularly useful if you have a longer route, across different rail services

Websites like National Rail, Trainline, and Split My Fare offer fare finders that show you when it's cheapest to travel. Some even suggest alternative routes or stations to save more money. 

Using these tools also takes just a few minutes and can help lower your expenses, especially if your travel plans are flexible. That’s why, before booking any train ticket, it’s always worth checking a fare finder to get the best price.

4. Travel Off-Peak

Travelling during off-peak or super off-peak is another great trick to save money on train tickets in the UK. Off-peak tickets are usually cheaper than those bought for peak travel times, which are typically early mornings and late afternoons on weekdays, when most people are commuting. 

If you can be flexible with your travel schedule, you should aim to travel mid-morning, after 9:30 a.m., or in the early afternoon. Evenings and weekends often have off-peak fares too. Be 

These tickets often allow a more comfortable journey, but at a lower price. You’ll need to check the train company’s website to see the exact off-peak times, so you can enjoy a more affordable, less crowded ride.

5. Season Tickets

If you travel the same route regularly, a season ticket can save you a lot of money. These tickets let you travel an unlimited amount of times between two stations for a set period - weekly, monthly, or yearly. 

While they cost more upfront, they’re usually much cheaper than buying a daily ticket. You can use them for work commutes, school runs, or any regular journey.

Many train companies also offer flexible season tickets if you only travel a few days a week. You can use a season ticket calculator on the rail company’s website to see if it’s worth it for your travel needs.

6. Split Ticketing

Split ticketing is a clever way to save money by breaking your journey into parts instead of buying one direct ticket. You’ll still travel on the same train, but buy separate tickets for different sections of the route. 

For example, if you're going from London to Manchester, it might be cheaper to buy one ticket from London to Milton Keynes and another from Milton Keynes to Manchester (for example, be sure to do your own research). 

Websites like Split My Fare and TrainSplit make this easy by finding the best split options for you.

For More Advice on Saving Money, Read Salad’s Guides

Now you know the best tricks to save money on train tickets in the UK. If you need further financial information or financial support, we may be able to help.

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