Travelling or living in the UK, trains are an essential means of transport, but ticket prices can often be off-putting. Don't worry! By mastering a few ticket-buying tricks, understanding Railcards, and making the most of specific apps, you can easily save a significant amount on transport costs. In this article, we’ll explain how to get the best value train tickets in the UK!
1. Railcards: The First Step to Saving Money!
When travelling by train in the UK, Railcards are a fantastic way to save money. Once you’ve purchased a Railcard, you’ll get around a third off the ticket price. Some of the most common Railcards are:
- 16-25 Railcard (for students or young people)
- 26-30 Railcard (for young professionals)
- Two Together Railcard (for two people travelling together)
- Family & Friends Railcard (for family travel discounts)
2. Must-Have Ticket-Buying Apps
Having a Railcard is great, but it’s equally important to choose the right platform to buy your tickets! Here are some apps favoured by savvy travellers for getting the best deals:
- Trainpal: Known for no booking fees and the option to split tickets to find cheaper options. Its user base has grown rapidly in recent years.
- Trip.com: A well-known travel platform with a simple interface and frequent discounts. It’s ideal for those booking complete itineraries, as you can also book accommodation and flights alongside your train tickets, often at discounted rates.
- Trainline: Offers an intuitive interface, supports Railcard discounts, and allows you to set up alerts for the cheapest tickets. However, do note that it charges a small booking fee.
3. Other Money-Saving Tips
- Book in Advance: UK train tickets are usually available for booking 8 to 12 weeks before departure, and the earlier you book, the cheaper your tickets will be.
- Avoid Peak Times (Off-Peak/Super Off-Peak): There’s a huge difference in ticket prices, so if you can avoid the rush hour, you’ll save a lot.
- Choose Advance Tickets: These tickets are typically non-refundable and non-exchangeable, but they are significantly cheaper, making them ideal for travellers with fixed plans.
Whether you're a student or a traveller, by mastering these tips, you'll be able to save a considerable amount on transport, leaving more money for the things that truly matter!
