Fares and discounts

1.  Railcards

these cards cost money, but over the course of a year give savings of 1/3 or more on almost all rail tickets. Even the cheapest (advance) are now included. They offer genuine savings and are recommended for everyone, unless you really are taking the train on one occasion and know you won't travel again during the year.

2. Cheap Train Tickets

There are some savings out there but they are not as plentiful as the rail companies might have you believe! This guide details any regular cheap tickets or special offers that are available.

3. Unlimited Travel Tickets

These fares are not always cheaper that buying individual tickets, but are rarely more expensive if you plan to do a bit of travelling. However for much the same price you can have flexibility - something sadly lacking in rail fares! They come into their own for touring holidays allowing you to get on and off trains as you please, and knowing in advance how much it will cost. There are also some useful tips for getting some extra value from them.

4. Money saving tips

5. Fares Guide

These tickets are the best value fares for longer distance journeys.  You must specify which trains and days you are going to travel on (although you may change these subject to the difference in fare and a £10 administration charge).   These tickets have different price bands so the earlier you can book the cheaper your ticket will be.

The most exciting aspect of these new fares is that Railcard discounts will be available (Advance fares did not allow discounts in the past).   Child discounts apply for all Advance fares. 16–25 (Young Persons), Family & Friends (Family), Senior, HM Forces and Disabled Persons Railcard holders save 1/3 on all Standard Class Advance fares.  Senior, HM Forces and Disabled Persons Railcard holders also save 1/3 on all First Class Advance fares.  In addition, 16–25 Railcard holders save 1/3 on First Class Advance fares for travel on CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, First Great Western,  East Coast and Virgin Trains services. 

These fares all come with a complementary seat reservation and all are single fares - so that you can mix and match for the best price. 

Where there is more than one Off-Peak fare for a journey, the cheaper fare with more restrictions will be named Super Off-Peak.

Off-Peak Single and Off-Peak Day fares must be used on the date printed on the ticket. The outward portion of an Off-Peak Return ticket must be used on the date printed on the ticket and the return portion is valid for one month.  Return tickets on the other hand offer the benefit of being able to break your journey on the way back.  You can even break your journey overnight, so long as you are travelling again by 12 noon the next day. 

Off-Peak tickets are available for travel in Standard Class and, where available, First Class.  Reservations are not required, but maybe available on longer distance journeys and are sometimes highly recommended on busier services.

Anytime is the most flexible fare as there are no time restrictions on when you can travel. Perfect for people who need complete flexibility.

Anytime Single and Anytime Day fares must be used on the date printed on the ticket. The outward portion of an Anytime Return ticket must be used on the date printed on the ticket and the return portion is valid for one month.

Anytime tickets are available for travel in Standard Class and, where available, First Class.  Reservations are not required, but maybe available on longer distance journeys and are sometimes highly recommended on busier services.