How To Choose the Right Train Ticket For You

Here’s a roundup of our train tickets and how they suit different journeys. And hopefully they’ll save you money too, the fact is, if you find the right ticket there’s a good chance you’ll save money on it too.

Before we get started just remember these tips to get the cheapest train ticket for you. (Bear in mind Peak Hours are Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays): 06:30 – 09:30 and 16:00 – 19:00):

Book early • Be flexible • Avoid peak days • Avoid peak periods

If you follow those 4 guidelines you’ll immediately make a saving on your train journey.

About your Journey

I don’t mind what day I travel

If you can travel on any day in the future and it doesn’t matter which, then get hold of an Advance Train Ticket.

It’s always worth booking an Advance Ticket whenever you can. It may feel that locking yourself into a time for a train is a burden, but you can save over 50%* depending on the ticket – and that will lead to huge savings over the year.

I DON’T MIND WHAT TIME I TRAVEL

Ticket prices vary throughout the day, with the peak periods being the most expensive. So go for an Off Peak Train Ticket if you can choose when you travel. For the cheapest train ticket, avoid travelling between 06:30 – 09:30 and 16:00 – 19:00. That way you’ll save money and have a quieter, more relaxed journey to boot.

I DON’T KNOW WHEN I’M TRAVELLING BUT I NEED ULTIMATE FLEXIBILITY

If your plans are up in the air then get hold of an Anytime Train Ticket. This is our most flexible ticket. Anytime singles have to be used on the day and Anytime returns give you 5 days to take the outward journey and a month to use the return. Aside from that, you can jump on a train anytime you like.

I TRAVEL THE SAME ROUTE EVERY WEEK FOR AT LEAST 4 DAYS

If you’re travelling between the same 2 stations every week, for 4 days a week, then get your mitts on a Season Ticket. The benefits are huge: 

You pay for 40 weeks travel and get 52 weeks.
You waft by the ticket queues every morning.
You get Nectar points.
You get a free upgrade to TransPennine Express First Class on any weekend journey. 

I TAKE REGULAR TRIPS WITH A FRIEND

Get hold of a Two Together Railcard. At £30, or £15 each, you only need to make a few trips to make this annual railcard worthwhile. It saves you 1/3 off most train tickets and it comes bundled with offers on food, drink, entertainment and accommodation too. If you and your GF, or BF, or BFF, love to go on adventures then this is the perfect addition to your beautiful relationship.

I TAKE FAMILY TRIPS WITH FRIENDS

Get a Friends and Family Railcard. Now! 

You’ll get:
1/3 off rail travel for up to 4 adults.
60% off for up to 4 children (aged between 5 and 15).

The card only costs £30. Between four adults that’s just £7.50 each and you’ll save tons on a wide range of train tickets. This one is a no-brainer.

I’M GOING ON A TRIP WITH 3 OR MORE FRIENDS

If you’re heading on a jaunt with the gang then you could save some cash. For groups of 3-9 people, book an Advance Train Ticket and make sure you look out for the G icon. If you’re even more popular than that and travelling with 10 or more people you might still be up for a discount – call the group travel team on 0345 600 1674 between 08:00 and 18:00 (Mon-Fri excluding Bank Holidays).

About you

ARE YOU TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN?

Up to 2 children under 5-years-old can travel free with a passenger holding a ticket and children under 16 years are entitled to discounts on most tickets. If you make regular journeys with your children and friends then head for the Friends and Family Railcard.

HOW OLD ARE YOU?

16-25
The 16-25 Railcard saves you 1/3 off rail travel and more for just £30. If you take more than a few train journeys a year it will have paid for itself, leaving you more cash to spend on the finer things in life.

Over 60
If you’re over 60 then the Senior Railcard is for you. You’ll save 1/3 on rail travel for just £30. Plus, if you get a 3-year Senior Railcard it will cost just £70, saving you £20 off the annual cost. The Senior Railcard also comes with a host of additional benefits and offers on food and drink, theatre tickets hotels and accommodation and loads more.

DO YOU HAVE A DISABILITY?

Many people think the disability railcard doesn’t apply to them, but if you wear hearing aids or are registered as having a visual complaint you could be eligible. It’s worth checking out the Disabled Persons Railcard as you’ll save 1/3 off train travel for you and a friend, and it costs just £20. With savings like that, you’ll pay off the cost of the card in no time.

So there you go, choose the ticket that best suits your needs and then book your tickets online with us - absolutely no booking fee.