cheap train tickets – a guide

Looking for cheap train tickets? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re planning a spontaneous day trip or a well-deserved staycation, knowing how to get cheap train tickets can save you a bundle. Start by booking your train travel in advance, as early birds typically save over 50% compared to paying at the station just before boarding. Wherever you're travelling, buy cheap train tickets right here at TransPennine Express to beat booking fees.

How to get cheap train tickets

Ready to get going on your next adventure without breaking the bank? Let us guide you through nine easy ways to find cheap train tickets. From being flexible with travel times and dates to using a Railcard for additional discounts, check out our handy tips below to make your train journey more affordable.

1. Book in advance

Did you know you can book train tickets up to 24 weeks before you travel? Securing your seat early means you’ll have access to some of the best deals available, as Advance tickets are often much cheaper than last-minute fares. So, plan ahead to save over 50%*!

2. Sign up for ticket alerts

If you already have your travel dates and destination in mind, snag the cheapest train tickets by signing up to our cheap ticket alerts. Simply enter your journey details into the online form, and you’ll receive an email notification when Advance tickets become available to buy (these are usually the lowest fares).

3. Use a Railcard

Enjoy a guaranteed 1/3 off train tickets with a Railcard and get where you want to go for less (it’s a no-brainer!). Available for one or three years, there’s a Railcard for nearly everyone – jobseekers, disabled travellers, seniors and more.

4. Dodge booking fees

Choose a provider that doesn’t charge extra for booking or credit card fees when buying your tickets. Many providers sneak these into your ticket cost, so always double-check before you buy. With TransPennine Express, you can avoid pesky booking fees and buy cheap train tickets for the UK rail network with us directly. We can book trains for travel anywhere in Great Britain, even if it's not on our network.

5. Travel during off-peak times

As ticket prices vary throughout the day, you can find cheaper fares by checking trains an hour or two around your ideal time. Off-Peak tickets are generally more affordable than peak times, and Super Off-Peak tickets offer even greater savings (though with tighter time restrictions). So, stay flexible, plan smart and travel off-peak to enjoy those extra savings! Learn more about the different types of train tickets here.

6. Check single ticket prices

Sometimes, buying two Advance single tickets can be cheaper than a return ticket on certain routes. So, before you book, compare the costs to see if singles could leave more money in your pocket for snacks or souvenirs.

7. Buy a season ticket

If you’re a regular traveller on the same route, a season ticket is one of the best ways to secure the cheapest train tickets. You’ll also save time by skipping the queue to buy a ticket before every trip (which is perfect if you’re in a rush!).

For smarter train travel, you can buy season tickets on a Smart Card at stations or online which can be easily topped up when the period ends. Whether you need one for a week, a month or up to a year, enjoy unlimited travel in both directions between two stations to enjoy stress-free commuting.

8. Travel together as a group

For those who like to stick together, you can enjoy a 20% discount on both First Class and Standard Advance fares. Not only will you usually be able to sit together, but you’ll also benefit from a single ticket for all passengers, so the process couldn’t be easier. If you’re in a group of between three and nine people, you can book your cheaper train tickets online or via the TPExpress App – just look out for the ‘G’ icon when booking and make sure you’re all travelling on the same service. For larger groups of 10 or more, get in touch for special deals.

9. Upgrade to First Class

Fancy a slice of First Class? Experience a little extra luxury for less with our handy tips. The best way to bag cheap First Class train tickets on TransPennine Express services is to book in advance to enjoy over 50% off. If you’re feeling spontaneous, upgrade your Standard Class ticket on weekends and bank holidays with our Weekend First offer for as little as £10. Or try your luck with Seatfrog app to bid for last-minute upgrades.

How to buy cheap train tickets

1. Download the TPExpress App or buy tickets online through our website.
2. Add your departure and arrival stations.
3. Select your travel date and ticket type – remember to book as early as possible to save over 50% with Advance tickets!
4. Add your Railcard if you have one or choose a group ticket if you’re travelling in a group of three or more to get further discounts.
5. Book your train ticket!

For more information on how to get your train tickets – including to your phone, through the post or to your local station – read our guide.

Other ways to find cheap train tickets

If you’re still hungry for savings, we have a few bonus ideas to help you get your hands on cheaper train tickets. You can also keep an eye on our special offers page or register an account and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about the latest offers.