There are a range of train ticket types to suit your travel needs and here you'll find a handy guide to all of the options available. If you're simply looking for the cheapest fare, book an Advance ticket and you could save over 50%.
Once you've found the one you need, buy train tickets online with us and you'll benefit from no booking or card fees and you'll get an automatic seat reservation too. Book your tickets through the TPExpress app and you can download the tickets straight to your phone. 'Appy days.​
Advance train tickets are your route to finding the best train fare and offer savings of over 50%.
Advance tickets go on sale up to 24 weeks ahead of the journey and the majority of these tickets must be purchased before 18:00 at least one day prior to travel, however a limited number of tickets on some routes are available up to 15 minutes before departure.
Advance (one-way) tickets are available for both Standard and First Class train travel and they are only valid on the train service for which they are booked.
You can now change your Advance train ticket for free and will only have to pay the difference between an old and new fare.
The Airport Advance is just the ticket for travel to and from Manchester Airport.
It works the same as a regular Advance, but it’s more flexible in case your flight to the UK experiences any delays. Just make sure you book your train ticket from the Airport at least an hour after your scheduled arrival time; that way, if your flight is delayed, you'll still be able to travel up to 3 hours after the time on your train ticket.
If the next service to your destination is timed to depart more than 3 hours after the original departure time you may use this service.
Don't forget to endorse your ticket at the Manchester Airport station ticket office before you board the train.
These are the most flexible train tickets with no time restrictions on when you can travel.
Anytime Single (one-way) tickets are valid for travel on the date shown on the ticket and until 04:29 the following morning. For Anytime Return tickets, the outward journey must be made within 5 days of the date shown on your train ticket and return journeys must be made within 1 calendar month.
Anytime tickets are available for both Standard and First Class train travel.
Off Peak travel offers cheaper train tickets during quieter times of day.
Off Peak Single and Return tickets can be bought in advance or on the same day - you’ll be told about restrictions when you buy the ticket.
Save even more by buying an Off Peak train ticket with a railcard.
Season Tickets are ideal for regular journeys on the same route and can be used for travel on any day within the validity of the ticket. They are available for 7 days, a calendar month, and any period between 1 and 12 months.
There are lots of benefits of having a Season Ticket, including free First Class travel on TransPennine Express weekend services for no extra cost.
A First Class ticket option is available on all TransPennine Express services. With your First Class ticket you can enjoy free food and drink on services where refreshments are provided.
Standard Class ticket holders are welcome to upgrade to First Class on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays for £10.00 (single journey supplement). All you need to do is pay the Conductor once you're on board. (All journeys to/ from Manchester to Edinburgh and Glasgow will cost £15.00 to upgrade).
Please keep in mind that Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) season tickets, e.g. MetroCards, do not qualify for the weekend First Class upgrade.
If you’re travelling in a group of 3-9 people, book TPE Advance tickets together on our website and you’ll save 33%.
This discount is available on Standard and First Class tickets – make sure you look out for the ‘G’ icon when selecting your tickets online.
If there’s 10 or more of you, you could still be eligible for a discount. Call our group travel team on 0345 600 1674 from 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).
These tickets offer flexibility and great value for money if you want unlimited travel in a specified area.
Rover tickets are available in a number of areas for specified periods of travel and Ranger tickets are valid for 1 day. You can also get an All Line Rover ticket that allows unlimited travel across the National Rail network for periods of 7 or 14 days.
There are time restrictions on the use of some Rover and Ranger tickets.
Up to 2 children under 5 can travel free with any adult passenger holding a ticket.
Children up to 16 years old are entitled to 50% discount on most tickets bought in advance.
The Family and Friends Railcard is a good option if you're travelling with kids and looking to save money on train tickets.
Understanding your ticketTo find out more about your ticket and what services you can use, visit National Rail's My Ticket
Top tips on getting the cheapest train tickets for your journey.
Travel regularly on the same route? Save time and money with a Season Ticket.
Email, post, print at home, download or collect from the station.
Save a 1/3 on train fares with a range of Railcards.