Advance train tickets

You can purchase Advance train tickets online (via our website or TPExpress app) as well as at the station. Remember Advance tickets are only available as single tickets.

The cost of Advance tickets will always vary depending on your chosen route, with the longer the route the more expensive the ticket. For example, a Manchester to Edinburgh Advance ticket will be more than a Manchester to Liverpool Advance ticket. But remember, that by buying an Advance train ticket, you can save as much as 50% off the full price of the ticket. This applies for both Standard Class and First Class tickets.

Advance tickets are only available as single tickets and can only be booked for direct routes. So, if your route requires a change, you will need an advance ticket for each leg of your journey. You will also need to book any return tickets as single tickets too.

Remember, Advance tickets help you save money on train travel, but they aren’t as flexible as other types of tickets. This means you have to travel on your selected train, and if you don’t you could be charged more.

Yes, you can use your Railcard to secure a discount on Advance tickets. For example, if you book an Advance ticket with us using your 16-25 Railcard, you can save up to 50%.

Advance tickets aren’t available as return tickets. If you want to book your return trip in advance you will need to book a separate single ticket for your return leg. If you book your Advance tickets in this way, you will still save money as opposed to buying a return ticket.

You can change your Advance ticket for free to a different time and date only. If you need to make a change, we ask that you do so prior to 18:00 the day before you’re booked to travel.

When it comes to cancellations, refunds on Advance rail tickets are only available if you were unable to travel on that train due to delays or the cancellation of your train. Refunds don’t apply if you couldn’t make the train for any other reason. If you decide to get another train, you may also be charged additional fees.

Looking to save even more money on your Advance tickets? There are ways you can get cheap Advance train tickets.

Buying Off-Peak tickets before the day you travel is one of the best ways to secure the cheapest Advance train tickets online. Advance tickets are usually much cheaper too if you can avoid travelling during busy peak times.

If you’re eligible for a Railcard, this will also help you cut costs. With a railcard you will already enjoy 1/3 off train travel, but if you use it to buy your tickets in advance you can save up to 50%.

• Advance Purchase tickets are available on the majority of longer distance TransPennine Express journeys
• Tickets are for single journeys, but return journeys can be made by purchasing two single tickets
• Seat reservations may not be available for Advance Purchase bookings made on the day of departure
• If travelling on one of our new Nova trains (with the electronic screens), reservations are typically available up to one hour before departure from origin
• If you book an Advance Purchase ticket without a seat reservation, you must still travel on your booked time train
• For all ticket origin and destinations where TPE Advance tickets are available, Advance Purchase products are available up to 15 minutes before departure, subject to availability

• Advance Purchase prices are subject to availability so higher demand services (for example, at peak times) will have higher price points and as availability for a service reduces, the price will typically increase

• Due to the limited availability and popularity of these tickets, please book early to avoid disappointment
• Savings are calculated by comparing the overall average saving of Advance Purchase standard single ticket fares for TransPennine Express journeys over a sample 12 week booking horizon, purchased before the day of travel, to the equivalent price of an Anytime Standard Single ticket
• Advance Purchase tickets are valid only for the train service for which they are booked
• Changes to the date and time can be made before departure, but any difference in price would be payable. Depending on the delivery method chosen, you may need to allow time for the re-posting of tickets 
• Advance Purchase tickets are non-refundable
• If you buy your tickets with a Railcard, don't forget to take it with you when you travel as your ticket won't be valid without it