Tips for Getting Cheap Train Fares
Most train operators offer passengers a tailor-made option with transport arrangements specifically for them.
You can engage a travel agent to help you plan your trip.
They will make sure your tickets, transfers and hotels have been organized to your specification.
An expert will take care of alternative arrangements in the event of disruptions, such as floods or strikes arising before the trip.
Make sure to shop for travel agency services to save money.
However, booking your own train tickets by phone or online and arranging a trip yourself offers the cheapest option when it comes to train travel.
Some of the easy ways of saving train fares include: · Early booking Advance tickets offer an effective way of saving money on your travel.
The tickets are available up to 12 weeks in advance, with prices starting low.
However, advance tickets are often in limited supply.
Therefore, the earlier you contact the train operator, the better for you.
· Travel off peak 'Off peak' and 'Super off peak' tickets offer considerable savings than 'Anytime' tickets.
Travelling any other time other than peak time can save you money on your train fares.
Although the peak hours vary among different operators, the hours usually fall between 6am and 9am and between 4pm and 7pm.
However, you can only take advantage of off peak fares if you are flexible with your travel, allowing you travel earlier or later during the day when the fares are much lower.
· Buy a Rail card There are different types of Rail cards, including Senior (aged 60 or over), Family & Friends (those with children between 5 & 15 years), Students (aged 16-25), Disabled persons, Network and Gold Rail cards.
Most of these Rail cards offer a 1/3 off when you travel in first class and in standard class.
However, some have certain restrictions and extra features which you may need to consider.
· Buy season tickets If you travel between two stations regularly, you can save money when you purchase a season ticket.
You can save much more by buying an annual ticket which often pays for 40 weeks as opposed to 52 weeks, saving you up to 25% of your cost if you were to buy individual weekly tickets.
· Book online The same way you can buy tickets from an airport coach online, you can consider the option of buying train tickets online.
This can go a long way in getting you the cheapest fares.
The online booking systems show passengers the trains particular tickets are valid on.
This helps them to choose the most competitive fares for their journey.
You can engage a travel agent to help you plan your trip.
They will make sure your tickets, transfers and hotels have been organized to your specification.
An expert will take care of alternative arrangements in the event of disruptions, such as floods or strikes arising before the trip.
Make sure to shop for travel agency services to save money.
However, booking your own train tickets by phone or online and arranging a trip yourself offers the cheapest option when it comes to train travel.
Some of the easy ways of saving train fares include: · Early booking Advance tickets offer an effective way of saving money on your travel.
The tickets are available up to 12 weeks in advance, with prices starting low.
However, advance tickets are often in limited supply.
Therefore, the earlier you contact the train operator, the better for you.
· Travel off peak 'Off peak' and 'Super off peak' tickets offer considerable savings than 'Anytime' tickets.
Travelling any other time other than peak time can save you money on your train fares.
Although the peak hours vary among different operators, the hours usually fall between 6am and 9am and between 4pm and 7pm.
However, you can only take advantage of off peak fares if you are flexible with your travel, allowing you travel earlier or later during the day when the fares are much lower.
· Buy a Rail card There are different types of Rail cards, including Senior (aged 60 or over), Family & Friends (those with children between 5 & 15 years), Students (aged 16-25), Disabled persons, Network and Gold Rail cards.
Most of these Rail cards offer a 1/3 off when you travel in first class and in standard class.
However, some have certain restrictions and extra features which you may need to consider.
· Buy season tickets If you travel between two stations regularly, you can save money when you purchase a season ticket.
You can save much more by buying an annual ticket which often pays for 40 weeks as opposed to 52 weeks, saving you up to 25% of your cost if you were to buy individual weekly tickets.
· Book online The same way you can buy tickets from an airport coach online, you can consider the option of buying train tickets online.
This can go a long way in getting you the cheapest fares.
The online booking systems show passengers the trains particular tickets are valid on.
This helps them to choose the most competitive fares for their journey.
