If you’re looking to travel by train in the UK, Trainline is one of the most popular platforms to book your tickets. However, train travel in the UK can be expensive, especially if you’re not familiar with the pricing structure or the various available discounts. In this article, we’ll share 10 tips for booking cheap train tickets on trainline.
- Book in advance
One of the easiest ways to save money on train tickets is to book in advance. The earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets are likely to be. Trainline allows you to book tickets up to 24 weeks in advance, so it’s worth planning your journey as early as possible to take advantage of the lowest prices.
- Use split tickets
Splitting your journey into multiple tickets can sometimes work out cheaper than buying a single ticket for the entire journey. For example, if you’re traveling from London to Manchester, it might be cheaper to buy a ticket from London to Milton Keynes and another ticket from Milton Keynes to Manchester. Trainline offers a SplitSave feature that automatically searches for and suggests split ticket options to save you money.
- Consider off-peak travel
Off-peak tickets are cheaper than peak tickets, which are valid during the busiest times of the day. If you’re flexible with your travel times, consider traveling during off-peak hours to save money. Trainline makes it easy to search for off-peak tickets by selecting the ‘Anytime’ or ‘Off-peak’ option when searching for tickets.
- Use a Railcard
Railcards are a great way to save money on train tickets if you travel frequently. There are many different Railcards available, including the 16-25 Railcard, the Family & Friends Railcard, and the Senior Railcard. Each Railcard offers a different discount, but they all offer significant savings on train travel. Trainline allows you to easily add your Railcard to your booking to apply the discount.
- Book return tickets
Booking a return ticket can sometimes be cheaper than booking two single tickets. Trainline automatically suggests return tickets when you search for tickets, so make sure to compare the prices of single and return tickets to see which option is cheaper.
- Look out for promotions
Trainline regularly offers promotions and discounts on train tickets, so keep an eye out for these when booking your tickets. Follow Trainline on social media or sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date with the latest promotions.
- Avoid booking fees
Some train ticket booking platforms charge booking fees, but Trainline doesn’t. However, it’s worth noting that Trainline charges a small delivery fee if you choose to receive your tickets by post rather than printing them at home or collecting them from a ticket machine.
- Book flexible tickets
Flexible tickets allow you to change your travel dates or times without incurring any fees. While flexible tickets are usually more expensive than non-flexible tickets, they can be a good option if you’re not sure about your travel plans. Trainline allows you to easily filter search results by flexible tickets.
- Check for cashback options
Some cashback websites offer cashback on train ticket bookings made through Trainline. This can be a great way to save even more money on your train travel. Make sure to check if there are any cashback options available before booking your tickets.
- Compare prices
Finally, make sure to compare prices across different train ticket booking platforms to ensure you’re getting the best deal. While Trainline is a popular platform, other platforms such as National Rail Enquiries and Train Genius may offer cheaper prices for your journey.
In conclusion, booking cheap train tickets on Trainline is possible if you follow these 10 tips. By booking in advance, using split
