As of the 2nd March 2025, train fares in England and Wales have gone up by 4.6%, with some fares rising more than others. In London, Tube and rail fares have increased as well, and most railcards now cost £5 more. With these price hikes, it’s the perfect time to look for ways to save on your train travel.
Here are some simple tips to help you cut costs and make your journeys more affordable.
Train ticket prices are mostly tied to something called the Retail Price Index (RPI) – basically a measure of inflation from the previous July that helps decide how much prices go up.
When rail companies explain these increases, they usually point to several needs:
The tricky part? These fare increases have been growing faster than most people's wages for years now, making that daily commute an ever-bigger chunk of our monthly budgets. It's a real challenge for many of us who rely on trains to get around.
If you know your travel plans, booking your tickets in advance is one of the easiest ways to save money. Advance tickets can be released up to 12 weeks before travel, and the earlier you book, the better the deal.
Yes! Buying tickets on the day of travel can cost 50-200% more than booking ahead. Those "Anytime" or "Off-Peak" tickets you grab at the station come with flexibility, but also a hefty price tag.
Take a London to Manchester journey – you might pay £90 for an on-the-day ticket compared to just £35 for the same journey booked in advance.
💡Top tip: Even booking just the night before can save you money! Many train operators release unsold advance tickets until 6pm the day before travel, so it's worth checking online before heading to the station.
Railcards are a fantastic way to cut costs, saving you up to a third on most train fares. There are several types available depending on your circumstances:
Most railcards now cost £35 a year, following the price rise, but they can quickly pay for themselves in just a few trips.
Want to save even more? Travel at off-peak times. Off-peak and super off-peak tickets are typically much cheaper than those during busy commuter hours.
A little-known trick that can save you money is split ticketing. This means buying separate tickets for different legs of your journey instead of one direct ticket.
Websites and apps like Split My Fare and TrainSplit can help you find cheaper combinations for your trip.
If you commute regularly, a season ticket could save you a lot of money in the long run. Available as weekly, monthly, or annual passes, they’re ideal for people who travel the same route often.
Plus, some employers offer schemes to help you pay for season tickets in instalments, often interest-free.
Don’t forget to check out cashback and discount websites. Services like Trainline and National Rail sometimes offer exclusive promotions, while cashback sites like TopCashback and Quidco let you earn a little back on your ticket purchases.
Flexibility can be your friend when it comes to saving money. Check whether travelling from a nearby station or taking a slower service could be cheaper.
Example: A slower train or alternative station could shave off a significant amount from your ticket price.
If you’re travelling with friends or family, group discounts are an excellent way to reduce costs. Many train companies offer up to a third off fares for groups of three or more.
If your job requires regular commuting, it’s worth checking if your employer offers a season ticket loan. This allows you to purchase an annual pass upfront and pay it off through your salary, often without interest.
If your train is delayed by 15 minutes or more, you may be eligible for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme. You can claim even if you have a discounted ticket. Simply keep your ticket and make a claim on the train operator’s website to get some money back.
Before booking your tickets, compare prices on different platforms. Some third-party websites, like Trainline, charge a booking fee, which means you could end up paying more than necessary. By booking directly through train operators like Avanti West Coast or LNER, you can often get the same ticket without extra fees.
Every little saving helps, so why not try a few of these tips on your next journey?
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure content is correct when published. Information on this website doesn't constitute financial advice, and we aren't responsible for the content of any external sites.
Fiona is a personal finance writer with over 7 years’ experience writing for a broad range of industries before joining Ocean in 2021. She uses her wealth of experience to turn the overwhelming aspects of finance into articles that are easy to understand.
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