How Can We Help You Find Cheap Train Tickets?
The main reason customers use our site is that we find them the cheapest train tickets. We specialise in finding split tickets, which offer savings of up to 90% off your fare; getting you cheap train tickets is something we are pretty good at.
The best way to book cheap train tickets is by splitting your ticket. You can make huge savings by purchasing tickets for your journey in multiple parts but still travelling on the same train. The only condition is that the train must stop at all stations where your tickets change. Split ticketing is a handy trick, considering the rise in rail transport costs.
Find the Cheapest Train Tickets Online Using Split My Fare...
When using our site to buy tickets, we will automatically search for the cheapest split ticket so you reach your destination for the lowest price possible.
The site is easy to use; you can save a lot of money with our booking engine following the simple steps below:
1. Enter the dates and times for your travel. Usually, you can purchase cheaper Advance Tickets up to 12 weeks in advance of your journey.
2. Enter the station you are departing from and the arrival station.
3. Enter the details of how many passengers are taking the journey. If you’re travelling as a group of at least three passengers, you can save up to 34% with a GroupSave discount.
4. Add your Railcard. If you don’t have a Railcard and travel regularly, we highly recommend getting one as it can save you up to 34% on your journey. If you’re making your rail trip as a family of up to four adults and four children, there is up to 90% saving off children’s fares with a Family & Friends Railcard.
5. Book your journey.
How to Book Cheap Train Tickets?
Along with splitting your ticket, many other ways can help when finding cheap train tickets, from booking early, being flexible with your departure date and time, and finding railcard discounts. You will find many valuable tips and tricks for ways to save money on train travel in the below guide.
1. Book Early to Get Cheap Tickets
Of the different ticket types, an Advance fare is usually much cheaper than a flexible ticket. As long as you’re happy to travel at a fixed time, we recommend you book an Advance Ticket to get the cheapest fares. Advance tickets usually go on sale 12 weeks before the date of travel. We advise booking your train tickets early as they can often sell out due to high demand; they are subject to availability. If you can't book until the day of travel, Advance Fares may be available from train companies up to an hour before you leave. To get more significant savings, combine your advance ticket with a railcard.
2. Travel at Off-Peak Rather Than Peak Times
Suppose no advance fares are available, or you want flexibility in your time and day of travel. In that case, the cheapest train tickets are available when you travel during off-peak rather than peak times. Quieter off-peak periods are usually between 10 am and 4 pm, and after 7 pm, it can be worth travelling earlier or later than planned. Be careful; if a portion of your journey is leaving during a peak period, you might pay a peak price for the whole trip. Some train operators provide super off-peak tickets, which can be even cheaper.
3. Compare the Price of Single and Return Tickets
If you're taking a round trip and looking for a way to get cheap train tickets, compare the difference in price between a return ticket and two single tickets. At SplitMyFare, we automatically work out the best combination to ensure you get the cheapest fares.
4. Save Money When Travelling as a Group by Booking Together
If you are making your journey by rail in a group of 3 to 9 passengers, you can get cheap tickets with 1/3 off routes during off-peak hours when tickets are all booked together. We automatically apply the discount when you book with SplitMyFare if it is available for your journey. GroupSave discount is not available with every operator, so it is worth checking in advance. You must purchase all tickets in a single booking to get the saving and all passengers must travel on the same train.
5. Be Flexible About When You Travel
Suppose you don't need to travel on a specific day at a particular time. Another of the ways to save money is by comparing differences in prices across alternative dates and times with our best fare finder. Avoid travel at weekends where possible; increased demand at these times can mean higher prices. We recommend taking the train during off-peak hours during the week, outside of holiday time.
6. Use a Railcard
If you regularly travel by rail or only take a few train journeys a year, getting and using a Railcard can make you significant savings. Sometimes you can get Railcards for free, for example, if you open a bank account. Railcards are available to buy from £20 per year or £70 for three years. Some of the Railcards available include:
16-25 RailcardFor those aged 16-25, or mature students aged 26 or over, this Railcard is available to buy for £30 per year or £70 over three years. You could save 1/3 off most train fares, with an annual average discount of £199. Railcard has links to other companies; additional discounts are available on days out, holidays, and shops.
Two Together RailcardIf there is someone you regularly travel with, it is worth getting the Two Together Railcard. You could buy it for a friend as a present. Any two named people aged 16 or over travelling with each other can use it, you could save 1/3 off most train fares, it is available for £30 per year. Other Railcards available include the Disabled Railcard. Network Railcard, Gold Card and 16-17 Saver.
26-30 RailcardThe 26-30 or “Millennial” Railcard is for those aged 26-30. It costs £30 per year and saves 1/3 on most rail fares across Britain.
Senior RailcardThis Railcard is for senior citizens aged 60 and over. You can make a significant saving on most train tickets, and it only costs £30 per year or £70 over three years. The average annual reduction with the over 60s card is £125, and additional discounts are available with railcard partners.
7. Use a 16-25 or 26-30 Railcard, Even When You’re Older
There is a way that a 16-25 or 25-30 Railcard can still be valid when you book your train ticket, even if you’re outside the age range at 26 or 31. Make sure to purchase or renew your 16-25 Railcard a day before your 24th Birthday if you’re buying a 3-year railcard, or buy it the day before your 26th Birthday if you’re getting a 1-year Railcard.
You can use the same trick with the 25-30 Railcard; while these are only yearly, you could renew or purchase a 25-30 Railcard on the day before your 31st Birthday.
8. Avoid Paying Booking and Credit Card Fees
Some sites charge a booking fee on every journey. The Trainline charges up to £1.50 per transaction. SplitMyFare charges no booking or credit card fees; we only charge 10% of the saving made when splitting your ticket. If you don’t save money, you won't pay a fee.
9. Avoid Busy Stations
Train ticket prices are based on demand; it is easier to find cheap train fares if you choose a route that doesn’t end at a busy city station. If you can avoid travelling via busy city centre stations, you can find cheap trains to less popular destinations nearby.
10. Look at First Class Tickets
Sometimes, operators may charge a similar price for first-class fares; they can even be cheaper than standard fares. If few first-class tickets have been sold, their price may be vastly reduced so that you can travel in style at a lower cost.
11. Get Refunds When You’re Entitled to Them
With a scheme called Delay Repay, you can claim refunds if there is a delay in the service of your journey, whether it’s due to weather conditions or anything else. The delay times entitled to compensation vary between train companies, so it is worth giving their rules and terms a read, but you may be able to receive compensation if your journey has been delayed by as little as 15 minutes. You can apply for this refund through the Train Operating Company for your journey.
Top Destinations to Visit by Train
The UK has so many locations worth visiting that you can easily get cheap train tickets to. Find more information by clicking on any of the destinations below.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are cheap train tickets available?
Cheap train tickets, specifically Advance Tickets usually go on sale up to 12 weeks before the train’s departure. It is worth booking as early as possible, though advance tickets can sometimes be available up until an hour before travel.
How do I find cheap train tickets?
You can find cheap train tickets by splitting your fare with us, saving up to 90%.
Why are trains so expensive in England?
Trains are expensive in England because private companies own the Train Operators and are looking to make a profit. Rail fares have increased year on year.
Is it cheaper to book on Split My Fare or at the station?
It is usually cheaper to book train tickets on Split My Fare than at the station. 60% of our customer save money with split tickets when booking with us and on average a saving of 26% can be made. By booking on Split My Fare you may also benefit from cheaper advance tickets.
Is there an app for cheap train tickets?
We have recently launched an app that makes it easier to book cheap train tickets. You will additionally benefit from a quicker and simpler booking experience as well as being to access your tickets directly from the app.
Is it cheaper to buy train tickets on the day or online?
It is usually cheaper to buy tickets online because you will be more likely to find advance tickets, but you will also benefit from split ticket savings.
Is Split My Fare cheaper on the app?
The Split My Fare app sells split tickets at the same price as on our website. Download the App to benefit from an even quicker booking process and show your tickets from your phone.
Which app gives the cheapest train tickets?
On a test comparing our ticket prices with the Trainline App, Split My Fare came out cheaper on all 15 popular journeys that were tested.