view of london bridge on the river thames from the shard

Cheap Trains to London

Get the best ticket prices to London with our split ticket search.

Trains to London

"When a man is tired of London he is tired of life, for there is in London all that life can afford.” Samuel Johnson

On this page, we will provide useful tips for finding cheaper train tickets to London, including details on ticket options, discounts, and eligibility to help you make informed decisions.

Tip 1 Find cheaper fares by booking your train ticket in advance

To get the best price for your train tickets, don’t wait until the day of departure. Instead, book tickets in advance—up to 12 weeks ahead—when train operators release them. Booking train tickets in advance can lead to significant savings, as prices often increase as the departure date approaches. Lower-priced Advance train tickets for trains to London can often sell out, so we recommend you search for your journey as early as possible. Purchasing Advance tickets can lead to significant savings; to maximise them, book Advance tickets during Off-Peak times, as these tickets are generally cheaper than Peak tickets. If you can’t book your ticket until the last minute, you can sometimes still buy Advance fares up to an hour before departure.

Take in a match at Emirates Stadium, see the majestic Buckingham Palace, or pretend you’ve met a celebrity at Madame Tussauds. London is an excellent city for those looking to visit top attractions, see famous landmarks, and enjoy a memorable trip. It’s also a popular destination for business travel across the UK.

Tip 2 Avoid paying a booking fee on your tickets
Some train ticket retailers charge a fee for every journey you book. For example, Trainline charges up to £1.50 per ticket. With SplitMyFare, there is no booking fee—only if you save money by splitting your train tickets will we charge 10% of the savings. If you don’t make a split ticket saving, you won’t pay a fee, helping you save even more money on trains to London. Booking directly through operators like LNER or Avanti West Coast often avoids booking fees and provides better customer service.
Tip 3 Claim a refund when there is a delay to your train
There is no guarantee your train will be on time. If there is a delay, you can claim money back through Delay Repay, whatever the reason. While delay-repay policies vary across operators, refunds are usually available for delays exceeding 15 minutes. Check the policy of the operator you are travelling with and apply for compensation through them.

Take a walk through St. James’s Park or enjoy a night out at Theatre Royal Haymarket. If you’re a bit of a bookworm, there’s plenty to read at the British Library, which has one of the largest collections in the world.

With over 65 million visitors in 2015 and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, England’s capital is a city worth visiting. It is one of the world’s premier financial centres and a great university destination, but London is not just about work and money. The city is a melting pot of cultures and has many tourist attractions, including some of Britain’s most significant landmarks.

Tip 4
Demand determines the price of train tickets, and one way to save money is to avoid busier city-centre stations. Stopping at a quieter station just outside the city centre can help you find cheap train tickets and better ticket options for trains to London. Frequent trains are run by regional operators such as Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, and Greater Anglia in the city.

There are many ways to travel around London. You can use underground and overground trains, buses, river services, or even hire bicycles. If you’re coming from a nearby city, bringing your car may not be the best idea as London traffic is often congested. The public transport network connects you to almost every corner of the city, making it easy to explore and go shopping.

Tip 5 If you're travelling in a group, book together.
When you’re taking the same train in a group of 3 to 9 people, you can get 1/3 off the price of your ticket during off-peak hours by booking together. The discount is automatically applied when eligible. To avoid managing multiple paper tickets, you can choose to collect e-tickets instead.

For those who love history and royalty, the Tower of London is a great place to visit. You can reach it via nearby stations such as Tower Hill Station or Fenchurch Street Station. From there, you can easily see Tower Bridge. The London Eye sits on the south bank of the River Thames and offers fantastic views across the city.

Tip 6 Compare the price of single and return tickets
If you are taking a round trip to London, it can be worth comparing the price of a return ticket with two single tickets. Often, one option works out cheaper. At SplitMyFare, we help find the cheapest combination of train tickets for your journey so you can save money.
A trip to London would not be complete without seeing Big Ben. Located near the Palace of Westminster and the Houses of Parliament, it remains one of the most recognisable landmarks. Buckingham Palace is also nearby and within walking distance of Green Park Station. If you enjoy art, the Tate Modern is a must-visit, and entry is free.

A visit to London would not be complete without seeing Big Ben, it is currently closed for renovation but is still a must-see landmark during your trip. Located near the Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament, the clock tower housing the Great Bell of Big Ben is hard to miss. Buckingham Palace provides an excellent photo opportunity; the Queen's residence is just a 5-10 minute walk from Green Park station. If you are a fan of Art, visiting the Tate Modern in Southwark is a must and entry is free.

Tip 7 Take a slower train
If you don’t mind a longer journey, taking a slower train with changes can help you save money. If a slower route offers a cheaper ticket, we will show this option when you search. If you need to reach your destination quickly, you can also view the fastest trains available. Using split ticketing can lead to savings of around 26% and, in some cases, up to 90% on train fares. Split ticketing involves breaking a journey into two or more segments, which can be done manually or via platforms that automate it, such as TrainSplit.
Tip 8 Compare the cost of Standard and First-Class tickets
Due to changes in demand, it can be worth comparing standard and first-class train tickets. Sometimes, First-class tickets can be similar in price to, or even cheaper than, standard tickets, depending on availability. Anytime tickets allow boarding any train on the specified date, with no time restrictions.
Tip 9 Use Railcards if you travel regularly
If you take trains even a few times a year, a Railcard can help you save money on your journey. Most Railcards offer up to 1/3 off train tickets, helping reduce overall cost. Using a National Railcard can save you up to 1/3 on your train tickets, making it a valuable option for frequent travellers. Combining a Railcard with Advance tickets can lead to significant savings, as both discounts can be applied to the same journey. Options include the Two Together Railcard, Family and Friends Railcard, Disabled Persons Railcard, and Senior Railcard. You can usually buy a Railcard online or at stations across the UK.
Tip 10 Be flexible about when you travel

If your travel date is flexible, comparing different times can help you find cheaper train tickets. Our booking page makes it easy to search alternative journeys, helping you save both money and time. Travelling outside peak times or on weekdays rather than weekends can also reduce your ticket price. Travelling during Off-Peak hours can help you secure cheaper train tickets to London, as these tickets are typically less expensive than Peak tickets. Off-Peak tickets allow travel on any train during quieter times, typically after 09:30 on weekdays and all day at weekends. Fares are generally much lower outside of morning and evening commuter hours, typically before 09:30 and between 16:00 and 19:00 on weekdays.

For more details on ticket options, discounts, and eligibility, be sure to review information from train operators and ticket retailers to make the most informed and cost-effective choices for your journey.

Things to do in London

There’s no shortage of things to do in London, whether you’re planning a short trip or a longer stay in the city. From world-famous attractions to hidden gems, it’s easy to explore and make the most of your visit.

Start with some of the most iconic landmarks. You can walk along the River Thames, take in views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, or visit Buckingham Palace, a site of historical and cultural significance. Nearby, Westminster Abbey offers a fascinating look into British history.

Head towards South Bank for a lively atmosphere, street performers, and great views across the city. This area is home to the Southbank Centre and the National Theatre, as well as the Tate Modern, which is free to enter and perfect for an afternoon visit.

If you venture west, you’ll find attractions like South Kensington, known for its museums and cultural sites, and enjoy the impressive western skyline of London. Art lovers should also stop by the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. At the same time, those looking for something different can enjoy shopping in Soho, known for its mix of independent stores, vintage clothes, and vibrant nightlife. There are also plenty of restaurants to suit every budget, making it easy to plan a great day out.

For market enthusiasts, don’t miss the Nine Elms Sunday Market, held every Sunday, where you can browse a variety of vintage and speciality items, including unique clothes and delicious Polish sausage Kielbasa.

Getting around the city is simple with regular trains, buses, and other transport services connecting key stations and areas. Whether you’re heading between attractions or exploring a new part of London, public transport makes your journey easy.

No matter your interests, London offers something for every trip, with endless sights, experiences, and events to discover.

Main Train Stations in London

The biggest and busiest stations in London are the following; if you are travelling into the city, you will likely arrive at one of these major stations. London is served by 17 terminal stations, making it one of the most well-connected cities in the UK by train. When searching for your journey using our fare finder page, you can select London (All Stations), and we will find the best route and lowest price for your train tickets and ticket options.

If you are planning onward travel to another destination, such as an airport, you can also continue your journey by train from many of these central London stations, with regular London trains connecting across the city and beyond. London Paddington services West and South West routes, while London St Pancras International serves East Midlands Railway and Eurostar routes. T London King's Cross serves East Coast routes, while London Euston serves West Coast routes. Major cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham have direct trains arriving at hubs like King's Cross and Euston. When planning a train journey to London, it's important to check the arrival station, as different stations may have varying ticket prices and travel times. To navigate the London Underground and local trains, you will need an Oyster Card or a Contactless payment method.

Popular Routes to London

London can be easily reached from anywhere in the UK, whether you are travelling from elsewhere in England or from Scotland or Wales. There are regular trains to London from major city locations, making your journey simple and convenient.

From the North West, Avanti West Coast offers frequent, fast services from Manchester and Liverpool, making it a convenient option for travellers heading towards the capital. These routes are popular for both business and leisure journeys, with regular departures throughout the day.

The fastest journey from Leeds to London King's Cross is 1 hour 59 minutes via LNER, providing a quick and efficient connection between Yorkshire and London. With comfortable seating and onboard facilities, this route is ideal for those looking to travel with ease.

The Eurostar provides high-speed links from Paris and Brussels directly to London St Pancras International, offering seamless international travel into the UK. This makes it simple to connect from major European cities straight into London’s transport network.

From the North, LNER operates hourly, fast services from Edinburgh, Newcastle, and York, giving passengers reliable long-distance connections. These services are well-suited to both regular commuters and those planning longer trips across the country.

Great Western Railway provides direct services from Bristol, Cardiff, and Oxford from the West/South West, connecting key cities into London with ease. These routes are known for their comfort and scenic views along the way.

The fastest journey from Birmingham to London Euston is 1 hour 13 minutes via Avanti West Coast, making it one of the quickest intercity routes in the UK. With frequent departures, this service is ideal for those needing a fast and reliable connection between the Midlands and London.

If you are travelling to the UK from overseas, you could tie your trip to London with a visit to other fantastic destinations across the country. For example, if you travel from Edinburgh to London, you can enjoy stunning coastline views along the route, making the journey part of the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get the cheapest train tickets to London?

You can get the cheapest train tickets for trains to London by splitting your ticket with us. By comparing different train tickets and routes, savings of up to 90% are available, helping you save money on your journey to London.

What is the cheapest way to travel to London?

The train is often the cheapest way to travel to London, especially when you book tickets in advance and avoid peak times. Use our tips above to find lower prices, compare train tickets, and save money on your trip.

Is Clapham Junction a London terminal?

Clapham Junction is a major railway station in London, located on both the South Western Main Line and Brighton Main Line. While it is not a central terminal like some other London stations, it is one of the busiest stations in the city and a key hub for trains and travel across the UK.

How many train stations are there in London?

There are 12 major train stations in central London, each serving different routes and destinations across the UK. These stations connect a wide range of trains to London, making it easy to arrive in the city and continue your journey using local services.