Cheap Train Tickets to Scarborough

"What remains is the holiday-resort atmosphere that ran away with the town in the 18th and 19th centuries, capitalising on Scarborough's natural spa waters." Lonely Planet

Tip 1: Buy advance tickets to make savings
Make sure you get the cheapest tickets by booking as soon as possible. Advance fares are released by the train operating companies up to 12 weeks before your departure date, so you can start searching then. These tickets are in high demand so can sell out quite quickly, the earlier you book, the more likely you are to find them available. If it's not possible to plan your journey this far in advance, sometimes you might find these tickets available up to 1hr before you're due to travel.

Scarborough is famous for its two beautiful beaches that draw a considerable crowd of holidaymakers each year. The third-largest town in North Yorkshire, Scarborough has a population of around 60,000. It used to be a medieval fishing village known for its natural spa waters. Nowadays, there are a few Victorian-style spa resorts and several luxury hotels.

Tip 2: It's not necessary to pay booking fees
Many retailers charge booking fees whenever you take a journey with them, increasing your travel costs. Split My Fare doesn't charge these fees or for using your credit card. We only charge 10% of any savings you make by splitting your fare. If you don't find a split ticket, you won't pay anything more.

Tip 3: If your train is late you can claim a refund
Your train may not always be on time, but you can claim a refund from the operator if it is late. With the Delay Repay scheme, you could be eligible for a full or partial refund. It is worth checking the policy of the company you travel with and claiming compensation through them. You can get a refund for any delay over 15 minutes.

Tip 4: Popular routes are more expensive
Demand affects ticket prices so they can fluctuate depending on how quickly they are selling. If you travel on popular routes at busy times, the fare will be higher. Travelling during the week and avoiding busy holiday times can help keep the price down.

Tip 5: Booking as a group can get discounts
Scarborough is a great destination to visit with friends. The cheapest way to make bookings for 3-9 people is to use Groupsave discount. With this, if you travel together on an off-peak train, you get up to 1/3 off. Selecting to receive e-Tickets when booking means you can forward them to the group, avoiding the need for multiple paper tickets.

TransPennine Express runs an hourly train service to Scarborough, with an onward connection to York, Leeds and Manchester. Northern Rail has a less frequent service to Scarborough that then goes to Bridlington.

One of the best places to visit is Southsea Common, a ten-acre open space where you'll also find Southsea Castle. One of King Henry VII's favourite hideaways; it is from this castle that he watched his vessel, the Mary Rose, sink into the ocean.

Tip 6: Return tickets aren't always cheaper
If you're travelling to Scarborough by train and returning to your original location, you might think a return ticket would be the cheapest option. It isn't always the case, and a more affordable way to travel might be buying two single tickets. It is worth comparing the different options; Split My Fare does this, so you get the cheapest train tickets.

Tip 7: Slower trains can save money
If you're in a hurry, it can be worth choosing only to see the fastest fares when you book. However, you might find that you can get cheaper tickets by taking a slower train that may involve changes. We will always show you the lowest priced tickets if they mean taking a slower train.

Tip 8: It might be worth travelling first-class
Another way to get a good deal is by checking the price of first-class tickets compared to standard. When there is low demand, fares can be similarly priced or cheaper than the standard fare. An added perk is travelling in comfort with a larger seat and free food and drinks.

Most of the attractions in Scarborough are on the seafront, with a few in the town centre, a short walk inland. Scarborough Castle is the most prominent attraction in the city; rising majestically on top of the headland. Legend has it that Richard I loved this area's view so much that his ghost keeps coming back here.

It is also worth checking out the Sea Life Sanctuary. You get to see marine life up close in this family-friendly attraction, including colourful coral reefs, octopuses, seahorses, turtles, and other fascinating marine life creatures. If you fancy an educational experience, check out the Rotunda, a museum dedicated to the coastal geology of Northeast Yorkshire. It has yielded Britain's most significant dinosaur fossils.

Tip 9: If you're a regular traveller then purchase a railcard
Railcards are one of the best ways to keep ticket prices down when you make a trip. Even if you travel by train a few times a year, it is worth buying one. They cost as little as £30, and most of them make a 1/3 discount every time you use them. Having a card also means getting free entry into attractions and other deals.

The Two Together card allows two adults who regularly take journeys together to save up to 1/3. The Friends and Family card gives up to four adults and four children a discount when they go on the same train; children save 60%, and adults get 1/3 off tickets. The Senior Railcard is only £70 for three years, and there is also a Disabled Persons Railcard, Network Railcard and 16-25 Railcard. You can find more information on the railcard website, and buy them from any National Rail Ticket Office.

Tip 10: You can make savings by being flexible
Usually, you can find cheap train tickets if you are willing to be flexible with your plans. Looking at alternative dates and times and staying away from peak hours all help save money. Our planner makes it easier to find cheap rail fares by allowing you to compare different travel options.