People who reside in the UK have felt the impact of the increases in train tickets. Travelling costs have become so high that a majority of the people have opted for other options of transport. There are a lot of people who do not have the understanding of how the railway system works. They have been hit hard by the train fees increase.
The first step in booking a ticket is to go and look at National Railway. The website makes it easier to look up prices and schedules. It also provides information on the most cost effective railway services. Those who are interested to book cheap tickets must definitely look at this website however, before you make a booking go through the promotional offers first. Virgin trains are one of the most popular trains and offers the most affordable train fares. You probably trying to figure out when these tickets will be available at this rate but unfortunately it’s impossible. The best advice to give though is to book the tickets well in advance. The best tactic to use is to look for tickets at a low fare around 8-12 weeks prior if you are planning on travelling. Another option is to visit one of the areas dedicated rail companies, for example, if you are traveling in the North of England, cheap rail fares can be found on Northern Rail and same goes for the South, East and West of England by visiting the local operators.
The other way of saving on tickets is to split your trip. What this means is that you have to split the route into halves and instead of taking long trip on a single train, change a few trains. One more thing you would like to look into is to check the two individual tickets instead of booking an advance return ticket. Believe it or not this tactic can possibly help you save almost 60% of your travel costs. You can then easily book cheap tickets.
Those who travel frequently and are under 26 years of age or above 60, this means that you must get yourself a rail card it will offer you a lot of discounts. The South – East Region is covered by the Network Rail Card. The system card comes with benefits for your partner too, you can also use it if you are travelling alone. It costs very little.
Here are a few tips to save money when you travel by train:
- Book ahead as far as 12 weeks: You will be able to get cheap and advance tickets there and back for as little as 30 pounds or the Londen Leeds return journey,14.60 pounds Standard Class Advance Single in each direction saving a mere 85% .Although you need to know exactly which day and train you want to travel. Advance tickets are however restricted to a certain date and train. Unfortunately advance tickets are not refundable.
- Opt to buy a Railcard: Railcards give you typically off 33% for most train fares. The Family and Friends Railcard gives you 60% off children fares. The 16-25 Railcard is ideal for students the cost normally covers one journey from or to university. There are also Railcards available for the over 60 year olds and they can be used for the normal day to day visits of friends it is a really cheap and relaxed way to travel. These Railcards are available for 30 pounds per year.
- Buy Carnets: Buy Carnets if you frequently make the same journey.
- Season tickets: If you buy season tickets they offer great value for money. If you travel more than twice a week then it is usually good to get season tickets. You can buy season tickets from your train operator
- Visiting London, Buy a Travel card: Travel cards are very cost effective if you are travelling around London by underground, bus or train.
- Cheap combination of tickets: MyTraintickets has the cheapest combination of fares.
- Groupsave tickets: Groupsave is available on different routes and you will save a lot if you are more than 3 people.
- Be quick take advantage of special offers: The National Rail Network provides special offers throughout the year
Top Savers
London to Edinburgh – 11 weeks in advance – £19.10 for a Standard Class Advance Single ticket (Adult) – saving £106.60 (that’s 86%)
London to Aberdeen – 11 weeks in advance – £24.00 for a Standard Class Advance Single ticket (Adult) – saving £122.00 (that’s 84%)
Leeds to Bristol – 11 weeks in advance – £23.00 for a Standard Class Advance Single ticket (Adult) – saving £131.00 (that’s 86%
Cut down on your travel costs and book cheap train tickets
