Buying Train Tickets in Britain
Single, Day Returns and Cheap Fares on Network Rail
When travelling by train in Britain, getting the cheapest ticket can be difficult. Here is a quick guide to the various types of ticket available.
Buying train tickets in Britain can be a confusing, and daunting, task. Ticket prices can depend on a number of factors. These include the time of day, how far in advance the ticket is booked, how flexible your travel plans and your age. With a bit of planning, substantial savings are available. Every journey is different, and there are no set rules, but it is usually cheaper to:
- · Book as far in advance as you can
- · Travel when the trains are expected to be quiet
- · Purchase a railcard, if you are eligible
Often, two single tickets cost less than a return. On longer journeys, buying a ticket to an intermediate station and another for the rest of the journey can save money. At the time of writing, a return ticket from Manchester to Nottingham costs £30.80. Buying a ticket from Manchester to Sheffield (£10.00) and another from Sheffield to Nottingham (£14.90) will save £5.90. This is a random choice and there are many more examples.
When booking train tickets online, the most common ticket types are:
First Class Open
This is, by far, the most expensive way of travelling on Britain’s railways. Travel in style with comfortable seats, complimentary drinks and the facilities to work while you travel. Fully flexible tickets allow you to travel by any train.
Discounted First Class Tickets
Available on off peak services, usually on a weekend, these offer substantial reductions on normal first class tickets. Travel is restricted to specified trains and some of the full first class facilities may not be provided.
Standard Class Open
These are fully flexible tickets, without the perks of travelling first class. Single tickets are usually valid on the day of travel only and returns are valid for up to one month; though in London and on local services return tickets are valid only for one day.
Saver Returns
On many routes, these can be bought on the day of travel. These are valid for one month on off-peak journeys.
Supersaver Single/Return
Cheaper than Savers, SuperSavers are available, in limited numbers, on a few routes. Advance booking is essential.
Cheap Day Single/Return
Available mainly on local journeys theses are valid for travel on the date shown on the ticket only. Peak travel restrictions vary from company to company.
Network Awaybreak
In London and the South East, Network AwayBreak Tickets are valid stays up to 5 days. Advance booking is required and travel is not allowed at peak times.
Superadvance Single/Return
SuperAdvance tickets are available in limited numbers on selected journeys. Travel is on specified trains only and the return journey must be specified at the time of booking. Tickets must be booked no later than 1800 on the day before Outward travel, subject to availability. Complimentary seat reservation is included.
Apex Single/Return
Apex tickets are similar to Super Advance but seven days advance booking is required, two days if travelling by Scotrail
Season Tickets
Regular commuters benefit from a season ticket. Unlimited travel is allowed between two specified stations for a period between seven days and one year. The longer the period of the ticket, the bigger the saving.
Special Offers
Most companies offer special bargain tickets and discounts. These are usually strictly limited in numbers and require advance booking. Beware; some of these tickets have strict conditions that are not obvious.
Recently, a woman travelling from London to Berwick on Tweed caught her return journey at York (100 miles nearer London) to be told her ticket was only valid if she caught the train at Berwick and she had to pay the standard single fare.
Children
Children 16 and under usually travel at a cheaper fare. The amount of the reduction varies and some cheaper tickets may offer no reductions for children.
Railcards
Railcards offer the holder discounted fares on certain types of tickets. These are valid for twelve months and cost a nominal amount, which can often be less than the savings on one journey.
Railcards are available for
- Young People, under 26 years of age
- Disabled people, a carer can travel, with the cardholder, at the discounted rate
- Families
- Senior Citizens
Visitors To Britain
If you live abroad and plan to visit Britain, the BritRail Pass gives the freedom to travel on all National Rail services.
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