UK rail fares are notoriously expensive, but with the right booking strategy, you can travel for a fraction of the standard cost. Follow these five essential booking rules.
1. Book 8 to 12 Weeks in Advance
Train operators release cheap "Advance" tickets around 12 weeks before travel. Once these sell out, you are left with pricier Off-Peak and Anytime options.
2. Use Split Ticketing
Split ticketing is 100% legal. By buying tickets for individual legs of the journey instead of one ticket for the entire length, you exploit price discrepancies in the ticketing matrix.
Rule: The train MUST call at all the stations you have tickets for. You do not need to get off the train.
3. Invest in a National Railcard
For £30 a year, a railcard gives you a 1/3 discount on most off-peak train fares. It pays for itself in just one or two long-distance trips.
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Related Transport Corridor
London to Manchester
Tickets from £8