Booking train tickets in the UK can sometimes feel a bit perplexing. If you’ve ever stood in front of a ticket machine or faced an online purchase page, unsure of which ticket choice suits your journey, rest assured, you're in good company. , but it's one we're here to help you navigate!
The vast array of tickets available from the UK's train operators can be a minefield, but that's where we come in! We’re here to clarify the differences between Advance and Anytime tickets, as well as Peak and Off-Peak. So, next time you're purchasing train tickets, you can do so confidently, ensuring you select the right ticket for your needs. To help you make the right decision on which to buy, here's what you need to know about the main types of tickets available now.
Advance tickets offer great value for money on most journeys. They can be booked in advance up to the day before you travel (and with some operators, on the day), but are subject to availability.
Most train operators release advance tickets around 12 weeks in advance - and even earlier on some routes - so plan ahead.
If you know you'll be travelling by train within the next few months, it makes sense to book your tickets now if you can. As a general rule of thumb, the earlier you book your tickets, the more you will save.
Key points to note
Off-Peak tickets are for use on trains that are less busy than those running at peak hours. Peak hours usually coincide with 'rush hour' - the period of the day when commuters are travelling to and from work.
Off-Peak tickets are cheaper than Anytime tickets, but can only be used at certain times of day and/or on some days of the week. You may also have to travel via specific routes or on trains operated by certain companies. In such cases, this will be clearly stated on your ticket(s).
These are valid for one single or one return journey, only during Off-Peak hours and only on the date shown on the ticket(s).
These are valid for one single journey on the date shown on the ticket. If you can't complete your journey on the same day you begin it, you will be allowed to finish it the following day. You may only travel during Off-Peak hours.
These are valid for one return journey, which must be made during Off-Peak hours. The outward part of the ticket is valid for travel on the date shown on the ticket. If you cannot complete your journey on the same day, you'll be allowed to complete it the following day. The return part of your ticket is valid for one calendar month from the date shown on the ticket.
Some train companies sell even cheaper Off-Peak fares known as Super Off-Peak tickets. These are available for train operators' least busy services. The times when you may use these tickets will depend on the journey you're making, and you will be advised of these when you purchase Super Off-Peak ticket(s).
Key points to note
Anytime tickets are usually the most expensive of the three main ticket types because they offer travellers the greatest flexibility.
Here's how the different types of Anytime tickets work:
These are valid for one single or one return journey at any time, but only on the date shown on the ticket.
These are valid for one single journey at any time of day, and are valid for two days beginning from the date shown on the ticket.
These are valid for one return journey. The outward part of the ticket is valid for five days from the date shown on ticket (unless otherwise shown), and the return part of the ticket is valid for one calendar month from the start date shown on the ticket.
Key points to note
Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey you book two or more tickets instead covering the exact same journey.
It may sound complicated, but it's a smart way to save serious money on rail fares. Here at TrainTickets.com we make it quick, simple and easy to buy split tickets that will help keep more cash in your pocket.
With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel!