Is it cheaper to pre book train tickets UK?

Yes. Advance train tickets are usually the cheapest way to travel by train, and generally go on sale 12 weeks before your date of travel. You'll need to travel on the train you're booked on, but you'll get a cheaper price by foregoing flexible travel times.



People Also Ask

Advance purchase tickets are cheaper rail fares which are sold prior to the day of travel, and, in some cases on the day of departure.

MORE DETAILS

Is it okay if we book 30 days ahead ? In general it is cheaper to book long distance trains ahead of time - 10 to 12 weeks is when cheap (but inflexible) tickets are released for sale. At 30 days on most routes there would be a reasonable selection still on sale if you are not too choosy about times.

MORE DETAILS

Typically, train companies release their Advance tickets 12 weeks before the departure date, although some go on sale as far as 24 weeks in advance! Only a limited number of tickets will be available, so be quick to secure yours as the fare can rise as the date of travel gets nearer.

MORE DETAILS

Amtrak Train has special offers every week; it is recommended to check to see what sales are being offered by the company on Tuesdays and Fridays. However, according to Money Saving Expert, purchasing train tickets 12 weeks before the departure date can potentially result in further savings.

MORE DETAILS

Cheaper train tickets: Five ways to save money
  1. Buy in advance. Advance train tickets are usually released up to 12 weeks before your departure date, although some go on sale as far as 24 weeks in advance. ...
  2. Split your fare. ...
  3. Use a rail card. ...
  4. Travel in groups. ...
  5. Take advantage of flexible commuting.


MORE DETAILS

The prices are the same although online is easier as you can see a range of prices and trains for any given train service, and you don't have to leave the house to search. Booking tickets on the day is generally more expensive as “Advance” tickets will not be as readily available.

MORE DETAILS

The reasons for this are varied: from the privatisation of the rail industry to the rising cost of infrastructure. The UK does not have fixed rates like other European countries such as France, which can result in flight tickets being cheaper than a regional train journey in the UK.

MORE DETAILS

No the ticket prices are not cheaper in the middle of the night. You might find that prices go down on Tuesday or Wednesday. But there is no rule that is true all the time. Just search for fares ahead of time and when you find a fare you like purchase it.

MORE DETAILS

The trainline is a reseller/agent so although the fares are usually the same, you may other charges such as booking fees/credit card fees and delivery fees and may miss any special promotional fares. There is no point in booking through them.

MORE DETAILS

In some cases, Trainline's bus and bus/train combo options are worthwhile. In our extensive testing, it's the number one result for the best train fares in Europe.

MORE DETAILS

The booking fee you pay is calculated depending on whether you book on our website or on our app, when you are purchasing your ticket, and the value of your ticket.

MORE DETAILS

Online tickets can be purchased from the comfort of your own home, whereas counter tickets require you to physically visit a ticket counter or outlet. Additionally, online tickets may also provide you with discounts or other benefits that are not available with counter tickets.

MORE DETAILS

Trainline is accredited by National Rail to provide information, timetables and sell tickets for the UK rail industry. If you're after information about National Rail, you've come to the right place. National Rail is the public facing brand of the Rail Delivery Group (RDG).

MORE DETAILS