Train Fares and Discounts Explained
So now that we have inspired your next day out you will be wanting to know how to get there by train.
Our main site National Rail Enquiries will be able to help you with all aspects of planning your journey - times, fares and much much more.
If your plans change, you can amend when you travel fee free up until 6pm the day before you travel. This applies to Advance, Off-Peak and Anytime tickets purchased until 30 September 2023. Fare price difference may apply. Advance tickets purchased online can be exchanged for a voucher for future journey.
As well as the great savings that you have found on this website, we think you will be most interested in how you can save even more money on your train fares - and so we have gathered together a summary of what is on offer below.
Which rail tickets are valid for 2FOR1 and other Days Out Guide offers?
Off-Peak tickets
Offering great value for money, these tickets may require you to travel at specific times of day, days of the week or on a specific route. Where there is more than one Off-Peak fare for a journey, the cheaper fare with more restrictions is called Super Off-Peak. You can buy Off-Peak tickets any time before you travel. The travel restrictions for your Off-Peak ticket will depend on the journey you are making and you will be advised when you buy your ticket.
Off-Peak tickets must be used on the date shown on the ticket. For Off-Peak Return tickets, outward journeys must be made on the date shown on your ticket and return journeys must be made within one calendar month.
Advanced tickets
If you want to journey by train in the future then booking your trip in advance could save you a lot of money.
Train operating companies usually release tickets 12 weeks in advance although this can vary, so the earlier you book, the better the chance you have of getting the best price.
You can read more about more about these types of tickets here.
Railcards
People who frequently use the train to make leisure journeys could get cheap train tickets with a Railcard. There are a number of different types available, all offering a fantastic 1/3 saving on your rail fares. Making travelling for leisure even more of a pleasure!
16-25 Railcard - Just £30 per year
- For those aged 16-25
- Mature students aged 26 or over and in full-time education
- 3-year Railcard available to buy online for £70
Two Together Railcard - just £30 per year
- For two named people travelling together
- Aged 16 or over
Family & Friends Railcard - Just £30 per year
- For those travelling with children aged 5-15
- Up to four adults and four children can travel on one card
- 3-year Railcard available to buy online for £70
26-30 Railcard - Just £30 per year
- For those aged 26-30
- Digital-only Railcard
Senior Railcard - Just £30 per year
- For those aged 60 or over
- 3-year Railcard available to buy online for £70
Disabled Persons Railcard - Just £20 per year
If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult, you may qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard
- 1/3 off rail fares across Britain
- For you and a friend
- 3-year Railcard available to buy for £54
Network Railcard - Just £30 per year
- For anyone travelling off-peak in the Network Railcard area which spans more than 16 counties in the South East of England, including London.
- 1/3 off rail fares for you - and up to 3 friends and 4 children.
- If you are an Annual Season Ticket holder in the Network Railcard area then you will already have the same benefits as the Network Railcard.
- For those aged 16-17
- Available as a physical card or digital to a mobile device.
Gold Card
Exclusively for annual Season Ticket holders travelling in the Network Railcard area, a Gold Card offers the same benefits as a Network Railcard which amount to incredible extra savings for you and those travelling with you.
GroupSave
Planning on a fun daytrip with friends? Or perhaps a family outing by train? With GroupSave, three to nine people can get 1/3 off Off-Peak tickets when travelling together - leaving everyone more money to spend on the day out!
Child Discounts
Up to 2 children under 5 years can travel free with each fare paying adult. Children aged 5-15 inclusive generally pay half the adult fare, except where some Railcards offer Child discounted rates. Some Train Companies in London and the South also offer a specially reduced flat fare for accompanying 5-15s. See your local train company website for details.
Tip: If you travel regularly with children throughout the country, you may find that a Network Railcard or Family & Friends Railcard can save you money.
Public Holiday and Weekend Services
Trains run every day of the year except on 25 - 26 December. Generally train times at weekends and Public Holidays are different to weekdays and you should check your journey times before travelling. These are great days to travel as time restrictions on Off Peak tickets do not apply.
Weekend First
Upgrade from Standard to First Class is available on some routes at weekends and Public Holidays for a small supplement: find out more.
