5 ways to save cash on your train tickets.

The timing of price increases for train tickets is particularly undesirable.

The most recent average rise, 5.9%, occurred in March as the expense of living continued to put a strain on households and some travellers became irritated by strikes and subpar rail services.

In order to avoid more expensive trips, some commuters rush to get their train tickets before price increases, but here are five suggestions for finding the best discounts year-round.

Advance purchase

Although some go on sale up to 24 weeks in advance, most advance rail tickets go on sale up to 12 weeks before your travel date.

If you don't mind travelling at a specific time, these tickets are frequently the most affordable method to travel by train. Sometimes you may purchase them up to an hour before your departure.

Some applications for buying tickets can notify you when tickets for a specific trip go on sale by sending you an alert to your phone.

Split your fares

Split ticketing allows you to travel the same distance on the same number of trains as usual while saving money by purchasing separate tickets for each station the service stops at along the route.

Some websites, such as Split My Fare and Split Train Tickets, do the maths for you.

Split Although it's not always possible on some trips, according to My Fare, clients save 26% on average when they do this.

Additionally, you could save money by determining whether purchasing two single tickets rather than a return is more affordable.

Get a railcard

Railcards can provide savings at the time of booking, but because they are expensive to buy in the first place, they are only useful for frequent travellers.

Railcards come in a variety of varieties, including national, regional, student, and pensioner cards.

For instance, the £9.95 regional Cotswold Line Railcard offers a 34% saving on off-peak single and return tickets and is good for a whole year.

Travel in groups where possible

When travelling in groups of three to nine adults, you may save up to a third on the cost of the ticket.

When purchasing a group ticket, the entire party must be travelling together; separate rail cards are not permitted.

Benefit from flexible commuting

According to watchdog Transport Focus, national flexible train tickets may help customers save hundreds of pounds.

The flexible season tickets don't need you to pre-select your trip dates and will let you go on any eight days within a 28-day span.

Additionally, train companies have created a variety of flexible tickets for professionals and commuters whose travel habits have changed as a result of the pandemic.

According to National Rail, the Flexi Season ticket will provide a least 20% reduction on a comparable monthly season ticket.

(Sources: bbc.co.uk)