Trains are not always as cheap as many people think. Fares are rising steeply cutting across different train companies and travel classes. But, depending on the strategy you use to travel, you can get good deals on tickets and save substantial amounts.
Here are some tips on how you can save on train tickets.
1. Purchase a Railcard
Have you purchased a railcard yet? If not, it’s high time to invest in one. Railcard helps you save money and time on travel regardless of whether it’s a short or long trip. The card helps you to get a discount of at least 30 percent off train fares.
And, securing a new railcard is only a few dollars per year for normal persons and physically challenged individuals respectively. When purchasing a railcard for three years, it costs £70, which is approximately £23.30 per year.
Both options help passengers to save on train fares with the latter option helping to save more than the former.
There is also a railcard known as the “Millennial Railcard”, which is tailored for an individual between the age of 16 and 30 years.
This card helps teens between the age of 16 and 17 years to get a staggering 50 percent discount on fares from some train companies.
Always remember to have your railcard with you every time you travel, as the conductors sometimes request to see it.
2. Avoid Peak Hours
Fares usually skyrocket during peak hours. This is because it’s the time when many people are traveling.
Rush hours are usually in the mornings and afternoons of weekdays and weekends. Sometimes, it may be caused by a holiday or a big sporting event. If possible, avoid buying tickets at these hours.
Even worse, when traveling during peak hours, you may end up standing the whole journey. Trains are overcrowded, which may also be a health hazard as communicable diseases spread fast.
But how do you know it’s a peak hour? Stations notify passengers of travel schedules. What you need to do is to confirm whether you need a peak or off-peak ticket. For an off-peak ticket, you may have to wait for some time.
But on the bright side, it gives you an excuse for an extra beer while saving on the ticket price!
3. Book in Advance
Buying a ticket early is a painless process and helps you save in the long run. This is an option for travelers who already know their travel destinations and schedules.
Most train companies offer tickets in advance up to 12 weeks prior to the traveling dates. Do sufficient research to find the train companies that offer better deals.
And when booking train tickets online, for example on Omio, in advance, for most companies, you stand to get up to a 30 percent discount on a single ticket. If you intend to make a two-way journey, make sure to book a return ticket for better deals.
Final Thoughts
Train tickets need not cost an arm and a leg. Regardless of whatever your return to work or vacation plan is, there are many resources to help you save on train tickets.
Ticket pricing is customized for passengers’ travel needs. And by following the above tips and others not discussed in the article, you stand to get good deals. Look for what suits you best.
