Getting back on track: A five minute guide to… buying affordable train tickets

Even rail bosses admit that the ticketing system is in drastic need of an upgrade, given that it is often cheaper to buy two different tickets for a journey, rather than one to cover the whole trip.

The Rail Delivery Group and watchdog Transport Focus are looking to overhaul the system, but nobody will be surprised if the consultation, like so many trains, ends up being delayed.

While you are waiting, there is plenty that you can do to get your rail ticket purchases back on track.

TAKE THE TRAIN

Train companies make tickets available from around 12 weeks before the date of travel, with discounts for those who book early.

So if you have a trip planned, the sooner you book your tickets the cheaper they are likely to be.

Ticket-booking website TrainLine.com now offers a Price Prediction tool, available as an app, which can help you save money by getting your timing right.

The firm’s head of data science Fergus Weldon said the site shows the cheapest prices on your route on different days: “It also indicates when the route could sell out and provides price changes depending on the date of booking.”

You can explore different ticket options, such as the automatic GroupSave discount for those travelling in a party of between three and nine people.

Keep an eye out for off-peak and super off-peak tickets if you can afford to miss the busiest times. Weldon said: “Sometimes, planning to travel just an hour later could net you considerable weekday savings.”

When planning long-distance travel, taking a more scenic route can save you money: “If you have the time and patience, look into longer journeys with more stops.”

CARRY A CARD

Railcards are not just for young people, almost everybody has the opportunity to save up to a third on fares.

Earlier this year, young people rushed to get their hands on the new 26-30 railcard, helping them save on rail travel after their 16-25 card expired. Couples can try the Two Together card, which costs £30 and cuts a third off all Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares for a whole year.

The Senior Railcard, for those over 60, also costs £30 a year and saves a third on fares, as does the Disabled Persons Railcard which costs just £20. The Family & Friends Railcard costs £30 with one third off adult fares and 60 per cent off children’s fares.

“Most railcards can pay for themselves after just one or two long-distance journeys,” said Weldon, adding there may be a better alternative. “If travelling at the last minute, the coach could be a cheaper option.”

Hannah Maundrell, editor-in-chief at comparison site Money.co.uk, said you should also explore ticket splitting options, to see if it would be cheaper to break your journey into shorter routes with multiple tickets.

Sites and apps such as TicketClever.com, TrainSplit.com and TrainSplitting.co.uk can save you time trawling through the different options.

GET EVEN

Don’t just get mad if your train is late, get compensation instead.

Maundrell said: “If your train is cancelled make sure you get a full refund. You will need to keep hold of your unused train tickets and claim within 28 days.”

If delayed for more than 30 minutes you could claim compensation under the Delay Repay scheme. “Some rail companies may compensate you after just a 15-minute delay so it is always worth checking,” she said.

Regular travellers should also check whether it would be cheaper to buy an annual season ticket, rather than pay daily or weekly, Maundrell added.

With a little effort, your next train booking could be just the ticket.