Travelling as a Student: How to Save Money on Train Tickets

Travelling by train can be a great way to explore new places, visit friends and family, or attend events and activities. But train tickets can also be expensive, especially if you don’t plan ahead or know how to find the best deals. That’s why I’m going to share with you some tips and tricks on how to save money on train tickets as a student.

Book in advance

One of the easiest ways to save money on train tickets is to book them in advance. You can usually book up to 12 weeks before your travel date, and sometimes even earlier for some routes. Booking in advance can save you up to 80% compared to buying on the day, and you can also reserve a seat for free. You can use websites like Trainline or National Rail to compare prices and book online, or go directly to the train operator’s website.

Use a railcard

Another way to save money on train tickets is to use a railcard. A railcard is a card that gives you a discount on most rail fares in the UK, usually 1/3 off. There are different types of railcards available, depending on your age, location, or travel needs. For example, if you are a student aged 16-25 or over 26 and in full-time education, you can get a 16-25 Railcard for £30 a year or £70 for three years. This can save you an average of £199 a year. You can also get a 26-30 Railcard if you are aged 26-30, a Two Together Railcard if you travel with another person, or a Family & Friends Railcard if you travel with children. You can buy a railcard online or at a staffed station.

Split your ticket

A clever way to save money on train tickets is to split your ticket. This means buying two or more tickets for different parts of your journey, instead of one ticket for the whole journey. This can sometimes be cheaper than buying one ticket, especially if you travel across different fare zones or during peak times. You don’t need to change trains or break your journey, as long as your train stops at the stations where you split your ticket. You can use websites like Split My Fare or TrainSplit to find out how to split your ticket and how much you can save.

Use other modes of transport

Sometimes, travelling by train may not be the cheapest or most convenient option for your journey. You may want to consider using other modes of transport, such as buses, coaches, or car-sharing. For example, you can use websites like Megabus or National Express to find cheap coach tickets across the UK and Europe. You can also use websites like BlaBlaCar or Liftshare to find people who are driving to the same destination as you and share the cost of fuel and parking. You may also be able to use public transport within cities or towns, such as buses, trams, or underground trains.

Use discounts and offers

You can also use websites like Uber Travel or PlusBus to get cashback or discounts on your train ticket when you book with them. You may also be able to find special offers from train operators or retailers that give you free or reduced-price train tickets when you buy certain products or services.

Conclusion

Travelling by train can be fun and rewarding, but it can also be costly if you don’t know how to find the best deals. By following these tips and tricks, you can save money on train tickets as a student and enjoy your journey without breaking the bank.

⚠️ To qualify for the student discount, you will need to be a member of unidays or student beans.