Low Cost Living - Cheap train travel

Train Travel - ways of saving

The obvious answer to this I guess is to board the train and hide in the toilet! But being an ex Railway Manager I should not approve of this (mind you, it's their fault for losing 15 times more money than it would be to pay staff to man stations - - ooooh, controversy!).

However, there are many Railcards available which will save you money on almost any trip you make with savings up to one third.

Here's a list.....

Young Persons Railcard
You must be aged between 16 and 25 or be a Mature Student.(if mature, you must supply proof you attend a place of education for 25 hours a week or more).

I knew I was going to catch the wrong train, so I left early

Yogi Berra

Family Railcard
Kids' get 60% off and adults save 1/3 on most rail fares throughout Britain for a whole year. Up to 4 adults and 4 children can travel on the one card – so you can help your friends save too.

If you're 60 or over, you can save 1/3 on most Standard and First class rail fares throughout Britain with a Senior Railcard.
Note: Check your local authority - some give these to senior citizens for nothing)

Senior Railcard

Network Railcard
These apply to people in the Southern Counties (old 'Network South East). With one of these you get 33% off for adults and up to 60% off for the kids

Disabled Railcard
If you are a registered disabled person, this card will get you up to 33% off your rail fares

Please note - the above cards are not free, but quite cheap enough to save you money on quite a short term basis. Please go to The Railcard Website for full and up to date details

Beside these cards, if you plan your travel to major cities, you can save considerately travelling after certain times, so check this out with your appropriate Train Company.

Travellers to London can save money on buying a 'One Day Travelcard' which will include zones on the London Underground system - These are extremely good value and you can use it all day long on as many journeys as you want.

On longer journeys, the railway companies often have promotions.
So, should you be planning a long Rail trip, go to the National Rail Enquiries website or visit Trainline.

Depending upon where you live, Eurostar now have the occasional good promotion on day trips to Brussels and Paris.

In many things, the railway gets very bad press. The cost difference between car or air is debatable, but if there's only a couple of you, the train gives you the chance to see the wonderful countryside which is around us and we're not burning money sitting in a traffic jam.