Booking train tickets in the UK is complicated – and knowing how to find the cheapest train tickets can be even harder. This is the complete guide, verified by experts, on how to do it. And if you get overwhelmed by information – just watch the bits you really need to know about, and make sure you check out the Quick Fire Step-By-Step Summary at the end.

Your questions answered:

(00:00) Intro

(00:23) 1. What is the cheapest way to buy train tickets?

(01:29) 2. What is the best website to book train tickets?

(03:33) 3. What is split-ticketing?

(05:28) 4. How do I know which type of train ticket to buy?

(08:52) 5. What day of the week are train tickets cheapest?

(09:14) 6. Is there a way to get discounted train tickets?

(10:29) 7. Is a Railcard worth it?

(11:36) 8. When does a season ticket make sense?

(13:31) 9. How do I get my ticket? And what happens if I lose it?

(14:58) 10. When can I claim a refund or compensation?

(15:27) 11. How can I get the best deals on First Class train tickets?

(16:10) 12. What if I want to make an epic journey by rail?

(18:22) 13. What about travelling with children?

(19:19) 14. What about onward travel via bus or the Underground?

(20:13) 15. Can I take my bicycle/dog/kitchen sink with me?

(21:35) The Quick-Fire Step-By-Step Summary

Useful Links when booking train tickets:

The Man in Seat Sixty-One is a genuine expert on booking train tickets, especially if you want to travel a long distance or elsewhere in the world. Check out his website: https://www.seat61.com/

Annual Gold Card area map:

Here’s that confusing map to show you where you can use one:

https://assets.nationalrail.co.uk/e8xgegruud3g/23LngqwDfggHprWTDmhnLP/cb14d3813ce376a5d319790c0955dada/Gold_Card_Area_of_Validity_Map_June_2023.pdf

Transport for London ticket options:

https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/ways-to-pay/travelcards-and-group-tickets

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