How to save money on Christmas train travel in the UK

The rising cost of living and proposed strike action may be concerning some travellers this Christmas
Travellers should expect delays with strike action expected in December
Ben Stansall / AFP via Getty Images

This Christmas, people from across the UK will be travelling to visit friends and family for the holidays.

However, amid the cost of living crisis, people may be worried about the cost of travelling, especially considering the prices of train tickets. According to a survey by Trainline, 67 per cent of British people are planning on spending less money celebrating Christmas this year.

Forty-six per cent of people are prioritising travelling to see family and friends over buying gifts, while 33 per cent have suggested that someone travelling to see them can be their gift this year. Additionally, 24 per cent of people offered to pay for a loved one’s travel so they can spend Christmas together. But the survey also found that 20 per cent of people said they would take fewer trips to visit loved ones this Christmas.

Rail and Tube strikes
People will be travelling across the UK to visit family and friends this Christmas
PA

However, Trainline wants to encourage people to save money this Christmas by booking tickets in advance. The travel company estimates that customers could save an average of £88 per booking by booking ahead.

Mike Hyde, chief data officer at Trainline, said: “We recognise that many Brits are feeling the pinch and are making efforts to be especially savvy this Christmas, while ensuring they can still spend the festive period together with their loved ones.

“Trainline customers save an average of 35 per cent by purchasing their train travel directly with us every day. Through ticket alerts, which let you know when advance tickets become available, Brits can keep even more of their hard-earned cash for celebrating Christmas with family and friends.”

Aside from booking in advance, Trainline has shared further tips on how save money this festive season:

  • Be alert: Sign up to be notified when train companies release their Christmas season tickets to buy as soon as possible.
  • Use a railcard: People aged 16 to 30 can use their railcards to save on their travel.
  • Split your tickets: For some routes, it can be cheaper to have tickets for different sections of the journey while remaining on the same train. For example, if you have a season ticket you can use it for as far as it will take you and buy another ticket for the rest of the journey.

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