Rail fares - how to cut costs
It's official: UK train fares will climb 3.5% next year on average. However some train ticket prices could climb by as much as 4.5%.
The current deal means train companies can increase prices by the RPI inflation rate - currently 2.5% - plus 1%. That means, overall, many ticket prices climb by almost four times faster than wages.
So, how can you plan to curb the effect of new rail price hikes?
Super-tactics to crush fares
Let's be realistic. Many people using the train to commute are unable to swerve more expensive season tickets. But there's still a number of ruses to keep costs down. First, off-peak and advance fares.
While off-peak is always cheaper, bear in mind there's also super off peak. They're not available on all routes but they are worth investigating as you can buy them in advance and immediately before travel.
Super off-peak is refundable (though sometimes subject to an administration fee) says Which? and if your plans change and you need a more expensive anytime ticket, you can normally settle the difference.
Which? says you're usually allowed to stop off en route - including overnight - "on your outward and return journeys, but check with National Rail Enquiries. When you can, travel must resume by noon the next day".
Advance on the cheap
Buy your ticket in advance and it can be very cheap. How far ahead? On the National Rail Website you can snap up tickets around 12 weeks before travel. However, as we've pointed out before, there can be big price differences between train companies.
Two drawbacks: they're generally single, or one-way, tickets. So you will need to plot your return journey carefully, mixing and matching two cheap singles. They're also non-refundable, generally.
But take a look also at Trainline's cheap advance alert system. It will email you when its cheapest advance tickets go on sale. Extremely useful. Sites like Raileasy also have a good reputation for offering deals.
Grab a railcard
Yes, they cost. Often targeted at 16-25s or OAPs, a rail card also is available for families - just £30 a year - as well as two named people together.
Don't forget the Network card. This is a third off anytime off-peak travel, generally not available before 10am Monday to Friday. But the train companies include Chiltern Railways East Midlands, First Capital Connect, East Coast, First Great Western plus Virgin, Southern and Southeastern and a range of others.
You may also be able to start your journey a little earlier than 10.00am in some instances, though check with your local railway station.
Read more:
How to claim a refund on your train tickets
Train delays - get your money back
Call for flexible season tickets
