Buying train tickets in the UK can be a little confusing at times. If you've ever been stuck at a ticket machine or online purchase screen, wondering which ticket option is best for you, then don't worry, you're not alone.
That's why we’re stepping in to help sort out the Advance tickets from the Anytimes, the Peaks from the Off-Peaks, and in general, the wheat from the chaff. So, the next time you buy train tickets, you can do it knowing you’re getting the best possible ticket for you!
Ticket types in the UK
Want to know the differences between all of the UK train tickets? Have a look through our handy overview of each ticket type below. Before long, we’re sure you’ll be clued up and ready to save money on your travels.
Advance train tickets
Advance train tickets are fixed, non-refundable Single tickets that are valid only on the specific train and date you book. They are typically the cheapest train fares available and are usually released up to 12 weeks before departure.
Advance tickets are available in both Standard and First Class. Because they are tied to a specific service, they offer less flexibility than other ticket types but can provide significant savings when booked early.
You can buy Advance train tickets on Trainline and use a Railcard for additional discounts. Mixing and matching Advance Single tickets can often be the cheapest way to create a return journey.
Learn more about Advance train tickets
Anytime train tickets
Anytime train tickets are fully flexible train tickets that allow you to travel at any time of day on your chosen route and travel date. They offer the greatest flexibility of all UK train ticket types and are ideal if your travel plans may change.
Anytime tickets are available as Anytime Day Single, Anytime Day Return, Anytime Single and Anytime Return tickets. Depending on the ticket type, you can travel on a specific date or choose a return journey with added flexibility.
You can buy Anytime train tickets on Trainline in advance or on the day of travel, making them a convenient option when you need maximum flexibility.
Learn more about Anytime train tickets
Flexi Season tickets
Flexi Season Tickets are flexible commuter tickets that provide 8 days of travel within a 28-day period on a chosen route. They are designed for people who travel regularly but do not commute every day, offering a more flexible alternative to traditional Season Tickets.
You can buy Flexi Season Tickets on Trainline and, where available, access them digitally through the Trainline app.
Benefits of buying a Flexi Season Ticket include:
- Unlimited travel between two stations on your chosen travel days
- Flexibility to travel when needed within a 28-day period
- Travel at any time of day
- No need for a Smartcard if barcode tickets are available on your route
Find out more about Flexi Season Tickets.
Off-Peak train tickets
Off-Peak train tickets are discounted tickets that allow travel during quieter periods, typically outside weekday morning and evening rush hours. They are usually cheaper than Anytime tickets and can be used on eligible Off-Peak services, subject to route and train operator restrictions.
You can buy Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak train tickets on Trainline, compare fares and use a Railcard for additional savings where applicable.
Off-Peak tickets are ideal for passengers who can be flexible with their travel times. Many routes also offer Super Off-Peak tickets, providing even greater savings during the quietest travel periods, including weekends and bank holidays.
Find out more about Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak train tickets.
First Class train tickets
First Class train tickets provide access to premium seating and additional onboard benefits on eligible train services. Depending on the train operator, these benefits may include extra legroom, complimentary food and drinks, free WiFi, power sockets and access to First Class lounges at selected stations.
You can compare and buy First Class train tickets on Trainline, helping you find premium travel options across Great Britain.
First Class is ideal if you're looking for a quieter, more comfortable journey. Many services offer larger seats, tables for working, and a more relaxed onboard environment, making First Class a popular choice for both business and leisure travel.
Learn more about First Class train tickets
Return train tickets
Return train tickets combine your outward and return journeys into a single ticket. Depending on the ticket type, you can either travel on specific dates and times or choose a more flexible option, such as an Open Return ticket.
You can buy Return train tickets on Trainline, including Anytime, Off-Peak, Open Return and First Class Return ticket options.
Return tickets can be a convenient and cost-effective option for travellers making a round trip. Day Return tickets require you to return on the same day, while Open Return tickets offer greater flexibility over when you travel back.
Find out more about Return train tickets
Season tickets
Season Tickets are train tickets that provide unlimited travel between two stations for a set period of time, such as a week, month, 28 days (Flexi) or a year. They are designed for commuters and regular travellers, often offering significant savings compared with buying daily train tickets.
You can buy Weekly, Monthly, Annual and Flexi Season Tickets on Trainline, as well as calculate potential savings using our Season Ticket Calculator.
Season Tickets can save you over 1/3* compared with buying peak daily return tickets five days a week. If standard durations don't suit your travel pattern, you can also choose a custom Season Ticket duration. To get started, you'll need a valid Photocard.
Use our Season Ticket Calculator to see how much you could save.
Cheap train tickets
Our top tips for securing cheaper train tickets include keeping an eye on when Advance tickets are released and booking as far ahead as you possibly can. Alternatively, you can sometimes secure a cheaper fare by booking two single journey tickets rather than a return ticket.
Find out more about how to get cheap train tickets
GroupSave train tickets
GroupSave train tickets are discounted tickets that give groups of 3 to 9 adults up to 1/3 off eligible train fares when travelling together. They are ideal for friends, families and groups looking to save money on rail travel.
You can buy GroupSave train tickets on Trainline, where eligible discounts are automatically applied when available for your journey.
GroupSave can be a cost-effective option for group travel, helping passengers enjoy cheaper fares without needing a Railcard.
Find out more about GroupSave train tickets.
Last-minute train tickets
Ever found yourself scrambling for a last-minute train ticket and wondered if you’re paying over the odds? Well, worry not! With our nifty money-saving tools there’s no need to fret about ticket prices, even if it’s at the last possible moment. Use our Journey Planner to search for tickets, and we’ll always highlight the cheapest fares for the time you’ve selected. Alternatively, with the Trainline app, you can save money right up the last second by using our advance purchase on the day feature.
Learn more about last-minute train tickets.
Before you travel: types of ticket formats
When you book with Trainline, we’ll show you the ticket options available for your journey.
There are two ways to receive your ticket:
- Digital tickets (on your phone)
- Paper tickets (printed)
Digital tickets are the most common option. They’re quick to access, easy to use and don’t require printing.
Digital vs paper tickets
Digital tickets- Stored on your phone
- Fast, contactless, and paperless
- Scan the barcode at the station or show it to staff
- Can be used offline once downloaded
- Printed tickets (collected at the station or delivered by post)
- Must be carried with you when you travel
- Insert or show at ticket gates
Types of digital tickets
Most digital tickets are issued as etickets, which contain a scannable barcode and can be used at the station.
eTicket (PDF ticket)
- Barcoded ticket in the Trainline app
- Sent as a PDF attached to an email
- Can be opened on your phone, printed, or added to your wallet
- Can be forwarded to another traveller
Mobile ticket (in-app ticket)
- Some train operators issue an mTicket which stays on the device
- Stored and used in the Trainline app only
How to use an eTicket
- Open the email with your PDF ticket (this is separate from your booking confirmation)
- Open the ticket on your phone, or add it to your wallet or the Trainline app
- Scan the QR code at the ticket gate, or show it to staff
Find out more about train travel in the UK
Once you’re clued up on UK train ticket types, why not check out our guides to train travel around the UK? We’ll tell you how to book and collect your train tickets and provide general information about the British train network. Whether you need info on train companies, popular routes, tips for getting cheaper tickets or how to travel to Europe from Britain by rail, we’ve left no stone unturned.
*Average saving based on Weekly, Monthly and Annual Season Tickets compared to five Anytime Day Return tickets bought per week, with an allowance for 28 days annual leave. Subject to availability. Adult fare only. Excludes coach. Excludes booking fee.