While booking train tickets can get expensive depending on where you’re traveling, there are perks to riding on one. From priceless views and the ability to combine travel and luxury, riding on a train can be a vacation too. If you want to travel on a budget while gazing at the changing skyline, check out these seven tips on booking train tickets now.
7. Use a Railcard to get discounts
If you are a frequent visitor of train stations and are booking train tickets several times throughout the year, it might be worth getting a Railcard or other yearly ticket to save some money. Depending on when you travel with a Railcard, you could get up to a third off most train tickets. You will want to do some research, as there are several types of Railcards available, offering their own eligibility criteria and restrictions, however, they are worth the extra cost if you travel by train a lot.
6. Check if alternate routes are cheaper
When booking train tickets, it might be worth checking if multiple railway stations are near your destination. This way, you can compare prices and routes to find the cheapest tickets possible and save that money for other travel activities instead. Usually, longer train routes will be cheaper, so if you have flexibility on your arrival time, it may be worth adding the extra minutes to keep that money in your pocket.
5. Check all seating options
While some trains have uniform seating throughout the train, there are others, like Amtrak, that provide a range of seating from first class to sleeper cars. When booking train tickets, check out if there are varied seating options throughout the train. For instance, if you are only booking a small excursion, a first-class seat might not be needed, but if you’re in for the long haul, then comfort may weigh more than the price.
Also Read: Booking Airline Tickets: 6 Tips to Keep it Affordable
4. Be flexible about scheduling times
While some travelers only have limited vacation days, being retired opens up more time for booking train tickets whenever they are the cheapest. Similar to other travel, such as flying, flexibility can be crucial to finding the lowest prices for tickets. Ideal times are often during the middle of the week since the weekends often have an influx of travelers.
Check Out: 6 Best Cruises for Value After Retiring
3. Travel during off-peak times
Similar to being flexible when booking train tickets, you’ll also want to look at traveling during off-peak seasons to save money. For trains, peak times tend to be from 7 am-9 am and 5 pm-7 pm on weekdays, so traveling out of those windows could get you a cheaper train ticket. Likewise, traveling during the weekend or on Friday can be more expensive too, so it might be better to aim for Tuesday or Wednesday morning.
2. Check out everyday discounts
While certain times of day result in cheaper train tickets, train companies often offer discounts throughout the year to save even more. These can vary based on holidays, age groups, occupations, or even disabilities. Taking advantage of these discounts when booking train tickets is essential to staying within your budget. Groups that often qualify for discounts include children, students, veterans, military people and their families, and government employees.
Check Out: 6 Best Retirement Trips to Take and Why
1. Book in advance
If you’re a traveler who likes to have an itinerary, planning when booking train tickets could save you money. Also called advance tickets through some companies, these tickets are first-come, first-served tickets that are often budget-friendly fares. Sometimes, it pays to plan ahead, but do keep in mind some of these advanced tickets are non-refundable if your train is delayed or canceled and you choose not to travel.
Read Next: 6 Most Affordable Places to Travel in 2025