The Old Rule Is Broken — How Split Ticketing Can Save You Money on Britain’s Railways

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Pam

13 Jun 20255 min read

For years, rail passengers across Britain have relied on a simple rule of thumb: avoid the morning rush and travel after 9.30am to unlock cheaper off-peak fares.

But new analysis reported by The Sunday Times has shown just how far that once-reliable rule has slipped. The paper found that peak and off-peak times now vary significantly depending on the operator and the specific route — and in some cases, they no longer make much logical sense to passengers.

In one striking example, a commuter train from Doncaster to London departing just before 9.30am costs almost £95 — while another train on the same route just a few minutes later is less than half the price. That sort of pricing doesn’t feel intuitive, and many travellers are left either paying more than expected or simply giving up on rail altogether.

We believe this increasing complexity underlines just how important it is that passengers retain access to tools like split ticketing and alternative journey planning.

The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.

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The TrainSplit app helps you find better fares by splitting your tickets. Available on iOS and Android, just search for TrainSplit in your app store and start saving today!

Why the Old Rule Doesn’t Work Anymore

The Sunday Times investigation highlighted some surprising findings:

  • In Swansea, off-peak fares can be available from as early as 7.18am

  • In Doncaster, travellers may still be charged peak fares after 9.25am

  • Some routes show little correlation between price and the length or quality of the journey

This patchwork of rules makes it difficult for occasional travellers and commuters alike to plan with confidence. With such an opaque fare system, many simply pay more than necessary.

Why Split Ticketing Matters More Than Ever

Split ticketing is the practice of buying separate tickets for different parts of your journey, even if you stay on the same train the entire way. It’s completely legal — and often dramatically cheaper than buying a single through ticket.

For instance, a peak-time ticket on some routes might cost nearly £100 — but a well-chosen split can bring that down to under £40.

At TrainSplit, we use smart algorithms to find the best splits and alternative routes automatically, saving you time and money.

Real Savings with TrainSplit

Here’s what you could pay booking a standard ticket — compared with what you’d pay using TrainSplit:

Nr Evs Ts

All fares checked for weekend off-peak return journeys, accurate as of 11th June 2025. Routes found using TrainSplit’s algorithmic journey planner.

These aren’t one-off deals or promotional prices. They’re real, legal ticket combinations you could book right now — but many passengers never discover them.

What If Split Ticketing Disappears?

There’s growing concern about the future of split ticketing and flexible journey planning.

If these options were removed or restricted, ordinary travellers would pay more — especially those who can’t book far in advance or expense their fares.

Losing split ticketing wouldn’t just cost people money; it would limit access to jobs, education, and family.

That’s why passenger choice and transparency must be protected and improved.

Why We Need to Defend the Right to Split

With rail pricing becoming increasingly complicated and unpredictable, many travellers are feeling the strain. Now more than ever, it’s important to protect the tools that help people save — like split ticketing.

We believe everyone deserves fares that are simple, affordable, and transparent. Split ticketing is one of the few ways passengers can find genuine savings, but it’s under threat.

That’s why we’re asking you to join us in defending the right to split. Share your stories, spread the word, and help ensure rail travel stays fair and accessible for all.

Join the Campaign: #DefendTheRightToSplit

Help make your voice heard by sharing on social media and tagging rail operators, government departments, and consumer watchdogs. Together, we can protect passengers’ rights and keep rail travel fair for everyone. 

#DefendTheRightToSplit

Defend

More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android—search for TrainSplit in your app store.

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What You Can Do Today

  • Don’t assume the first fare you see is the best.

  • Check fares multiple times and with different tools.

  • Use platforms like TrainSplit to find cheaper split tickets and alternative journeys.

By staying informed and exploring your options, you can still beat the system — even as fare rules get more complicated.

The Takeaway: Your Journey, Your Choice

The old assumption that off-peak starts after 9.30am no longer holds true. Fares now vary widely by location, demand, and operator strategy — making it harder to predict what you’ll pay.

While advance tickets can offer big savings, they’re limited and often hard to get last minute.

Split ticketing offers a simple, legal, and effective way to cut costs on both peak and off-peak journeys — ideal for commuters and leisure travellers alike.

Next time you book, don’t settle for the first price you see. Use TrainSplit to explore your options and keep more money in your pocket.

Ready to save on your next train journey?

Try TrainSplit today and discover smarter, cheaper rail fares.

 

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