It’s looking like rail fares in England are going up by around 5.8% next March. That’s based on how the government usually sets increases using inflation figures, and while it’s not confirmed yet, it’s not looking great.
The good news? You’ve still got options to bring your ticket price down, even if you’re travelling soon. Here’s what’s still worth doing.
1. Use split-ticketing (we’ll do the maths for you)
Sometimes, buying separate tickets for different legs of the same journey is cheaper than buying one ticket for the full route. Sounds odd, but it works, and it’s completely legit, as long as the train stops at each place you’ve bought a ticket for.
TrainSplit checks this automatically, finds the best split, and sells it to you in one go. No switching trains or juggling apps.
If there’s no saving, we don’t charge a fee. If there is, it’s usually more than worth it.
The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.
Download the app
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!
2. Book early - even same-day can be cheaper
Advance tickets aren’t just for planners. Some train companies offer discounted fares up to a few minutes before departure. You can still save if you’re buying last-minute, especially if you’re checking on TrainSplit.
Prices can jump closer to departure time, so checking earlier is usually better.
3. Get a digital Railcard and save 1/3 instantly
Railcards give around a third off most rail fares, and the discount also applies when you use split-ticketing. A one-year Railcard currently costs £35. The savings you make will depend on your journeys, but many passengers find the card pays for itself quickly.
Which Railcard is right for you?
Railcards aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s the line-up — pick the one that fits your life and start shaving serious money off your fares.
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Half-price fares, all day. No minimum fare. Ideal for school, college or weekend trips.
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A third off tickets if you’re 16–25 (or a full-time student). Summer, weekends and holidays = no minimum fare. 1-year £35 / 3-years £80.
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For the “still young, but paying full price feels wrong” crowd. A third off fares. Same rules as the 16–25, but for your late-twenties life.
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A third off for the over-60s. No minimum fare, so you can enjoy cheaper trips any time (except morning peak in the South East). 1-year £35 / 3-years £80.
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If you’re in London or the South East, this card gives you a third off after 10am weekdays, and all day at weekends/holidays.
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Up to 4 adults save a third, up to 4 kids save 60%. Two named cardholders can share it, so family trips instantly become more affordable.
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Grab a partner, mate, or travel buddy and get a third off when you travel together after 9:30am on weekdays, anytime on weekends.
Why buy with TrainSplit?
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Digital-first: Your Railcard lives in the TrainSplit app. No plastic, no post, no waiting.
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Instant setup: From checkout to having your Railcard ready to flash on your phone takes less than 60 seconds.
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Smart savings: Railcards stack with split-ticketing, so you’re doubling down on discounts.
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Support if you need it: UK-based team, rated highly on TrustP
👉 Buy or renew a digital Railcard here
4. Shift your travel time slightly
If you can leave a bit earlier or later, check what that does to the price. Fares can be a lot cheaper outside peak times, and it’s not always obvious from ticket machines. On TrainSplit, you can see at a glance if moving your journey by 15 minutes saves money.
It’s worth checking even for short trips.
5. Travelling in a group? There are discounts for that too
Booking for three or more people? Look out for GroupSave - it usually cuts around a third off off-peak fares. It’s applied automatically on our site if it’s available.
There’s also the Two Together Railcard (great for couples or regular travel buddies), and the Family & Friends Railcard, which cuts costs for groups with kids.
6. Not all delays are just bad luck
If your train is late or cancelled, you may be owed money back, even if you still travelled. Many train companies now offer Delay Repay from 15 minutes onwards.
You just need to fill in a quick form using your ticket and journey details. Don’t forget to claim compensation directly from the train company that caused the delay, it’s your time they wasted.
If you’re not sure who operated your train, check your email confirmation, it lists all the details. You can also head to trainsplit.com/delay-repay for links to each operator’s claims page.
7. Mix and match ticket types
You’re not locked into one type of ticket per journey. Sometimes mixing Advance tickets with flexible singles on longer routes (especially if only part of your journey is time-sensitive) gives you both savings and wiggle room. TrainSplit can work this out for you automatically.
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.
Get the app
Final thought: fares may rise, but there are still ways to save
You don’t need to know every rail rule to get a better deal. We’ve built TrainSplit to handle the hard part, finding valid, cheaper combinations and showing you the best price in one go.
We don’t make the prices. We just help you pay less.
Extra savings and travel perks
Buy a digital Railcard with TrainSplit and keep it ready in-app when you travel. Get yours here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are UK rail fares going up in 2026?
The government usually sets fare increases based on inflation figures. For March 2026, fares are expected to rise by around 5.8%, though this hasn’t been officially confirmed yet.
What is split ticketing and how does it work?
Split ticketing means buying separate tickets for different parts of the same journey, often making it cheaper than one through-ticket. TrainSplit finds the best splits automatically.
Can I still save if I book last-minute?
Yes. Some train companies sell discounted Advance tickets right up to departure. Prices can rise closer to the train time, so it’s always worth checking early.
Do Railcards work with split tickets?
Yes. Digital Railcards give around 1/3 off most tickets and the discount applies on top of split fares. You can buy one online and use it instantly in-app.
What if my train is delayed or cancelled?
You may be eligible for Delay Repay compensation. Most train companies let you claim from 15 minutes delay. Submit your claim directly to the operator that caused the delay.
Making a Booking
Help and FAQs:
Ticket Information:
- Ticket types explained
- Split tickets explained
- How to Use Split Tickets
- Understanding Your Itinerary with Split Tickets:
- Advance tickets
- Cheap Train Tickets
- Cheapest vs flexible tickets
Booking and Travel Guides:
Blog:
Terms and Conditions:
Information and Services:
- Live Running Information
- Buy digital railcards
- Introducing Digital Railcards
- Delay Repay
- Rail Strikes
- Refund form
