Find the cheapest train tickets online

The price of train tickets has risen sharply in recent years.  So its important for travellers  to know how to get the cheapest fare online.

Railcards online

• 16-25 Railcard (www.16-25railcard.co.uk) -  For those aged 16 to 25, or 26-plus and in full-time education,  costs £24 a year, cuts a third off all standard-class fares.

• Family & Friends Railcard (www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk) -  Costs £24 for one year or £65 for three years and gives one third off most adult fares and 60 per cent off most children’s fares.

• Senior Railcard – (www.senior-railcard.co.uk) Those aged 60 or over can save a third on most standard and first-class rail fares. The card costs £24 a year, or £65 for three years.

Advance fares Online

Book as far in advance as possible to get a better deal. It is normally possible to book up to 3 months in advance.

Advance tickets are subject to availability and sold on a first come, first served basis.

Try www.thetrainline.com or www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Avoid peak times

If you travel outside peak times, you can also get some great deals on first-class travel.

Season ticket online

The National Rail website has a useful calculator that allows you to check if you could save money by buying a season ticket.