Public transport

Save money on train travel

Railcards

Railcards are an excellent way to save on train costs throughout the year. Here are some of the options worth checking out.

• Senior Railcard – if you’re aged 60+
• 16-25 Railcard – if you’re aged 16 to 25
• Two Together Railcard – if you regularly travel with someone else
• Disabled Persons Railcard – if you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult
• 26-30 Railcard – if you’re aged 26-30
• Family & Friends Railcard – this can be used for up to four adults and four children travelling together
• Network Railcard – if you’re travelling in the South East and you’re aged 16+
• 16-17 Saver – if you’re aged 16 or 17
• Veterans Railcard – if you’re a veteran of the UK Armed Forces

Buy tickets in advance

Tickets are typically listed around 12 weeks in advance and sometimes up to 24 weeks before departure. Booking early can result in much cheaper fares compared to buying tickets on the day.

Travel during off-peak hours

• Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak tickets are cheaper than peak-time tickets. Try to adjust your travel time if you can to avoid the higher cost of ‘anytime’ tickets.
• Split ticketing is when you split your journey into multiple tickets (rather than buying one ticket for the whole journey). This means you can select the cheapest tickets for each section of your trip to save money.

If you’re unemployed

If you’re unemployed and claiming JSA or Universal Credit for three to nine months (if you’re between 18 and 24) or three to 12 months (if you’re over 25), you can apply for a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card, which provides a 50% discount on selected train tickets.

Save money on bus travel

Bus travel can be a cost-effective way to get around and there are plenty of discounts available for different groups. Here are some ways to save money, based on your circumstances:

If you’re a senior citizen

• Free Off-Peak travel – Bus passengers over the age of 65 can travel for free on any off-peak local bus service in England under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.
• If you live in London, you can apply for an Older Persons Freedom Pass which gives you free travel across the city and on national bus services.

If you have a disability

• Free Off-Peak travel – If you have a disability, you’re entitled to travel for free on any off-peak local bus service in England, thanks to the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.
• If you live in London, you can also apply for a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass which allows free travel across the city, as well as free bus journeys nationally.
• It’s also worth checking with your local council for dial-a-ride or taxi schemes. If you’re eligible, you may be able to get a Disabled Person’s Railcard or other travel support.

If you’re a student

• Subsidised transport – If you’re a college or sixth-form student, you can apply for subsidised transport through your local council.
• Young Person’s Coach Card – If you’re aged 16-26, you can get cheaper fares on long-distance coach journeys through a Young Person’s Coach Card.
• London students – If you’re 18 or older and a student living in a London borough, you can get discounted travel with an Oyster photocard. This offers discounted Travelcards and bus/tram passes.