Train passengers can knock £620 off their annual bill after fare hike

Rail customers in the UK can cut the price of their tickets from today after a brutal hike in early March. Rail fares for passengers and train users across the country rose by 4.9 per cent earlier this month in a brutal blow amid the Cost of Living crisis.

The above-inflation increase follows a 5.9 per cent increase in March last year. But customers can slash the price of their fare by taking advantage of deals, discounts and handy tricks, hacks and tips from consumer experts like Money Saving Expert.

Southampton to Winchester passengers who journey twice a week on a flexible season ticket would save £65 a year against the cost of buying daily tickets, or £620 compared with the cost of an annual full-time season ticket. And by travelling off-peak, Winchester to London commuters can save £20 by shifting their journey to the 8.56am which arrives in the capital at 10.09am.

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The fare costs £48 – down from the £68 peak price. Other options include railcars, which for three years will set you back £70, and offer 33 per cent discounts for rail users who are trying to save cash on their commutes and journeys in their leisure time.

Other options are split ticketing and buying in advance. MSE explains: “Generally, it’s best to start looking for tickets about 12 weeks before you want to travel.” Some firms release advance tickets even earlier than 12 weeks prior, with the caveat that times could change slightly, it adds.

For split ticketing, commuters can use handy tools online like TrainPal, which doesn’t charge booking fees. Split My Fare and TrainTickets.com are also go-tos for commuters and train users, with MSE revealing Split My Fare charges 15% of what you save, TrainTickets.com charges 10%.

Split Your Ticket and TrainSplit charge 15% of what you save. And always check your journey the day before. If tickets haven’t sold out, firms now let you buy advance tickets on the day. Many more allow you to buy the day before, so never assume it’s too late.