Advance Train Tickets

Book ahead to secure great value train tickets across the CrossCountry network. Whether you’re planning ahead for a staycation in the UK or you’re going on a day-trip adventure, you can set off with confidence that your train tickets are taken care of. Discover Advance train tickets and learn more about why they might be the best option for your travel.

What are Advance train tickets?

An Advance train ticket is a single, one-way fare which goes on sale before the day of travel. Here at CrossCountry, our tickets are available to book up to 16 weeks in advance, providing you with peace of mind and allowing you to plan the rest of your trip.  They’re non-flexible Single tickets for an A to B journey, which means you’ll need to book another ticket if you’re returning. 

Often, train operators do not offer refunds on Advance tickets. However, at CrossCountry we understand that life moves quickly, and sometimes you need to change your plans. This is why we offer free amendments to Advance tickets. 

If you know where you’re going long before a journey departs, Advance rail tickets are a great option for staying organised and feeling ready to travel.

Benefits of Advance Tickets

• You can plan ahead by up to 16 weeks and save up to 50%* with CrossCountry Standard Advance train tickets!
• You will be reserved on a specific train and get a reserved seat, reducing the stress of departure.
• You can make free changes to Advance tickets when you book them online, offering flexibility and savings.
• They are available for journeys in both Standard & First Class, meaning you can benefit from Advance tickets even when you're upgrading to First Class.
• Available as an e-Ticket to save you queuing up at a station.
• You can apply your Railcard to an Advance ticket.
• You can travel all around the UK. Our most popular routes include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Manchester to Birmingham, Newcastle to Edinburgh, and Leeds to York. If you're looking for inspiration, take a look at our CrossCountry blog for more ideas on days out all throughout the UK.

How to Book Advance Tickets:

Buying an Advance train ticket is simple.

1. To purchase your ticket online, click the Buy Tickets button above, or find your destination using the Route Finder below.
2. To purchase your ticket on your phone, simply download the free CrossCountry trains app.
3. Select your departure and destination stations from the list of CrossCountry stations.
4. Select the date you will be travelling. Make sure to add a return date if you are making the journey back.
5. Select the total number of passengers, Railcards, route preferences, and any promotions you would like to use.
6. We will show you all the available tickets, including Standard and First Class ticket options.
7. When you select your ticket, you will be shown whether an Advance fare is available. We recommend that you book well before your departure date to secure the best price.
8. Once you have selected your ticket, continue to purchase.

Once you’ve booked your Advance train ticket, all that is left for you to do is join us on-board.

*Savings can vary, comparing the price of a Standard Class CrossCountry Advance single ticket, for 4,522 journeys on CrossCountry services only, to the price of a flexible Anytime single ticket valid on the same service and may be valid on other CrossCountry services or services operated by another train company.

Applies to CrossCountry Advance train ticket for journeys on CrossCountry services only, CrossCountry Advance tickets are available up to 12 weeks before departure and are subject to availability, see the latest booking horizon. See Advance ticket terms and conditions. Anytime single tickets can also be purchased in advance of the day of travel, see Anytime ticket terms and conditions.