Cheap Train Tickets & Fares

While cheap tickets aren't the be-all and end-all, they can go a long way in making your journey a little happier, and your destination that much more inviting. Whether travelling thirteen minutes from Leeds to Wakefield Westgate or thirteen hours from Aberdeen to Penzance, securing the right fare isn't always easy. But we're here to make your quest, commute, or quick trip both effortless and budget-friendly. Discover how to get cheap train tickets with CrossCountry.  

• How to get Train Tickets Cheaper with CrossCountry
• How to Book Cheap Rail Tickets
• Cheap Train Journeys with CrossCountry
• Frequently Asked Questions

How to get Train Tickets Cheaper with CrossCountry

There’s no riddle to solve or spell to cast, finding cheap rail tickets is as simple as keeping your eyes peeled for the best deals online or on the CrossCountry app. For a start, just book an Off-Peak ticket in advance, pair that with a railcard and you’re making huge savings straight away.

That’s not all though, we’ve made it simple to get affordable ticket however and wherever you choose to travel. 

Buy a Last Minute Ticket

Let’s celebrate the spontaneous, impulsive and slightly disorganised among us. With our Last Minute Tickets, you can take a spontaneous trip to destinations around the UK for less. For passengers who like last minute adventures, you can also benefit from cheaper ticket prices. Plus, with CrossCountry, you can make an online train ticket booking up to ten minutes before your train leaves – so don’t assume it’s too late!

Enjoy Group Savings

Making a Group Booking is a fantastic way to save on rail travel. Just reach out to us via our online form and we’ll quickly respond with our best deals. Then all that’s left to do is gather your best friends, family, colleagues, or classmates and set off on an adventure together. There’s so much to explore along the CrossCountry network and a holiday in the UK is even better with friends.

Invest in a Railcard

If you travel regularly by train, you can save up to 1/3 of your train fares across the CrossCountry network and beyond. For just £30 a year, being a Railcard holder really is a no-brainer if you’re eligible. 
We offer a wide selection of money-saving options, including the latest 26-30 Railcard to put some joy back into the commute and the Family and Friends Railcard to make travelling with kids a little smoother. If you’re aiming to save money on rail fares, Railcards are a worthwhile investment.

Purchase a Season Ticket

Passengers who make the same journey on a regular basis can make great savings on their train tickets by purchasing a Season ticket instead of Single or Return tickets.

Buying a Season Ticket gives you unlimited travel between two named stations, helping you save in the long run and skip the ticket machine queue. Season Tickets provide the flexibility and ease to travel carefree, setting you up perfectly for the day, every day.

Alternatively, for hybrid workers, our Flexi-Season tickets might be a better fit. Flexi-Season tickets allow travel on any eight days within a twenty-eight-day period between two named stations, saving you money even if you don’t travel daily.

Take Advantage of Off-Peak Travel

Our best advice is to select an Off-Peak ticket when booking a train.  If you’re able to travel outside peak times, you’ll not only secure a lower fare but a more enjoyable journey on a quieter train too. Travelling off-peak opens up some of our popular commuting routes too, like Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly or Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Central, allowing you to avoid the rush and experience everything these spectacular cities have to offer.

How to Book Cheap Rail Tickets

From deciding to visit a new destination to stepping off the train at the station, we’re dedicated to making things easy and enjoyable for our customers. Booking cheap tickets is no exception - here’s how it’s done:

• Find some travel inspiration by checking our CrossCountry blog and most popular routes.
•  Once you know where you want to go, search for your route online or on the CrossCountry app.
• Select the dates you plan to travel. You can book Advance tickets up to twelve weeks before you set off – perfect for early-birds and meticulous trip planners.
• Add your Railcard, select the perfect journey time, and hit ‘Book’ – you’ll receive an email confirming your trip.

Cheap Train Journeys with CrossCountry

So now you know how to bag yourself cheap tickets, the next question is where to go? We have plenty of scenic routes across England, Scotland and Wales but there are a few that are particularly popular for both business and leisure travellers.

• Glasgow to Edinburgh : Sink into your seat and watch the lush green Scottish countryside roll past Glasgow. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the city’s iconic landmarks as you approach Edinburgh, including Arthurs Seat and Edinburgh Castle.

• Manchester to Birmingham: Enjoy the industrial heritage Birmingham has to offer on the route down from Manchester. If the weather is clear, you may even get a glimpse of the magnificent hills of the Peak District to the East.

• Bristol to Cardiff: Admire the scenic Severn Estuary crossing from Bristol into Wales and the bustling city of Newport from the comfort of your seat. As we approach Cardiff, take in the vibrancy of Cardiff Bay, with its lively restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.

• Newcastle to Edinburgh: Take in the stunning Northumberland Coastline on the train ride up from Newcastle to Edinburgh. This journey will travel through the historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and the coastal town of Dunbar, both intriguing areas to look out for.

Need more travel inspiration? Discover the best the UK has to offer, from Food & Drink recommendations to must-visit Festivals and Events.

Frequently Asked Questions