Most train companies have an optimal time to buy tickets, with many offering cheaper fares for booking in advance - the further ahead, the better. But when is the best time to take advantage of these money-saving options?
Which time and day is the cheapest to buy train tickets?
Whilst there is no specific time or day that is cheaper to buy tickets across the board, generally the further in advance you can purchase your tickets, the cheaper they will be. Northern’s Advanced tickets are available up to 6 weeks in advance, so as soon as you know your travel date and destination, it makes sense to start searching for tickets, to grab a bargain.
Other ways to save
Railcard eligibility
Don't forget to check if you're eligible for a railcard as this is a great way to save money on train tickets.
Use our app
You can access all ticket types and other discounts through our dedicated app! The app has a lot of other useful features including real-time travel updates and smart card storage.
Types of cheap train tickets
There are several ticket options designed to be cost-effective and save you money. On top of this, you can save even more by investing in a Railcard.
Advance train tickets
Allowing you to save up to 65%, these can be purchased up to 6 weeks before you travel, Advance tickets are the perfect choice if you know your schedule. You can still find last-minute bargains up to 5 minutes before you travel.
Buy advance tickets
Off-peak tickets
Designed for travelling outside the busy commuter rush hour, Off-peak tickets can be purchased up to and including the day you wish to travel. Commuter rush hour is on weekdays between 16.01 and 18.29.
Buy Off-peak tickets
Save on the Day
There’s no need to book in advance with Save on the Day deals. Available right up until 5 minutes before you wish to travel, these are a great option if you need to jump on a train with little prior notice.
Buy Save on the Day tickets
Duo tickets
If you are travelling with a friend, book your tickets together and save 25% on your fares with the Duo ticket.
Buy Duo tickets
Season tickets
Northern also offers a range of travel cards and season tickets, designed to keep the cost of train travel as low as possible.
Buy Season ticketsWhen do train ticket prices go up?
Rail fare price hikes are usually introduced annually in January; however, since 2020, these rises have been postponed until March. In 2022, train passengers faced the highest rise in nine years, with fares across England and Wales increasing by up to 3.8%. However, with rail companies determined to keep prices as low as possible, this is still way below the inflation rate.
FAQs
The best time to buy a ticket for a Northern service is 6 weeks before you plan to travel; however, if you are using a long-distance train operator, 12 weeks is the optimal time to buy your ticket.
Generally, it’s cheaper to buy your ticket as far in advance as possible, although with Northern’s Save on the Day tickets you can book up to 5 minutes before you plan to travel.
If you board a Northern train without a ticket or ‘Promise to Pay’ notice at a station where ticket purchasing facilities are available, you may be liable to pay a Penalty Fare.
While no specific day is universally cheaper for train travel, Northern Rail tickets generally cost less when purchased in advance. Weekdays, like Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to have lower demand and may offer better deals.
In most cases, purchasing Northern train tickets online is cheaper than buying them at the station. Booking your tickets in advance also means you’ll pay less to travel to your destination. You can purchase tickets on our website or via our mobile app.
More information can be found here.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.