Advance train tickets

Planning ahead? Save with Advance tickets.

Plan ahead and take advantage of our cheapest fares, available on longer distance routes. Advance tickets are for single journeys, and help you find the best price for your trip by mixing and matching other single tickets.

Buy Advance tickets

Advance ticket booking window

Advance fares now on sale for dates up to and including:

Day Booking Advance fares until Routes
Monday to Friday 31 May 2024 All
Weekends (Saturday & Sunday) 21 April 2024 All

Last updated: 15/03/2024

We are not open on Monday 06 May, Monday 27 May, or beyond Friday 31 May, as we are awaiting confirmation of the future timetables that will be in operation for these dates.

At present, we hope to make Advance Purchase fares available where possible on a rolling weekly basis, as soon as the relevant timetables have been uploaded into the rail industry retail systems.

It remains our intention to make Advance Purchase fares available for future dates, covering longer booking horizons, just as soon as it becomes possible to do so.

Advance train tickets explained

  • Advance tickets are released every week, up to 12 weeks ahead
  • You’ll need to travel on a specific train at a specific time
  • Advance tickets are for single journeys, helping you mix and match with other single tickets to get the best price for your trip
  • Normal discounts apply, so if you normally use a 16-25 Railcard or Senior Railcard for example, you would receive the additional third off on the already cheaper (Advance) ticket
  • Book as early as possible to give yourself the chance of the best deal, but it is still worth checking the night before your journey - tickets are available until 23:59 the day prior to travel
  • The level of Advance tickets released can vary for each journey, but they are limited so once they’re gone, they’re gone!

To learn more, read the full National Rail terms and conditions for Advance tickets .

Just so you know...

  • There is no refund value on any Advance ticket but, If the train you purchased a ticket for is cancelled or delayed by more than 60 minutes, special arrangements will be made to accommodate you on another train (although a seat cannot be guaranteed). If, as a result, you decide not to travel, a refund will be offered on completely unused tickets and you will not be charged an administration fee.

How to buy an Advance ticket

You can book trains in advance quickly and easily:

  • Online with our journey planner
  • App - download our app from Google Play or Apple App Store
  • Visit us at a staffed station, and our friendly team will help you out
  • Call us if you prefer on 0333 311 0039 - we can help you find the right price and train

Buy Advance ticket