Travelling by train is a scenic and relaxing way to discover Britain. The rail network spans across the whole country with more than 2,500 stations. Rail travel is efficient, reliable and a fantastic way to see the UK. Getting student discount uk in Public transport can be a little challenging to navigate for those who are unfamiliar with the network or suffer from travel anxiety.
Follow these tips and tricks so you can sit back and enjoy the journey.
Different companies run different trains
Different rail companies cover different areas of the UK. For example, the Trans Pennine Express covers Yorkshire, Manchester and other regions of the Pennines. While other companies, like LNER, travel all the way from London to Edinburgh on an ultra-fast rail route. Visit the National Rail website or Trainline to look at timetables and book your train. You may be transferred to the company website, or you can book through the Trainline website.
Watch timings closely
Trains are scheduled at precise times, and you need to make a note of those timings. For example, if your train is scheduled for 11:59, it will leave exactly on the minute. Get to the station early to find your platform and get on the train without any pressure.
Book tickets in advance
You need to book your tickets as far in advance as possible. You can save a lot of money by booking in advance and securing your seat early. If you leave it until the last minute, you will have to pay a higher fare, and your desired train may be fully booked. The rail network is extremely popular in the UK, and routes tend to get more expensive the closer you are to the day of travel.
Deals and discounts
Rail travel can be expensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of deals and discounts available so that you can save a few pennies. Some companies run promotions for group travel, and others offer seasonal tickets. If you are using trains every day, you can usually obtain a seasonal ticket to use every day instead of purchasing separate tickets. It’s often cheaper to book a return ticket instead of two singles.
Get a railcard
You can get a railcard to access exclusive discounts on multiple trains. For example, students can currently get an 18-24 railcard with a 25% discount on trains across the UK. Take a look at your age group and profession to see if you can receive any deals and discounts.
Once you have mastered the UK’s rail network, make sure to enjoy the view from your seat.
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