The UK is a long-established European economic powerhouse with a highly developed infrastructure. Trains have been around for over 300 years, but the UK’s trains are completely different from China’s, and the way you buy tickets is also different. Here is a guide on how to buy train tickets in the UK.
UK Train Ticket Purchase Guide
Train tickets in the UK are more expensive than in Schengen countries, especially for long-distance trains, so book early if you can to save money for food.
Generally, the official website will offer discount tickets 2-3 months in advance, sometimes even more than half price.
There are many ways to buy UK train tickets, the most common ones are:
1. National rail website
The advantage is that it is the official website and there are no handling fees. The disadvantage is that you need to use a VPN to access the website, and the internet speed is slow.
2. Trainline APP
I recommend this APP. Although there is a handling fee, it is easy to use and efficient. The handling fee is acceptable, and you can use your mobile phone to show your e-ticket, which saves you the trouble of collecting your ticket.
It is very convenient. If you need to print your ticket at the local train station, you can bring your booking number and the credit card you used to pay to print your ticket at over 1000 train stations in London.
I bought a return ticket from London to Edinburgh in September for almost half price, 118 pounds for two people. The example shown is for July prices, which is about 112 pounds per person, a big difference, isn’t it?
Secondly, tourists can apply for a two together railway card.
Fill out the application online in advance, and then go to the main train station in London with your photo to get it. If you travel by train a lot, you can save a lot of money.
I am lazy, so I am not happy to apply.
Another important point: London has three main train stations, and some of them can get to the same place. So it is recommended to search and compare when booking, the ticket price will be quite different.
For example, when I booked London to Cambridge, King’s Cross Station and Liverpool Street Station can both reach Cambridge. The fastest departure time from King’s Cross is 50 minutes, the return ticket price is 36 pounds per person (departing at 8am and returning at 4pm)
But if you depart from Liverpool Street Station, the return ticket price is 18 pounds per person for the same time period, basically half price, and the arrival time is slightly longer than King’s Cross, about 1 hour and 5 minutes. My hotel is also close to Liverpool Street Station, so I feel like I made a good deal.
Therefore, when booking, search and compare according to your accommodation location, there may be surprises.
Of course, for some short-distance trains, such as London to Windsor, it is not necessary to buy in advance.
The price is the same if you buy on the spot.
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