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Travel Cheap in the UK: Train, Coach & Car Sharing Tricks to Know

  • Writer: National Debt Helpline
    National Debt Helpline
  • Jun 4
  • 2 min read

Travelling around the UK doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re commuting, planning a weekend away, or visiting family, there are plenty of ways to cut your travel costs. Here’s how to travel smart by train, coach, or car—without sacrificing comfort or time.


🚆 1. Use Railcards to Cut Train Fares

You can save up to 1/3 on rail travel with the right railcard. Popular options include:

  • 16–25 Railcard

  • Two Together Railcard (great for couples or travel buddies)

  • Family & Friends Railcard

  • Senior Railcard (60+)

  • Disabled Persons Railcard

Most cost around £30 per year and pay for themselves in a couple of trips.


🎫 2. Book Train Tickets in Advance

Advance tickets are released around 8–12 weeks before travel and can be significantly cheaper. Use alerts on:

  • Trainline

  • National Rail

  • Split My Fare

Tip: Travelling off-peak or super off-peak is often much cheaper.


✂️ 3. Try Split Ticketing

You don’t have to buy one single ticket for a journey. Split ticketing can save you 20–50% on long-distance travel.

Use websites like:

  • TrainSplit

  • SplitMyFare

  • Tickety

It’s perfectly legal—as long as the train stops at each of the ticketed stations.


🚌 4. Use Budget Coach Travel

Coach services are ideal for flexible, affordable travel:

  • Megabus: Fares from £1 with early booking

  • National Express: Offers passes and group deals

They may take longer than trains but are often much cheaper, especially during peak travel times.


🚗 5. Car Share to Cut Fuel Costs

Share your ride and costs using:

  • BlaBlaCar: Find or offer long-distance lifts

  • Liftshare: Great for commuting

This reduces fuel expenses and is better for the environment too.


⛽ 6. Save on Fuel with Apps

Use fuel price comparison apps like:

  • PetrolPrices

  • Waze (also provides traffic data)

Tip: Supermarkets often have the cheapest petrol.


🅿️ 7. Don’t Overpay for Parking

Parking apps help you avoid overpaying or getting fined:

  • JustPark

  • Parkopedia

  • YourParkingSpace

Book in advance or rent someone’s driveway near your destination.


💳 8. Use Travel Cashback & Discounts

Pay for travel with a cashback card or loyalty scheme:

  • American Express or Chase (cashback)

  • Tesco Clubcard or Nectar points for railcards and travel offers

Also check Blue Light Card and Student Beans for additional discounts.


Final Tip: Mix & Match for Maximum Savings

Combine railcards with advance booking, or car sharing with fuel apps. You’ll save the most when you stack multiple hacks together.




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Whether you're a regular commuter or occasional traveller, there’s always a cheaper way to get where you're going in the UK. All it takes is a bit of planning and the right tools.

 
 
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