Train travel to London, how to get the best prices throughout the year

[Eggybreadwithnuts]

We will be going a few times to London next year. Whats the best way to get the best fayre? Are railcards worth it?

Depending on how flexible you need to be, Advance tickets are usually cheapest but they do tie you to specific trains.

If you can buy advance single tickets for an exact train it works out so much cheaper on most long routes to London. Downside is you lose flexibility.

Advance singles are best. Usually a railcard is worth it if you travel a few times. Cheapest if you can travel during the day (off peak)

A few times or a few times a week? Are you going alone? If not, who are you going with? How old are you? Are you disabled?

2 adults probably 3-4 times a year.
Would like open returns but happy to book outgoing time

The Two Together railcard gets you a third off if you’re confident you’ll usually be travelling together. You can use up to 3 railcards in one booking so that might be worth it too if you qualify for any others.

Get a railcard.

A Two Together Railcard gets you 1/3 off, so for travel into London will often pay for itself in one trip. I think about £30, but when I renewed mine, it cost me £10 in Tesco vouchers, so worth checking if that's still on.

Have a look on Trainline 12 weeks before you want to go. Once you see the difference in price, you might find you prefer to book specific trains!

Where are you travelling from or which train operator?

Which operator? With LNER you can book a seat on an open ticket upto five minutes before departure, its very handy for busy days.

Split ticketing?