Instead of buying an expensive train ticket from one destination to another, you break your journey up into legs, purchasing tickets for each segment.
Whilst this might sound like more hassle, it can save you quite a bit of money because you are able to exploit price discrepancies in different parts of the route.
Jason Higgs, senior deals strategist at Bountii, explained: “Consider this – a direct train ticket from London to Manchester might cost £80, but by splitting the journey at a midpoint, such as Birmingham, passengers could potentially reduce their fare to just £50.
“That’s a saving of £30 per ticket – a substantial difference that can add up quickly.”
The best bit of this hack is that even though you are buying multiple tickets, you don’t necessarily need to change trains. You can stay on the same train in the same seat at Birmingham. You are splitting your tickets not your journey.
To ensure you are not breaking any rules, you must stop at all the stations you have purchased tickets for. Otherwise the practice is perfectly legitimate.
How to purchase your split tickets
There are several dedicated websites you can use to find split-ticketing options. Higgs said they were invaluable tools for travellers looking to stretch their travel budget.
He recommends TrainSplit, which employs advanced algorithms to identify potential split-ticketing opportunities and offers a user-friendly interface for hassle-free booking.
There’s also SplitMyFare which has an extensive database of train routes and fare options. “With its intuitive search function, finding split-ticket options is a breeze,” Higg said.
Other ways to save money on your train fare
Here are a few other suggestions from Higgs as to how you can cut the price of train travel.
Book in advance
Train tickets are often cheaper when purchased well in advance of your travel date. Keep an eye out for advance booking discounts and promotional offers.
Travel off-peak
Where ever possible, opt for off-peak trains or consider travelling during less popular times of the day to secure better prices.
Use railcards
If you are a student, senior or travelling in a family group look into getting a railcard as they offer various discounts.
Consider alternative routes
Finally Higgs suggests being flexible with your travel plans and exploring alternative routes that may offer cheaper fares or additional savings opportunities.
“Saving money on train tickets doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right approach and a bit of research, you can uncover hidden savings and enjoy more affordable travel experiences,” he added.
“Whether it’s harnessing the power of split-ticketing or taking advantage of advance booking discounts, there are plenty of opportunities to trim your transportation expenses and make the most of your travel budget.”