Enjoy lower fares for longer distances
Traveling longer distances by train? Advance train tickets typically offer our best value for longer rail journeys. So, whether you’re travelling to Manchester for a long overdue catch-up with friends, to Anglesey to unwind or Birmingham for some retail therapy, save on good times by buying ahead of time.
What is an Advance train ticket?
An Advance train ticket is bought before travelling. They give you great value for money, ideal for longer journeys. They’re only valid on the selected service and for a single journey. If you need more flexibility around your travel plans, we recommend our Anytime tickets.
Some Advance tickets may be available on the day you travel, but we recommend you buy up to 12 weeks before then as there are a limited number of Advance tickets available for each journey. Take advantage of our best value fares by buying earlier.
Benefits of an Advance ticket
Why buy an Advance train ticket? They’re great value for money and you’ll avoid booking fees by buying directly with us.
Most Advance tickets let you reserve a seat too, ideal for the most comfortable train trip. You’ll also have a huge selection of train dates and times to choose from, especially when buying early.
Where to buy an Advance ticket?
The best way to buy your Advance train ticket is directly. You’ll avoid paying any booking fees when you buy on our app or website, or from a station ticket office.
You can also spread the payments over three instalments using PayPal Pay in 3 if your purchase is over £30. You’ll find more information on this when you come to the payment screen.
Buy your Advance train ticket on our app and enjoy contactless travel when you register an account. Find out more about our app here.
How early can I buy train tickets?
Tickets are generally available to buy around 12 weeks before your journey date. They’re usually cheaper the earlier you buy them.
Use our journey planner to see our recently released tickets.
How to buy cheap Advance train tickets
Here are the best ways to save money on your Advance ticket:
- Buy up to 12 weeks early
- Save up to ⅓ with a Railcard
- Look at our Season tickets for frequent travellers
- Travel out of peak hours
Be the late bird
You can now get our low-cost Advance tickets on the day of travel. That means there are even more opportunities to get the best value for money for those more spontaneous long-distance journeys. Advance tickets are now available up to five minutes before your chosen train departs from its origin station.
More information about Advance fares on the day of travel.
FAQs
Can I get an earlier train with an Advance ticket?
You may be able to switch your ticket depending on the time. If it’s the day before, visit our ticket refund page. If it’s the day of travel, chat with our colleagues at the station ticket office.
How much is an Advance train ticket?
The price depends on things like you chosen route, time, date etc. Use our journey planner to find a ticket that’s right for you.
Can I get an Advance ticket refunded?
Advance tickets cannot be refunded unless you decide not to travel because your train was cancelled or delayed.
If you bought an Advance ticket on our app or website, there’s currently no fee for amending your journey under our book with confidence scheme. However, you may have to pay extra if there’s a difference in price between your current ticket and the new ticket.
Is it cheaper to buy an Advance ticket?
Yes, you’ll usually save money by buying your train tickets earlier.
Can I change an Advance ticket to another date or time?
If you need to change the day or time that you’re travelling, you can amend your ticket up to 18:00 the day before you travel.
The process you’ll need to follow depends on where you bought your ticket and which delivery option you selected. Find out more on our ticket refund page.
Are Advance train tickets available for First Class services?
Yes, Advance tickets are available for both Standard and First Class services.
Why are Advance tickets one-way?
Advance tickets are one-way train tickets. Unlike Return tickets, they give you flexibility to mix or match your start and end points to best suit your travel plans.
What happens if I board the wrong train?
Please be sure to only board the train you’ve booked your space on - ask one of our colleagues if you’re not sure. If you board the wrong train, your Advance ticket won’t be valid and you’ll need to buy a new ticket. You may also need to pay a penalty fare if you’re travelling in one of our penalty fare zones.
Can I use my Railcard with Advance tickets?
Yes, you can also use your Railcard to get discounted Advance tickets and save even more.
Can I upgrade from Standard to First Class?
Yes, you can upgrade from Standard to First Class on our services, where applicable. This applies to all our Standard tickets, including Anytime and Advance Singles, Returns, Season tickets and Rover and Ranger tickets. Please let the conductor know if you’d like to upgrade, and they’ll check if there’s space for you.
Terms and conditions
For customers buying Advance tickets on our app or website, there is no fee for amending a journey, as long as you have an online account. Advance tickets are usually non-refundable and you may incur a £5 fee for a change of journey when this is arranged at a station ticket office. You can get more information about Advance tickets, including terms and conditions, from National Rail.
*Average percentage saved by customers between 01/01/2024 and 31/12/2024 when buying undiscounted TfW Advance tickets compared to the cheapest undiscounted TfW priced Anytime Single ticket for the same journey, available on the day of travel, was 50.2%. Advance fares are subject to availability. National Rail Conditions of Travel apply.
