Book Easter trains now and save money

Transport 03/02/2012

For people planning on travelling around the United Kingdom at Easter can save money by booking in advance.

Advance rail fares for travel during the Easter holidays have been released. The fares are available to buy around 12 weeks before the date of travel.

The number of cheap advance fares sold has almost doubled over the last five years, and operators now sell around a million every week. The National Rail Enquiries website (http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/farefinder/search) includes a Cheapest Fare Finder tool, and users are also offered a cheaper alternative route to the journey requested, if there is one available.

Being flexible on the days and times you can travel often means you can find a cheaper ticket, and passengers are recommended to check if they are eligible for a Railcard, which gives them a third off most rail fares including Advance tickets. Fr example, a Family and Friend Railcard offers considerable savings for families looking for affordable days out over the Easter holidays, who can also take advantage of the many two-for-one deals for popular attractions offered by train companies.

Edward Welsh from the Association of Train Operating Companies said: ?Train companies understand that times are tough for many people. Buying Advance train tickets now for visits home or to enjoy a day out over the Easter break will help make valuable savings.?