Use SplitSave sorcery to save on average £22 per trip*
If you’re looking for ways to save money when travelling by train then split tickets might be just for you! Splitting your train tickets with SplitSave, our new split-ticketing app feature, can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket if you’re travelling on a long journey.
Intrigued? Read on for more details about how SplitSave can help you find cheap train tickets for journeys across the UK.
What is split ticketing?
Simply put, split ticketing is when you ‘split’ your train journey into multiple tickets, instead of buying a single ticket.
It may sound strange, but if you buy multiple tickets along your trip you can save a lot of money compared to having a single ticket – in most cases you don’t even have to change trains!
How does split ticketing work?
We know split ticketing can seem complicated, so here's some simple but detailed information on how exactly train travel with a split ticket works.
Let's use travelling from London to Manchester as an example. Instead of buying one ticket from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly, you can buy two rail tickets – one from London Euston to Stockport and one from Stockport to Manchester Piccadilly. You won't have to change trains at Stockport, the train simply needs to stop at your split ticket station along the way. Here are a few more examples of how train tickets can be split.
| Train journey | 1st ticket | 2nd ticket |
|---|---|---|
| London to Manchester | London to Stockport | Stockport to Manchester |
| Bristol to Birmingham | Bristol to Cheltenham Spa | Cheltenham Spa to Birmingham |
| Edinburgh to London | Edinburgh to Newcastle | Newcastle to London |
| London to Liverpool | London to Stafford | Stafford to Liverpool Lime Street |
Then just make sure you show the correct ticket for the portion of the journey you’re travelling on if you’re asked to do so.
How does ticket splitting save you money?
The savings from splitting your journey into separate tickets come from taking advantage of the complexities of the UK rail fare system. Ticket prices in the UK are determined by train operator, journey duration and fare types, such as Peak and Off-Peak. So, the biggest discounts for split tickets tend to occur at the times of day Peak times end and Off-Peak windows open, such as the morning and evening rush hours.
And guess what, it's not just Advance tickets you can save money on with SplitSave, you can even bag savings on last-minute tickets too.
How to book split train tickets in our app
You can use our iOS or Android app to save money with SplitSave. Don't have our app yet? Download it now.
1
Search for your single or return journey in the journey planner in our app as normal.
2
We’ll show you if SplitSave tickets are available and, if so, how much you can save. Just look out for the SplitSave icon in your search results.
3
We’ll give you a detailed breakdown, all you need to do is show different tickets along your journey.
4
You can store SplitSave tickets as etickets in your Trainline app or add to your Apple Wallet.
How to book split train tickets on our website
If you’re hoping to save money on rail travel, you can book SplitSave tickets on the web!
1. Search for your single or return journey in the journey planner.
2. Look for the SplitSave icon in the search results. We’ll show you if SplitSave tickets are available and how much you can save.
3. We’ll explain how the SplitSave tickets work, you just need to show different tickets during your journey.
4. We’ll email your tickets instantly. You can also store SplitSave tickets as etickets in your Trainline app or add to your Apple Wallet.
Frequently asked questions
We know splits can be a tricky subject. Read answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about split tickets below.
Is split ticketing legit?
Yes. Split ticketing is legal and is allowed by the National Conditions of Travel under which all train companies on the national rail network operate. Just remember that you must take a train that calls at the station(s) you bought your train ticket(s) for.
Do I need to change trains if I buy split tickets?
Not always. If your journey had no changes originally, there’d still be no changes. However, if your journey included a change, then this will still apply. The only condition when using split tickets is that the train you take must stop at all the places you’ve bought tickets for and not just pass through them.
Can I reserve a seat if I buy split train tickets?
Yes. If a train offers a seat reservation, you’ll be able to book it. However, in rare cases, you may only be able to reserve a seat for part of your journey. Occasionally, you may have to change seats partway through your journey. Check your ticket for seat-specific information.
Can I use my National Railcard when buying split tickets?
Yes. You can buy your split train tickets in conjunction with any National Railcard that can be used for a specific journey.
Popular train journeys for ticket splitting
These are some of the most popular routes our customers have been able to find split train fares on recently.
Here's a split you'll want to see
What exactly makes a good split or a bad split? Watch our new video to find out.
Ready to book your split train tickets?
Found the perfect combination of tickets for you? Start your search for SplitSave tickets today. If you need more information about ticket types, check out our UK train ticket types page, or head over to our help section for more in-depth FAQs.
*Average saving for bookings from March - August 2024 comparing SplitSave fare vs next cheapest fare for the same journey on an Avanti route available to a Trainline customer. Subject to SplitSave fares being available