Advance Tickets

Three female friends, 1 is wearing a bobble hat and 2 have headscarves, are smiling and walking arm in arm down a narrow street

Half a million advanced train tickets for less than a tenner are released weekly.

About Advance tickets

Advance tickets are great value, and ideal for saving money on long journeys. They must be bought in advance and are only valid on the date and train specified. All Advance tickets are for single journeys, but you can combine tickets to create your whole journey, including your return. They are sold in limited numbers, subject to availability and on a first come, first served basis.

You can usually buy an Advance ticket up to 12 weeks ahead of travel, and they are still available until the day of travel on many routes – sometimes up to 10 minutes before departure. Visit our Advance Booking Dates page for the most accurate information.

Discounts on Advance tickets

There are lots of discounts available:

For a child aged 5 to 15, a discount of 50% applies to all Advance fares
If you have a 16-17 Saver Railcard, you can get 50% off adult Standard class Advance fares
If you have any National Railcard you can get 1/3 off Standard class Advance fares
If you have a 16-25, 26-30, Senior, Two Together, HM Forces, Veterans or Disabled Persons Railcard, you can also get 1/3 off First Class Advance fares

Find out more about our Railcards.

Changing or getting a refund for Advance tickets

If you need to change the day or time that you are travelling, you can amend your ticket right up to the time your journey is due to begin. You may be charged £10 to change your ticket and you will also be charged for any difference in price between your ticket and the new ticket.

Advance tickets are non-refundable, unless your train is delayed or cancelled and you choose not to travel.

Seat reservations with Advance tickets

Not all services offer seat reservations. Generally, the longer the journey the more likely you are to be able to book a seat. If you want to make a reservation, you can book your seat at the same time as you buy your tickets. Even if you don’t reserve a seat, all Advance tickets must still be used on the date and service specified on your ticket.