9th December, 2016

6 ways to save on local rail fares

This article is more than 8 years old.

1. Devon & Cornwall Railcard

For just £10 per year, this card gives Devon and Cornwall residents a third off most Standard Off-Peak tickets for you and a friend when travelling in the two counties. If you like local day trips, it’s a winner! Find out more.

2. Off-Peak Day Returns

If you’re setting off after the morning peak (after 09 30 as a rule of thumb), Off-Peak Day Returns offer great value – with trips like Exeter to Exmouth and back for under a fiver. There’s no need to book in advance – these tickets are the same price on the day. Find out more.

3. Groupsave

Travelling in a group of three to nine people? Get a third off adult Off-Peak tickets on Great Western Railway trains with the GroupSave discount. It applies on local day trips or journeys as far as London (for long trips, book early to get the best price). Find out more.

4. Devon Day Ranger / Ride Cornwall

Explore the whole of Devon or Cornwall’s rail network with these handy day tickets (valid after the morning peak). The Ride Cornwall ticket (£13) also covers most bus services. The Devon version is available for a day (£10) or evening (£5). Find out more: Devon | Cornwall.

5. National railcards

Travel further afield as well as locally? Costing £30 a year, you can save a third with railcards for two people who travel together, families, 16-25s and over 60s. A Disabled Persons railcard is £20. Find out more.

6. Season tickets (full and part-time)

Season tickets are available for one week, one month or any period up to a year. They can be part-time (for use on three specified weekdays plus weekends) or full-time (for use every day including weekends). Look up prices with the National Rail Enquiries season ticket calculator.

These are just some of the ways you can save. Don’t forget…

  • Under 5s go free on the train
  • 5-15 year olds are half-price
  • Dogs ride free of charge (up to two per person)

Look up train times and prices

All prices correct at the time of writing (9/12/16).

Part funded by the Designated Community Rail Development Fund. The Fund is backed by the Department for Transport and the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (now Community Rail Network).

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