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How to plan your journey

Split Tickets
We describe below some techniques used to save money, known as Split Tickets

 

It has been known for many years that there are discrepancies between some journeys, the range of fares and the tickets available

These techniques work best for passengers who can be flexible in their plans
When there is a need to purchase tickets on the day of travel these techniques become limited, but not impossible

 

We provide some sample examples at the end of this article

 

Finally, note that some Split Ticket providers compare walk-on fares to Advance fares
In many cases this is not appropriate and could be misleading, as the Advance fare for the entire journey, without the need for splitting tickets, may already be available (See Example 3 below)

 

Task 1 :
The direct train and fare
This is the starting point, in order to work out if there is any saving

Task 2 :
Check the timetable  

This might seem obvious but you need to find out which stations your train calls at
It is a requirement within the NRCOC, National Rail Conditions Of Carriage, that the train for your ticket destinations actually calls at the station, it is not good enough that the train simply passes through the station
 

Task 3 :
Identify the main stations, which your selected train or trains may call at

This can often appear complex and in some cases not obvious to identify such stations
Our examples below show this in more detail

Task 4 :
Check the fares between these stations
This is the time consuming part
We suggest using a spreadsheet for this process, the original fare and the split fares can then be compared, with the saving clearly shown

 

Task 5 :
Make sure the journey is viable
Now that you have all the travelling options for your journey and fare options, you need to ensure the journey is actually possible

There would be nothing worse than going through this entire process only to find during your journey that the tickets you present cannot be used or if you miss your connection that you have to purchase a new more expensive ticket

 

 

EXAMPLE 1 :

Preston to Stafford (day return)
There are no travel restrictions and you may travel on any direct service
Available fare :
Anytime Return £65.00 (or two Singles at £32.50 each)
Split at Wigan North Western -
Preston to Wigan North Western Day Single £6.90
Wigan North Western to Crewe Anytime Return £17.20
Wigan North Western to Preston Day Single £6.90
Split at Crewe -
Crewe to Stafford Anytime Day Return £10.90
TOTAL £41.90 SAVING £23.10
Note if travelling after 09:00, there is no need to Split Tickets the Off Peak Return is £35.70
 

EXAMPLE 2A :
Newcastle to Doncaster (day return), outward journey commencing before 09:00
There are no travel restrictions and you may travel on any direct service
Available fare :
Anytime Return £101.00 (or two Singles at £50.50 each)
Split at York -
Newcastle to York Off Peak Return £40.50
York to Doncaster Anytime Day Return £16.40
Total £56.90 SAVING £44.10

EXAMPLE 2B :
Newcastle to Doncaster (day return), outward journey commencing after 09:00
There are no travel restrictions and you may travel on any direct service
Available fare :
Super Off Peak Return £56.40
Split at York -
Newcastle to York Off Peak Return £29.20
York to Doncaster Anytime Day Return £14.70
Total £43.90 SAVING £12.50
 

 

EXAMPLE 3 :

London to Penzance (overnight away), any journey commencing after 09:00
10:06 London - Penzance
10:00 Penzance - London

Available fares :
Super Off Peak Return £94.00
Two Advance singles (£41.50 each) £83.00
Split at Plymouth -
London to Plymouth Advance Single £36.50
Plymouth to Penzance Off Peak Return £17.40
Plymouth to London Advance Single £36.50
Total £90.40
The Plymouth to Penzance Off Peak Return can then be split further, with two singles
Plymouth to Penzance Advance Single £7.00
Penzance to Plymouth Advance Single £7.00
Total £87.00
In this example there is NO saving using Split Tickets,

If possible purchase two Advance singles
 

 

We recommend using the Split Ticket finder service from RailEasy
This will allow you to submit your travel plans, then find the cheapest available fares by using Split Tickets

 

Fares and timetables correct as at 07 May 2012
Passenger example is 1 adult travelling Standard (class)
No railcard or discounts applied
No change of train, where possible

Day return -
Monday 14 May 2012, outward portion commencing before 09:00

Overnight away -
Outwards on Monday 14 May 2012
and
Returning on Tuesday 15 May 2012