When taking either domestic trains or international ones, everyone gets surprised by the constant raises in the train ticket prices. And sometimes, there is nothing else to do other than take the train at an expensive cost. There are even destinations that are much cheaper to buy a plane ticket instead of taking the train. However, regardless of the prices for train tickets, there are many smart and tricky ways to get discounts on train tickets as well. Below we have prepared a list of ways and methods that will help you benefit from taking a train and save you some money that you can spend on something else during your travels.
Get your tickets in advance
Depending on how close your dates of the departure are, the prices for the train would be expensive. That is why it is advisable to get your train tickets early. You can save up to 50% of the price in case you book your ticket in advance. Usually the train tickets can be bought around ten weeks before the departure date. So, the sooner you book it, the better. Keep in mind that many people want to hunt those tickets too. That is why the advance tickets can get sold out pretty fast.
Split the ticket during long travels
If you are traveling far, you can check for several train tickets. By splitting the tickets throughout your destination, you can notice that the price for two separate tickets would cost you less instead of buying one ticket for the whole journey. The experts at Promo Codes have recently shared a study, showing that splitting the train ticket can cost you almost 1/3 less.
However, you need to make sure that the timings and train stations for your tickets match and you won’t miss your train to the final destination.
Check for special discounts
For many students, there are special prices for train tickets if you show your student card. You can get even better discounts if you provide both your rail pass and student’s card at the station. There are special offers for kids as well. Either they can travel for free until a specific age or get a discount of up to 50%. There are even many discounts and coupon codes available online when you look for a train ticket. Yes, you read it right, there are not only special discounts and coupons for clothing brands such as Paragonshop or Doppelgänger but also many various things, such as train tickets. So make sure to check everything on the internet and get the lowest prices for your departure.
Check tickets for off-peak hours
If you are flexible with your timing, avoiding peak hours can be beneficial. Everyone knows that during the rush hours, the prices of the tickets are the most expensive ones, as they are the most demanded ones. Check availability of tickets when the stations are not at their busiest time. On weekdays it can start from 10 am to 3 pm or after 7 pm. During these times, the tickets will surely be cheaper, and you will be able to save some money and avoid crowded trains.
Get a rail pass
The availability of a rail pass will allow you to save almost a third of the ticket price. That is why many people get a yearly rail pass and use it all year long on various destinations. This is, of course, more useful to those who travel by train a lot. By making sure that you have your rail pass with you during your travel, you will be able to get discounts on the actual ticket prices. There are many cases when the ticket inspectors check the availability and validity of the card. You can either have it physically with you or download the corresponding app to your phone.
Double-check for the booking fees
When looking for a train ticket online, you may find very affordable options. However, there are many websites that add booking fees during checkout. That is why you need to double-check if booking fees are applicable on the websites you wish to buy the tickets. Depending on the website, the booking fee may vary from 2$ to 5$. You can always check the websites, get information, understand the prices, and finally book the ticket from the website that provides the most affordable price.
Always use your rights
If you have bought a ticket and haven’t used it or the train was canceled, always ask for a refund. This can also be practical if your train was delayed. Always keep in mind that your rights should be heard, and the train companies will always provide compensation. Many of them have policies of refunds or ticket changes in case of any inconvenience or changes in the schedule. Therefore, if something unplanned happens during your departure, make sure to keep your ticket as proof in case there should be any compensation.
The Bottom line
Taking the train and enjoying the long rides along beautiful views is always enjoyable. And it becomes even more pleasant when you know that you managed to save a few bucks while buying the ticket. Always do your research before buying a train ticket. That way, you will manage to find cheaper options and save some money for your other expenses.
