Five ways to travel the UK by rail or coach and save money
GET on board the train for a getaway this summer.
While fares did rise — by nearly four per cent in England and Wales — last month, there are plenty of ways for savvy travellers to make sure their spending stays on track.
Here’s how to travel around the UK for less.
BE AN EARLY BIRD – Get cheaper rail fares by booking up to 12 weeks in advance. But remember to check the small print, as these tickets may be restricted to a particular train. Savings can also be made by avoiding peak times.
PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT – Cut costs with a railcard. A one-year Family & Friends card costs £30, but you can save a third on adult travel and 60 per cent off kids’ tickets. Tesco Clubcard points can also be used towards the price. Other railcard options include the 16-25, senior and “two together”.
DO THE SPLITS – See if you can make savings by “splitting” your ticket. This means breaking one long journey into a series of shorter ones along the route.
It’s fine to do this, provided the train stops at all the stations. Find out more at and , but some sites impose charges.
BOOM OR BUS – It may be a slower option, but travelling by coach can mean a much cheaper ticket. Check out National Express, as well as Megabus. A trip from London to Manchester by Megabus starts from £5.99.
Make further savings with cashback. Get up to 4.2 per cent when you buy via and up to 2.1 per cent when you buy via .
LIFT ME UP – With petrol prices skyrocketing, it’s worth looking at lift-sharing websites such as , and where you can save on fuel by advertising a spare seat in your car, or search for a driver offering a space.
- PRICES here are correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers are subject to availability.
Deal of the day
GRAB this pink and rose gold Salter handbag toastie maker, now £22.99, down from £29.99, at .
SAVE: £7
Cheap treat
TESCO has a Clubcard deal on Cadbury milk chocolate fingers (114g), now £1, reduced from £1.50.
SAVE: 50p
What's new?
GET your hands on a new selection of sweet-inspired ice creams and lollies available at both Iceland and The Food Warehouse.
Includes a three-pack of Malteser White for £3 and Skittles rainbow ice cream (500ml) for £2.
Top swap
SLIP into spring with these classic Crocs for £40 from , or save with these clog mule sandals from Shoe Zone () for £7.99.
SAVE: £32.01
Shop and save
PICK up a bottle of Châteauneuf- du-Pape Blanc from Aldi, was £19.99, now £14.99.
SAVE: £5
HOT RIGHT NOW: BAG a neat 20 per cent off orders over £60 from Look Fantastic when you buy via . Ends May 15.
Leah's little helper
HOLLAND and Barrett has launched a new range of vitamins for babies and children, and many are buy-one-get-one-half-price.
Includes Baby Immune Liquid (30ml) for £7.99 and Kids Vitamin D gummies (30-day supply) for £3.99.
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