New train ticket app helps you bag the cheapest fares and explore the country
Rail enthusiasts can explore the new parts of the country while setting a budget and ensuring they get the best deal possible.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has just launched ‘Deal Finder’, a new means of buying train tickets through its app.
Rather than choosing your start and end point, as well as the date you want to travel, the feature shows all of the places that are available on a given day.
You can toggle how much you're willing to pay or simply ask for the cheapest price going from a given station or in a general area.
LNER Deal Finder then does the hard work, browsing through a huge range of journeys to reveal a list of the best value destinations they could discover across the 956-mile LNER route which stretches from Scotland, through North East England, Yorkshire and the East Midlands to London.
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The app is designed to encourage exploration of the rails (Anna Draper / Lincolnshire Live)The app is perfect for people who can be a little more flexible with the time or date of their journey, and also offers lots of inspiration for people who want to explore the UK's rail network.
Being able to bag cheap tickets is more important now than ever, given the continuingly rising cost of fares in relation to wages.
It was announced in December that rail fares in England will increase by up to 5.9% from March in a blow to passengers.
The increase to regulated fares is being capped below inflation to prevent a double-digit hike for travellers, the Department for Transport said.
Fares are usually linked to the retail prices index of inflation, which would have meant a 12.3% increase if the rise was pegged to the traditional July rate.
The change will come into force on March 5, rather than in January, as was the case before the pandemic.
The decision was branded a "kick in the teeth" for commuters who have faced endless disruption.
Analysis by Labour found the average fares will rise to 58% more than they were in 2010, twice as fast as wages.
Iain Griffin, founder and CEO of rail ticketing app Seatfrog , has offered some advice for those looking to get a cheaper deal amid a grim economic backdrop.
“Whether you’re planning a UK staycation or using the train to get to the airport for holidays further afield, there are so many ways you can make the train travel experience that little bit easier, cheaper and more enjoyable," he said.
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Ticket prices will rise from 5.9% in March (PA)The first and perhaps biggest piece of advice he has is an obvious one - book early.
“It sounds obvious, but the earlier you can book, the better," Iain said.
"The prime time to get the best and cheapest tickets is 21 days before you travel – or earlier.
"Most rail networks release their timetables 12 weeks in advance, so as soon as you know the dates of your holiday, get booking."
He also recommends checking whether there is a railcard that may help you get a discount, with millions of Brits able to get a third off the standard price.
“Don’t assume that railcards are just for students or OAPs," Iain continues.
"Most people have no idea that there’s nine different types that can save you up to a third of the cost. Check them out on the national rail website, they are well worth it."
Iain also advises people to buy a special kind of bundle ticket which can significantly reduce the cost of travel if you are return to the same place repeatedly.
"One of my favourite hacks is to buy a carnet. Hardly anyone knows about them," he said.
"They are essentially an old school stamp book of pre-paid tickets for a specific journey. So if you like heading off to a specific location for weekend getaways or minibreaks, this is a much cheaper alternative than buying your tickets at the station on the day.”
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