How do I find cheap train tickets?

• Book early. Most railways release advance fares three to six months out in limited quantities; when those sell, the price steps up.
• Travel off-peak. Midweek departures and the middle of the day are consistently cheaper than Friday evening and Sunday afternoon.
• Consider the slow train. Regional services cost a fraction of high-speed fares and often take only an hour or two longer on medium distances.
• Try split ticketing. Booking A→B and B→C separately is sometimes cheaper than A→C, as long as the train you want actually calls at B. Several UK sites do this automatically.
• Check group and return deals. Two people travelling together attract a discount on several European networks.

Discount cards worth knowing

• Germany: BahnCard 25 or 50, which pays back quickly on long routes.
• France: Carte Avantage for young, senior and adult travellers.
• UK: the various Railcards, including the 16–25, Two Together and Senior cards.
• USA: Amtrak student, military and senior discounts.

Before buying any pass or card, add up the specific journeys you will actually make. Passes are sold on the promise of freedom; the arithmetic is what should decide it.