What is split ticketing?

Split ticketing is a completely legal way of saving money on UK train tickets by buying two or more tickets for different parts of the same journey instead of one through ticket.

In many cases, you’ll stay on the same train for your entire journey while paying less than the price of a single through ticket. TrainSplit automatically searches millions of valid ticket combinations to help you find the cheapest available fare.

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Split ticketing at a glance

• Completely legal under the National Rail Conditions of Travel
• Usually no need to leave the train
• Works with both Advance and flexible tickets
• Railcard discounts applied where eligible
• No booking fee
• Saves money on over 70% of eligible journeys

Why does split ticketing save money?

Train fares in Britain aren’t always priced in a straightforward way. Buying separate tickets for different parts of the same journey can sometimes cost less than buying one through ticket.

TrainSplit automatically compares millions of valid fare combinations to find the cheapest available option, so you don’t have to search manually.

How do split tickets work?

Imagine you’re travelling from London to Manchester.

Instead of buying one through ticket, your journey could be split into:

• London Euston → Milton Keynes
• Milton Keynes → Stoke-on-Trent
• Stoke-on-Trent → Manchester Piccadilly

Although you have three tickets, you can usually stay on the same train provided it stops at each station where one ticket ends and the next begins.

Is split ticketing legal?

Yes. Split ticketing is permitted under the National Rail Conditions of Travel.

As long as your train calls at the station where one ticket ends and the next begins, your combination of tickets is valid.

Do I have to change trains?

Usually not. Many split ticket journeys are completed on one train. If you do need to change trains, we’ll clearly show this during booking and in your confirmation email.

Can I reserve a seat?

Yes. Where reservations are available, we’ll reserve seats wherever possible. Occasionally you may receive separate reservations for different parts of your journey, but you can often remain in the same seat if it’s available.

How to book split tickets

Booking with TrainSplit couldn’t be easier.

1. Enter where you’re travelling from and to.
2. Select your travel date.
3. Add any Railcards.
4. We’ll automatically compare through fares with split ticket combinations.
5. Choose the option that suits you best.

Your booking confirmation clearly explains:

• where your tickets change
• whether you need to change trains
• your reserved seats (where applicable)

If you’ve already booked, see our How to Use Split Tickets and Understanding Your Itinerary with Split Tickets guides.

Why choose TrainSplit?

Our journey planner searches millions of valid fare combinations across the National Rail network to help you save money. >When you book with TrainSplit you benefit from:

• Automatic split ticket searching
• Alternative route suggestions where they may offer better value
• No booking fee
• Railcard discounts applied automatically where eligible
• Advance and flexible ticket combinations
• UK-based customer support
• Trusted by passengers since 2014

Does TrainSplit charge a booking fee?

No. We don’t charge a booking fee.

If split ticketing saves you money, we charge a small share of the saving. If there isn’t a saving available, you won’t pay any more than buying the standard fare elsewhere.

Top Tips for Saving Money on Train Tickets

• Book advance tickets early

  Advance tickets are usually the cheapest fares and are often released up to 12 weeks before travel.

• Travel off-peak

  Travelling outside busy periods can often reduce the cost of your journey.

• Use a Railcard

  A valid Railcard can save up to one third on eligible train fares.

• Consider alternative routes

  Sometimes a slightly different route can offer significant savings. TrainSplit automatically searches these where appropriate.

• Book split tickets

  Split ticketing is one of the easiest ways to save money on rail travel. Our journey planner automatically searches for valid split ticket combinations across the National Rail network.

• Travel as a group

  If you’re travelling with friends or family, you may be eligible for GroupSave discounts (where available).

• Be flexible

  Travelling at different times or on different days can often unlock cheaper fares.

• Sign up for our newsletter

  Stay up to date with train travel tips, product updates and money-saving advice from TrainSplit.

• Claim delay repay

  If your train is delayed, you may be entitled to compensation from the train operator responsible for the delay.

Ready to save money?

Whether you’re travelling for work, leisure or a weekend away, TrainSplit makes it easy to find cheaper train tickets using split ticketing.

Search your journey today and let our journey planner compare millions of valid ticket combinations to find the best available fare.

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Frequently asked questions about split tickets

Find answers to common questions about booking split train tickets with TrainSplit, including how split ticketing works, whether it's legal, and how you can save money on UK train travel.

What are split train tickets?

Split train tickets are two or more tickets that cover different parts of the same journey instead of one through ticket. Buying separate tickets can often cost less while still allowing you to travel on the same train.

How much money can I save with split ticketing?

Savings vary depending on the journey, route and ticket availability. TrainSplit automatically compares through fares with split ticket combinations to find the cheapest valid option.

Is split ticketing legal?

Yes. Split ticketing is permitted under the National Rail Conditions of Travel, provided your train stops at the station where one ticket ends and the next begins.

Do I need to change trains?

Usually not. Many split ticket journeys are completed on a single train. If a train change is required, we'll clearly show this during the booking process.

Can I use split tickets with Advance tickets?

Yes. TrainSplit searches both Advance and flexible fares, automatically combining them where this offers the best value.

Can I use my Railcard with split tickets?

Yes. If you have a valid Railcard, we'll automatically apply any eligible discounts when searching for split ticket combinations.

Does TrainSplit charge a booking fee?

No. We don't charge a booking fee. If split ticketing saves you money, we charge a small share of the saving. If there isn't a saving, you won't pay any more than the normal fare.

Can I buy split train tickets on the day of travel?

Yes. While booking in advance often provides the biggest savings, split ticket savings are still available on many journeys booked on the day of travel.

What happens if my train is delayed?

Your rights are protected under the National Rail Conditions of Travel. If disruption causes you to miss a connection on your itinerary, you may travel on the next available service where your rights allow, and you may be entitled to claim Delay Repay.

Why book split train tickets with TrainSplit?

TrainSplit automatically searches millions of valid fare combinations, compares split tickets with through fares, applies Railcard discounts where appropriate and helps you find cheaper train tickets without the hassle of searching manually.