Train driver gives tips for a cheaper travel experience

Train Driver Reveals the Best Time to Buy Tickets – And four Other Rail Travel Hacks Most People Don’t Know…

Tired of paying too much for train travel? You’re not alone. But according to Alan Kemp, a UK train driver with over 23 years on the tracks, there are a few insider tricks that can make a big difference to your journey—and your wallet.

ATV Today Travel teamed up with the experts at Ski Vertigo to get Alan’s top five tips for beating the system and travelling smarter. Spoiler: most people are booking their tickets completely wrong.

1. Book on a Tuesday at 10am

“Without question, this is the best time to bag cheap fares,” Alan says. “Ticket prices tend to reset or adjust after the weekend, and by Tuesday morning, operators quietly release unclaimed lower fares. Wait too long and by lunchtime, they’re gone.”

2. Avoid buying on Fridays or Sundays

“Everyone thinks Friday evening or Sunday night is the time to get organised for the week ahead,” he explains. “But that’s exactly when demand surges—and so do prices. You’re booking at peak time even if you’re not travelling at one.”

3. Split your ticket—but legally

“You’d be surprised how often splitting a journey into two or three legs—even without changing trains—can save money. There are tools for it now, but even checking manually can shave a good chunk off.”

4. Know when to book in advance

“Booking ahead isn’t always cheaper—but for long-distance routes, it usually is. The sweet spot is about 3–4 weeks before travel. Any earlier and you might overpay. Any later and prices start creeping up.”

5. Travel after 10am if you can

“The 6–9am commuter window is the most expensive time to travel. If your schedule allows, catch a train after 10am. Off-peak fares kick in, and you’ll get a quieter carriage too.”