Tickets Explained

New simpler names for train fares have been introduced across the National Rail network so now you can choose your train ticket quickly and easily, getting the best value fare for your journey.

The new names bring together commonly used Single and Return fares into three categories, making it easier for you to buy the best value train ticket for your journey.

• Advance

  Single (one-way) train fares offering great value for money on many longer distance journeys. You must book in advance before 1800 on the day prior to travel and travel on a specific train service. Available for both Standard and First Class travel. Discounts for Railcard holders and children are available.

  Due to the popularity and limited availability of these train tickets, please book early to avoid disappointment. Advance Purchase Tickets are valid only for the train service for which they are booked. An administration charge may be levied if a change is made to your journey.

  The Airport Advance will be replacing our current Airport Getaway ticket on 2 January 2009. It will be a single fare train ticket with the same terms and conditions as Advance tickets. Although the ticket is train specific, as a concession, journeys starting at Manchester Airport can be made up to 3hrs after specified departure time, or on the next available TransPennine Express service, if proof of delayed flight can be produced. This is the only difference to other Advance tickets. Should your flight be delayed, please ensure that you obtain documentation from your airline that this is the case.

• Off Peak

  Offering great savings, these cheaper train tickets are available for travelling at off-peak times during the week. They can be purchased in advance or on the day of travel. The travel restrictions will depend on the journey you are making and will be advised when you buy your ticket. Discounts for Railcard holders and children are available.

  Off-Peak Single and Off-Peak Day train tickets must be used on the date shown on the ticket. For Off-Peak Return train tickets, outward journeys must be made on the date shown on your ticket and return journeys must be made within one calendar month.

• Anytime

  Fully flexible train tickets with no time restrictions on when you can travel. You can buy Anytime tickets in advance or on the day of travel. Discounts for Railcard holders and children are available.

  Anytime Single and Anytime Day train tickets are valid for one day. For Anytime Return tickets, the outward journey must be made on the date shown on your train ticket and return journeys must be made within one calendar month. Available for both Standard and First Class train travel.

• Season Ticket

  Season Tickets are valid for travel on any day within the validity of the ticket. They are available for seven days, one calendar month, and any period between one and twelve months. A Season Ticket offers significant savings over buying the Anytime Day Return each day, and avoids having to queue repeatedly for your ticket.

  Customers holding a valid Season Ticket may make their normal daily journey in First Class at weekends at no extra cost on First TransPennine Express services.

  For more information visit our Season Tickets page.

• Railcards

  Save a whopping 1/3rd off your train travel with a Railcard. Visit our Railcards page for more information.

• First Class and Weekend First

  A First Class option is available. Holders of First Class tickets are entitled to complimentary tea/coffee/water and a biscuit on services where catering is provided.

  Holders of Standard Class tickets may upgrade to First Class on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays on payment of a £6.00 single journey supplement to the Conductor between any two train stations on the First TransPennine route network. (On our Manchester to Edinburgh and Manchester to Glasgow train services the single journey supplement is £10.00).

  Customers holding a valid Season Ticket may make their normal daily journey in First Class at weekends at no extra cost.