Want something to look forward to? Time to get planning! As soon as you know the time and date you'd like to travel, book an Advance train ticket and you could save over 50%.
An Advance ticket is a single train ticket that you book in advance of travel, that’s only valid on the date and the train specified. As soon as you know when you want to travel, it’s best to book your Advance ticket to save as much money as possible – plus the number of available Advance tickets is also limited.
Advance rail tickets are also only sold as single tickets, meaning if you want to organise a return journey in advance, you will need to purchase a single ticket for each leg of your journey.
Not only do Advance tickets offer great value for money, book before the day you travel and you'll bag yourself a seat reservation too.
Availability and travel advice
In general, Advance tickets are available to purchase up to 15 minutes before departure on most routes, subject to availability.
Once you’ve booked, we’ll try our best to notify you of any scheduled changes, but we recommend that you always check journey details before you travel.
Details of how far ahead you can book for Advance train tickets are available here.
How do I purchase Advance train tickets?
You can purchase Advance train tickets online (via our website or TPExpress app) as well as at the station. Remember Advance tickets are only available as single tickets.
How much do Advance train tickets cost?
The cost of Advance tickets will always vary depending on your chosen route, with the longer the route the more expensive the ticket. For example, a Manchester to Edinburgh Advance ticket will be more than a Manchester to Liverpool Advance ticket. But remember, that by buying an Advance train ticket, you can save as much as 50% off the full price of the ticket. This applies for both Standard Class and First Class tickets.
Where can I use Advance train tickets?
Advance tickets are only available as single tickets and can only be booked for direct routes. So, if your route requires a change, you will need an advance ticket for each leg of your journey. You will also need to book any return tickets as single tickets too.
Remember, Advance tickets help you save money on train travel, but they aren’t as flexible as other types of tickets. This means you have to travel on your selected train, and if you don’t you could be charged more.
Can I use my railcard to get a discount on an Advance train ticket?
Yes, you can use your Railcard to secure a discount on Advance tickets. For example, if you book an Advance ticket with us using your 16-25 Railcard, you can save up to 50%.
Can I buy Advance return tickets?
Advance tickets aren’t available as return tickets. If you want to book your return trip in advance you will need to book a separate single ticket for your return leg. If you book your Advance tickets in this way, you will still save money as opposed to buying a return ticket.
Can I change or cancel an Advance train ticket?
You can change your Advance ticket for free to a different time and date only. If you need to make a change, we ask that you do so prior to 18:00 the day before you’re booked to travel.
When it comes to cancellations, refunds on Advance rail tickets are only available if you were unable to travel on that train due to delays or the cancellation of your train. Refunds don’t apply if you couldn’t make the train for any other reason. If you decide to get another train, you may also be charged additional fees.
How to find cheap Advance train tickets?
Looking to save even more money on your Advance tickets? There are ways you can get cheap Advance train tickets.
Buying Off-Peak tickets before the day you travel is one of the best ways to secure the cheapest Advance train tickets online. Advance tickets are usually much cheaper too if you can avoid travelling during busy peak times.
If you’re eligible for a Railcard, this will also help you cut costs. With a railcard you will already enjoy 1/3 off train travel, but if you use it to buy your tickets in advance you can save at least 50%.
Terms and conditions
Advance Purchase tickets are available on the majority of longer distance TransPennine Express journeys
Tickets are for single journeys, but return journeys can be made by purchasing two single tickets
Seat reservations may not be available for Advance Purchase bookings made on the day of departure
If travelling on one of our new Nova trains (with the electronic screens), reservations are typically available up to one hour before departure from origin
If you book an Advance Purchase ticket without a seat reservation, you must still travel on your booked time train
For all ticket origin and destinations where TPE Advance tickets are available, Advance Purchase products are available up to 15 minutes before departure, subject to availability
Advance Purchase prices are subject to availability so higher demand services (for example, at peak times) will have higher price points and as availability for a service reduces, the price will typically increase
Due to the limited availability and popularity of these tickets, please book early to avoid disappointment
Savings are calculated by comparing the overall average saving of Advance Purchase standard single ticket fares for TransPennine Express journeys over a sample 12 week booking horizon, purchased before the day of travel, to the equivalent price of an Anytime Standard Single ticket
Advance Purchase tickets are valid only for the train service for which they are booked
Changes to the date and time can be made before departure, but any difference in price would be payable. Depending on the delivery method chosen, you may need to allow time for the re-posting of tickets
Advance Purchase tickets are non-refundable
If you buy your tickets with a Railcard, don't forget to take it with you when you travel as your ticket won't be valid without it
