Why are UK train fares so expensive? (and how to outsmart them)

Let’s talk about train fares in the UK for a sec…

You’ve seen them. The kind of prices that make you blink twice, wonder if you accidentally booked first class (spoiler: you didn’t), and consider whether flying to Europe might actually be cheaper. You’re not wrong—UK train fares can feel ridiculously inflated.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to pay full price.

That’s where split-ticketing with RailEasy comes in. It’s the smarter, simpler way to get cheap train tickets in the UK—without changing trains, without jumping through hoops, and without wasting your time.

London Train Station in the Uk — Central Hub for British Rail Travel and Cheap Train Tickets.
Image credit: Jupiterimages | Photo Images

What is split-ticketing (and Why Should You Care)?

Split-ticketing is a clever trick that helps you save money on train tickets by dividing one expensive journey into smaller, cheaper segments.

Let’s say you’re travelling from London to Edinburgh. Instead of booking one direct ticket, RailEasy checks whether it’s cheaper to “split” your journey—maybe a ticket from London to Peterborough, then another from Peterborough to Edinburgh.

Same train. Same seat. Same journey. Just a lower fare.

Thanks to the weird way UK rail fares are structured (yeah, we don’t get it either), split-ticketing is not only allowed—it’s often the best way to book train tickets online for less.

How much can you save on train tickets?

Here’s the fun part: you could save up to 50% or more compared to booking a standard ticket. Seriously.

We’ve seen travellers save £100+ on popular routes using split tickets—without lifting a finger. That’s money you can put toward your weekend getaway, your coffee budget, or that snack trolley Prosecco you secretly love.

Even better? RailEasy does all the work for you.

No spreadsheets. No mental gymnastics. Just plug in your journey and let us handle the number-crunching magic behind the scenes.

Quiet train station in Sussex, UK at sunset — capturing the calm before the commute. A perfect visual for budget-friendly train travel across the UK.
Image credit: IR_Stone | Getty Images

How to book the cheapest train tickets with RailEasy

When you book your journey through RailEasy, we instantly search for the best value train tickets, showing you options with or without splits—so you can choose what works for your plans and your budget.

You’ll be able to:

• Travel on the same train with split tickets

• Compare direct vs multi-stop options for extra savings

• See your savings and fees upfront—no checkout surprises

• Book cheap UK train tickets online in just a few taps

Whether you’re commuting, escaping to the coast, or heading off for a weekend with mates, RailEasy helps you travel for less—without the stress.

About that small fee (a.k.a. our "Share of Saving")..

We get it. Fees can be annoying—especially when they’re hidden. That’s why with RailEasy, there are no sneaky surprises at checkout. Our “Share of Saving” fee is only ever applied when we’ve actually saved you money—and we show it to you clearly and upfront. Always.

So why the fee at all?

Because we’re not a giant train corporation. We’re a small, independent team that genuinely wants to make train travel more affordable for everyone. That little fee? It keeps the lights on. It powers the clever tech that hunts down the cheapest rail fares. It supports real human customer service (the kind that actually listens). And most importantly—it helps us keep building a better, fairer way to travel.

Let’s face it: train prices in the UK can feel out of control. Ever looked at a one-way ticket and thought, “Wait… is that in pounds?” You’re not alone. We’re right there with you—and we built RailEasy because we were tired of watching people overpay for no good reason.

Our Share of Saving fee means we can keep helping people save every single day. Whether it’s a last-minute trip to see family, a weekend away with mates, or your daily commute, you deserve to pay a fair price—and not waste time stressing over ticket types and loopholes.

And even after that small fee, you’re still paying less than you would if you booked direct. That’s more money in your pocket for the things that actually matter—your morning coffee, a better seat, or just peace of mind.

So while the big rail companies keep doing things the old way, we’ll keep doing things the right way—finding you split ticket savings that actually make a difference, and making cheap train tickets in the UK a reality, not a myth.

RailEasy logo – UK train ticket savings made simple with smart split-ticketing.

Why Choose RailEasy?

• Save up to 50% with clever split-ticketing

• Same train, smaller price—no changes unless you choose

• No hidden fees—just full transparency

• Book cheap UK train tickets online in seconds

• Support a small UK-based team that genuinely cares

Commuters at a Crowded Train Station Platform During Rush Hour, Waiting for a Delayed Train. Typical Scene of Busy Uk Rail Travel and Morning Commute.
Image credit: Maridav | Canva Pro

What Are You Waiting For?

Next time you’re about to click ‘Buy Now’ on that overpriced ticket, just ask yourself: Do I want to pay the full price like everyone else, or do I want to take the smarter, cheaper route? If it’s the latter (which it always is), head over to RailEasy and save a little extra.

So go ahead—book smarter, not harder. And don’t forget to tell your friends who always complain about train ticket prices. They’ll thank you. (Eventually.)