Gather information. National Rail Enquiries has details of routes, timetables, maps and a journey planner, making it the best source of information for planning your travel.
Consider taking a sleeper train. These depart in the evening, travelling through the night to reach your destination and are an excellent way to travel long distances while saving on the cost of accommodation. There are sleeper trains linking London to Scotland and South West England. You can book a normal train seat, a reclining seat or a private compartment for real luxury. Details of sleeper trains can be found on the National Rail Enquiries website.
Combine rail and ferry travel. If you're travelling to Northern Ireland, you can get a SailRail package that allows you to travel by train and then cross the Irish Sea by ferry. There are similar packages for the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight, the Channel Islands and the Scottish Islands.
Add PlusBus to your ticket. This allows you to take local buses in towns and cities all over the UK. For the cost of a few pounds, you can get unlimited bus travel to explore your destination cities or reach areas that aren't covered by trains.
Book your tickets in advance. Booking early is the best way to get cheap fares. You can buy tickets on the National Rail Enquiries website or in person at train stations.
