Transport

Trainline

Search advance fares, apply Railcards, SplitSave.

Charges a small booking fee, but its SplitSave feature regularly cuts long journeys 30–50% by splitting them into two tickets for the same train. Worth the fee for trips over £40.

• SplitSave
• Railcard support
• Mobile tickets

Railcard

1/3 off most rail fares for £30/year.

16–25, 26–30, Two Together, Family & Friends, Senior, Disabled. Pays for itself in two London-Manchester returns. Add it to your contactless card and your Trainline account or it won't apply.

• 1/3 off fares
• £30/year
• Multiple types

Transport for London

Contactless capping is now cheaper than Oyster.

Just tap your contactless card or phone. Daily and weekly caps automatically apply — no need for a travelcard or Oyster topup. Foreign cards work but bring FX charges; a UK Monzo/Starling card pays for itself fast.

• Contactless capping
• Tube, bus, DLR
• Live status

Megabus

Long-distance coach trips from £1.50 if you book early.

Cheapest seats sell first; the £1 fare exists but it's gone within hours of release. Realistic budget is £8–20 for any UK route booked a few weeks ahead. Slow but cheap.

• From £1.50
• Nationwide
• Wi-fi onboard