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Split Train Tickets

If you buy more than 1 ticket for your journey, you might be able to save money

Using split tickets

Split ticketing is when you buy more than 1 ticket to make a journey. The journey is broken into sections, with a separate ticket for each part. Using split tickets is allowed as explained in section 14 of the National Rail Conditions of Travel.

For example, if there is a train that travels from

Station A > Station B > Station C

you could buy a ticket from

Station A to Station C

or you could buy a ticket from

Station A to Station B and another ticket from Station B to Station C.

Your start and end points are the same, but you might be able to get a cheaper fare by splitting your tickets. Remember, the train must stop to drop off and pick up passengers at the station where you split your tickets.

Generally, you don’t have to leave the train when using split tickets, unless the journey already includes a change. You can also make seat reservations (if available) for any of your tickets, but you may have to switch seats at the point that the tickets change.

If permitted, you can split your journey into any combination of tickets, but split ticketing won’t be available for all services and ticket types, and it won’t necessarily save you money. To check the terms and conditions of each of your tickets, you can use our Ticket Validity Finder tool.

We don’t offer a split ticketing service, but you can check the Journey Planner for train times and fares.

Things to remember

  • Your train must stop to drop off and pick up passengers at the station where you split your tickets

  • You must have the correct tickets with you to show for the whole of your journey, as well as any Railcards that have been used

  • Make sure you still travel at the correct time and on the correct train for the type of ticket you have bought

  • You won’t always be able to split tickets for your trip, and if you can split tickets they are not guaranteed to be cheaper

FAQs

Split ticketing is when, instead of buying just 1 ticket for your journey, you buy more than 1 ticket for the same trip.

Yes, split ticketing is permitted by section 14 of the National Rail Conditions of Travel.

Generally, you won’t have to get off the train, unless your journey includes a change of trains. But remember, the train must stop at the station where your tickets change.

Yes, if reservations are available, you will be able reserve a seat – just make sure you reserve your seat for each ticket you have bought.

Yes. Where permitted, Railcard and other discounts can be applied to each ticket. You must carry all your tickets and Railcards with you during your journey.

Normally, yes. Unless specific ticket restrictions are in place, you are able to use other tickets in conjunction with a Season ticket (as well as some other area-based tickets such as Rangers and Rovers). See the National Rail Conditions of Travel.

If the last station at which your first ticket is valid, and the first station that your next ticket is valid are the same, then the train does not need to make a scheduled stop at that station for your combination to be valid.

Yes. The same rules on delays and compensation apply to journeys made using multiple tickets. See the Compensation and Refunds page for more information.

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