No Booking Fees
Looking for cheap train tickets on the Hull Trains route? There are several easy ways to reduce the cost of your train journey, whether you're travelling between Hull, Doncaster and London King's Cross or joining the route at another station. From booking Advance tickets early to travelling Off Peak, using a Railcard and choosing the right type of ticket, this guide explains practical ways to find a fare that suits both your plans and your budget.
Advance tickets
Advance tickets are usually the cheapest option when you can commit to a specific time service. They are tied to a specific service and are non-refundable, although changes may be possible subject to the applicable terms and an admin fee. Advance tickets can generally be booked up to 26 weeks before travel, so planning ahead can give you the best chance of finding a lower fare. Read more about Advance tickets.
Hull Leisure Return tickets
For selected journeys on the Hull Trains route, a Hull Leisure Return could offer better value than buying flexible tickets separately. These tickets are available on a range of specified routes, including selected journeys between Hull, Brough, Howden, Selby, Doncaster, Retford and Grantham. Hull Leisure Return tickets are valid only on Hull Trains services. Find out more about Hull Leisure Return tickets.
Off Peak tickets
Off Peak tickets offer more flexibility than Advance fares while helping you avoid some of the busier services. On Hull Trains, Off Peak travel is generally available outside specified peak services from Monday to Thursday, with no peak restrictions on Fridays, weekends and bank holidays. Check your ticket's validity before travelling as restrictions can depend on the service and route. Find out more about Off Peak tickets.
Anytime tickets
Anytime tickets are designed for maximum flexibility and usually cost more because of this flexibility. Depending on the specific ticket you buy, you can travel on valid services without the time restrictions that apply to Off Peak or Advance tickets. Their flexibility can make them useful when your plans are uncertain, although they are not always the cheapest option. Some tickets may also carry operator or route restrictions, so always check the conditions before you travel. Learn more about Anytime tickets.
1. Book Advance tickets for the lowest fares
If you know your travel date and can commit to a specific train, check Advance fares first. Advance tickets are usually the most affordable ticket option, and tickets are generally released up to 26 weeks before travel. The cheapest fares are limited, so booking earlier can give you more choice. Book your Advance tickets direct with no booking fees.
2. Sign up for Cheap Ticket Alerts
Not sure when tickets for your travel date will go on sale? The free Hull Trains Cheap Ticket Alert is there to email you when Advance tickets become available for a future journey. This is particularly useful for trips beyond the current booking horizon, as tickets are usually released up to 26 weeks before travel. Sign up for a Hull Trains Cheap Ticket Alert.
3. Book direct with Hull Trains
Did you know when you book direct with Hull Trains, you’ll never be charged a booking fee? Other retailers often charge additional fees but with Hull Trains you’ll always pay the best price. You can view your e-tickets on the free Hull Trains app and manage your journey through your Hull Trains Account. Book your journey direct with Hull Trains today.
4. Travel Off Peak instead of Anytime
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, compare an Off Peak fare with an Anytime ticket. Off Peak tickets can cost less because they are restricted to quieter services. On Hull Trains, Off Peak restrictions apply on Monday to Thursday, however you can travel at any time on Fridays, weekends and bank holidays. Find out more about the Off Peak restrictions here.
5. Check Advance on the Day if you're booking late
Planning ahead is always recommended when it comes to purchasing train tickets, but a last-minute journey does not always mean paying the highest fare. Hull Trains offers Advance Purchase on the Day tickets, which can be booked on the day of departure up to 15 minutes before the train departs. If available for your journey, they are worth checking before choosing a more expensive flexible fare.
6. Small Group Discount: Travel together for less
If you're travelling together in a group of three to nine people, you may qualify for the Hull Trains Small Group Discount. This discount is valid on Standard Class Advance tickets to and from London King’s Cross. The 15% discount is automatically applied when eligible passengers are included in your booking, so there's no need for a promo code. All passengers must book and travel together – book your group trip direct today.
7. Add a Railcard for an extra discount
A Railcard can reduce the cost of eligible journeys, including Advance and Off Peak fares, making the journey more affordable. Many railcards offer up to 1/3 off train tickets and there are Railcards available for a range of ages and passengers. Check that your Railcard is valid for the ticket and journey you choose. Explore Railcard options.
8. Compare two singles with a return fare
Don't automatically assume that a return ticket will be the cheapest choice for your trip. When you know your outward and return plans, compare the available return fare with the cost of two separate single tickets. With Hull Trains, you can mix and match fares for outward and return journeys which can help you find an option that better matches your travel times. Check your journey here.
9. Check whether a Hull Leisure Return suits your journey
For eligible journeys on the Hull Trains network, a Hull Leisure Return may offer better value than buying flexible single tickets. The Hull Leisure Return ticket is available on specified routes and can be used on Hull Trains services, with return travel valid within one calendar month. Check if a Leisure Return ticket is suitable for your trip.
Ticket types explained
Advance tickets
Advance tickets are usually the cheapest option when you can commit to a specific time service. They are tied to a specific service and are non-refundable, although changes may be possible subject to the applicable terms and an admin fee. Advance tickets can generally be booked up to 26 weeks before travel, so planning ahead can give you the best chance of finding a lower fare. Read more about Advance tickets.
Hull Leisure Return tickets
For selected journeys on the Hull Trains route, a Hull Leisure Return could offer better value than buying flexible tickets separately. These tickets are available on a range of specified routes, including selected journeys between Hull, Brough, Howden, Selby, Doncaster, Retford and Grantham. Hull Leisure Return tickets are valid only on Hull Trains services. Find out more about Hull Leisure Return tickets.
Off Peak tickets
Off Peak tickets offer more flexibility than Advance fares while helping you avoid some of the busier services. On Hull Trains, Off Peak travel is generally available outside specified peak services from Monday to Thursday, with no peak restrictions on Fridays, weekends and bank holidays. Check your ticket's validity before travelling as restrictions can depend on the service and route. Find out more about Off Peak tickets.
Anytime tickets
Anytime tickets are designed for maximum flexibility and usually cost more because of this flexibility. Depending on the specific ticket you buy, you can travel on valid services without the time restrictions that apply to Off Peak or Advance tickets. Their flexibility can make them useful when your plans are uncertain, although they are not always the cheapest option. Some tickets may also carry operator or route restrictions, so always check the conditions before you travel. Learn more about Anytime tickets.
Nine ways to save on Hull Trains tickets
1. Book Advance tickets for the lowest fares
If you know your travel date and can commit to a specific train, check Advance fares first. Advance tickets are usually the most affordable ticket option, and tickets are generally released up to 26 weeks before travel. The cheapest fares are limited, so booking earlier can give you more choice. Book your Advance tickets direct with no booking fees.
2. Sign up for Cheap Ticket Alerts
Not sure when tickets for your travel date will go on sale? The free Hull Trains Cheap Ticket Alert is there to email you when Advance tickets become available for a future journey. This is particularly useful for trips beyond the current booking horizon, as tickets are usually released up to 26 weeks before travel. Sign up for a Hull Trains Cheap Ticket Alert.
3. Book direct with Hull Trains
Did you know when you book direct with Hull Trains, you’ll never be charged a booking fee? Other retailers often charge additional fees but with Hull Trains you’ll always pay the best price. You can view your e-tickets on the free Hull Trains app and manage your journey through your Hull Trains Account. Book your journey direct with Hull Trains today.
4. Travel Off Peak instead of Anytime
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, compare an Off Peak fare with an Anytime ticket. Off Peak tickets can cost less because they are restricted to quieter services. On Hull Trains, Off Peak restrictions apply on Monday to Thursday, however you can travel at any time on Fridays, weekends and bank holidays. Find out more about the Off Peak restrictions here.
5. Check Advance on the Day if you're booking late
Planning ahead is always recommended when it comes to purchasing train tickets, but a last-minute journey does not always mean paying the highest fare. Hull Trains offers Advance Purchase on the Day tickets, which can be booked on the day of departure up to 15 minutes before the train departs. If available for your journey, they are worth checking before choosing a more expensive flexible fare.
6. Small Group Discount: Travel together for less
If you're travelling together in a group of three to nine people, you may qualify for the Hull Trains Small Group Discount. This discount is valid on Standard Class Advance tickets to and from London King’s Cross. The 15% discount is automatically applied when eligible passengers are included in your booking, so there's no need for a promo code. All passengers must book and travel together – book your group trip direct today.
7. Add a Railcard for an extra discount
A Railcard can reduce the cost of eligible journeys, including Advance and Off Peak fares, making the journey more affordable. Many railcards offer up to 1/3 off train tickets and there are Railcards available for a range of ages and passengers. Check that your Railcard is valid for the ticket and journey you choose. Explore Railcard options.
8. Compare two singles with a return fare
Don't automatically assume that a return ticket will be the cheapest choice for your trip. When you know your outward and return plans, compare the available return fare with the cost of two separate single tickets. With Hull Trains, you can mix and match fares for outward and return journeys which can help you find an option that better matches your travel times. Check your journey here.
9. Check whether a Hull Leisure Return suits your journey
For eligible journeys on the Hull Trains network, a Hull Leisure Return may offer better value than buying flexible single tickets. The Hull Leisure Return ticket is available on specified routes and can be used on Hull Trains services, with return travel valid within one calendar month. Check if a Leisure Return ticket is suitable for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I book Hull Trains Advance tickets?
You can book Hull Trains Advance tickets up to 26 weeks ahead with no booking fees on the Hull Trains website and app.
How do I know when Hull Trains tickets are available to book?
You can sign up for a free Cheap Ticket Alert to be notified as soon as Hull Trains tickets are on sale for a future date.
What is the best way to find cheap Hull Trains tickets?
The best way to get cheap Hull Trains tickets is usually to book an Advance ticket as early as possible. If your travel plans are flexible, compare Off Peak and return fares, check whether you qualify for a Railcard or Small Group Discount, and compare two single tickets with the available return fare. If your travel date is not yet open for booking, sign up for a Cheap Ticket Alert so you know when Hull Trains Advance fares become available to book.
What are Hull Trains' Off Peak times?
Hull Trains Off Peak restrictions vary depending on the day and time of service. Restrictions apply on certain services on Monday to Thursday, whilst there are no Off Peak restrictions on Fridays, weekends or bank holidays. Always check the validity of your specific ticket before travelling. Visit our Off Peak Ticket page for more information.
Can I use a Railcard with Hull Trains Advance tickets?
Yes, most Railcards can be used to discount the price of Advance tickets. Railcard conditions and any minimum-fare or time restrictions may still apply, so make sure you select the correct Railcard when booking and carry it with you when travelling.
Are Hull Trains Advance tickets refundable?
Advance tickets are non-refundable under the National Rail Conditions of Travel, except if the service is cancelled, or disrupted and you choose not to travel. Changes to the date or time of travel may be possible, subject to the applicable terms and a change fee. Check the conditions of your specific ticket before making changes to your journey.
