Railway expert reveals six money-saving tips for families

In a bid to show families how they can spend less and do more this summer, West Midlands Railway has revealed their six top tips to save money when travelling by train.

The message comes after the latest travel insights showed that on average, families in England spent £217 per person per trip last year.

With rising costs remaining a key concern for families, keeping the kids entertained this August shouldn’t have to break the bank.

Here are some money saving tips from railway experts;

1 Under 5s travel free

Kids under 5 travel for free when they’re with a fare-paying adult. There’s no need to book them a ticket, you can just hop on and go.

2 Up to 50 per cent off top attractions

Travellers can get up to 50 per cent off the ticket price of favourite family attractions if travelling  by train.

There are nearly 200 different vouchers on the WMR website across the West Midlands, London, Liverpool and beyond. These include family favourites like Cadbury World, the Sea Life Centre and Shrek’s Adventure.

3 Kids travel for £1 to and around London

It only costs £1 per child with an adult off-peak train fare when heading to the capital.

This include unlimited travel within London Fare Zones 1-6 for the ticket holder and up to four children aged 5-15.

An off-peak family travelcard covers same day return travel to and from London Euston, as well as journeys on London buses, tubes, trams and DLR.

The WMR website has the full details of how to make the most of this discount.

4 Kids aged 5 to 15 get 50 per cent off

Children aged between 5 and 15 always get a 50 per cent off discount on the full adult fare.

For proof of age, families can get a free photocard at any staffed station with an appropriate passport style photo.

5 Save 1/3 with a Family & Friends Railcard

Costing just £35 for a year, a Family & Friends Railcard saves 1/3 off rail fares for up to four adults and 60 per cent off for up to four children aged 5-15.

Two adults can be named on the card, so when one cardholder isn’t using it, the other still can.

6 Friends and family tickets available for £1 with nTrain and nNetwork season tickets

Eligible season passes allow people to take one adult and up to two children with on the train for a £1 return fare after 09:30 Monday – Friday or all day on weekends and bank holidays.

The offer can be redeemed by showing the season ticket to station staff and requesting a ‘friends and family ticket’ between two stations.

Additional kids can be added for just 50p each.

Click here for more advice on how to secure cheap family train tickets.