Train prices are rising again.
Despite Northern Rail's constant delays and cancelled trains and engineering work at Liverpool Lime Street disrupting travellers' journeys train tickets will rise by 3.2% next year.
The inflation-busting rise will make it more expensive than ever to travel the UK's train network and leave more people out of pocket.
Cheapest fare finder
If your travel dates are flexible you can use National Rail's fare finder around 12 weeks before travelling and you'll be able to save some money on your train ticket.
You can also compare all train prices at TravelSupermarket for the cheapest option.
The best booking time
Ticket companies such as Trainline, Virgin Trains and Transpennine Express regularly release discounted tickets around 12 weeks before the date of travel - meaning there is pretty much a constant sale.
But also keep an eye if you've decided to get away last minute because seats still available will be cheap so that the retailer can get rid of the remaining tickets.
There are however flash sales at various dates throughout the year, normally in time for summer, bank holidays and Christmas in particular.
Recently we reported on the Virgin Trains 24-hour flash sale which saw thousands of seats snapped up by Liverpool Lime Street customers.
Split the journey
An easy way to save money on your train tickets is by splitting up your journey.
For example if you buy a ticket from Liverpool or Chester to Crewe and then Crewe to London it can be cheaper than buying a direct ticket from Liverpool or Chester to London.
Raileasy.co.uk helps you split your ticket to save up to 30% on journeys - and it's perfectly legal, as long as you board the correct train times allocated on your ticket.
Get a Railcard
There are a number of railcards available including a 16-25 Railcard for £30 a year, which also applies to mature students in full time education, a Two Together Railcard for two named people over 16 travelling together which is ideal for friends or couples for £30 a year, a Family & Friends Railcard for those travelling with children aged 5-15 and one card applies to up to four adults and four children for £30 a year.
Plus there is a Senior Railcard for the over 60s for £30 a year and a Disabled Persons Railcard for you and a friend for £20 a year.
See if you apply and buy one saving hundreds of pound a year on the Railcard website.
Buy two singles
Splitting your journey can be cheaper to buy two singles - purchase an outward single and return single - rather than paying for a full return.
This can work especially if you know what time you'll be arriving home and can pre-book a single ticket but it also helps if you're paying on the day but only online via Nationalrail or Trainline not at your train station ticket office.
Sign up to train providers mailing lists
If you sign up to mailing lists you will be sent all the news of sales before anyone else, including Virgin Trains, TransPennine Express and East Midlands Trains
Plus you will also receive e-mails specifically for you whether it's the chance to upgrade to first class for £10 or get your money back from delays.
