There are lots of different rail tickets available and you want to make sure that you’re buying the ticket that offers you the best value for money. Here is some basic information to help you out:

Advanced – Buy in advance, sold in limited numbers and subject to availability. These tickets are only valid on the date/train specified so you need to be sure that you can make the train that you book the tickets for. Will normally work out cheaper than paying on the day.

Off-Peak – Single or Return. Buy any time and travel off-peak. Peak times vary from station to station so check on National Rail to see if your journey is classed as Off-Peak. If possible, try to organise your journey to travel after 9.30am as it will save you money.

Anytime – Buy any time, travel any time. The most expensive way to travel but it may be necessary if your journey is planned last minute or if you have to be at a location fairly early.

Season Tickets – Unlimited travel between two stations for a specified period. Available for 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or 12 months. If you travel somewhere most days, a season ticket will save you a considerable amount of money. The longer the ticket you purchase, the cheaper it works out at per trip. Use National Rail to work out the cost of a season ticket.

Derbyshire Wayfarer – Unlimited travel on trains and buses around Derbyshire for one day. You can even travel as far North as Sheffield at no extra cost. See the Derbyshire County Council page on the Wayfarer Ticket.

PLUSBUS – If you’re coming to Derby by train, you can add a PLUSBUS travelcard to your train ticket order at any National Railstation ticket office or online booking site, which gives you unlimited use of the Derby bus network when you arrive in the city. It costs £3 per day and season tickets are available. For information, see PLUSBUS.

Some useful links:

Journey Planner  – National Rail planner to find train times and to book tickets

Trainline – Europe’s leading train and coach app. Trainline work with over 200 rail and coach companies to offer customers travel to thousands of destinations

Season Ticket Calculator – to work out the cost of a weekly, monthly or yearly season ticket