Summer train tickets 2024
Summer is here! Whether you’re planning a trip to the city, seaside or countryside, the best way to travel this summer is by train!
If you’re feeling ready to explore or want a bit more information on what train travel will be like this summer, we’re here to help.
Our guide to all things train travel will help you unleash your summer, plan your journeys, save money and book your summer train tickets all in one place.
Save with SplitSave this summer ☀️
Planning your summer trip? Save money on your train tickets with Trainline!
Summer, shades, saving an average of £13 per trip with SplitSave.* The recipe for the perfect summer? Possibly, yes.
Whether you’re ready to explore or want a bit more info on what train travel will be like this summer, you’ve come to the right place.
Our guide to all things summer travel will help you unleash your summer, plan great journeys, save money and book your tickets all in one place.
*Average saving for bookings from 1 March 2023 - 31 Oct 2023 comparing SplitsSave fare vs next cheapest fare available to a Trainline customer. Subject to SplitSave fares being available.
All the ways to save money with Trainline
It’s quite simple really: book tickets with us and you’ll never spend more than you have to. Check out more ways to save money with Trainline!
Popular train journeys for summer 2024
If you want to explore the UK this summer, but you’re not sure where to go, we’re here to help! Here are some of the most popular routes for summer:
3 of the best events to attend this summer and how to get there by train
Up and down the country, there’ll be plenty of events going on so you can make the most of your summer. We’ve chosen a couple of events to help inspire you when making plans.
1. Glastonbury Festival
200,000 people. 100+ stages. 5 days. 1 festival.
The 38th Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts returns to Worthy Farm from 26th to 30th June and they’re bringing Dua Lipa, Coldplay, SZA, and Shania Twain with them.
Castle Cary train station — the closest train station to Glastonbury — is accessible from dozens of British railway stops. With the added availability of coaches connecting city railway stations to more rural villages, all of your Welsh, Scottish, and English mates can join you at the front of the stage.
Learn more about how to get to Glastonbury Festival.
2. Leeds Festival
For those that like to rock, Leeds Festival returns to the grand stage at Bramham Park once again this August!
Taking place simultaneously with its sister festival in Reading, Leeds Festival will happen over the Bank Holiday weekend, from Wednesday 21st to Sunday 25th August 2024.
Held in the remote location of Bramham Park in Wetherby, the venue can be accessed by train, car and bus.
Learn more about how to get to Leeds Festival.
3. Brighton Pride
Join hundreds of thousands of partygoers at Brighton Pride this year!
Brighton Pride continues to be one of the largest and most diverse Pride events in the United Kingdom. An event not to be missed, this summer festival and parade will take place on Saturday 3rd August, but a wide array of events will be taking place across the weekend.
Brighton’s train station is ideally located in the centre of the city, making travel into the city by train an easy option for those who live elsewhere – especially Londoners.
Learn more about how to get to Brighton.
Travelling to the airport by train
If you're planning on jetting off on holiday this summer, why not get to the airport by train? Many of the UK's biggest airports are served by convenient train links, allowing you to save money on parking or taxis.
Get the low down on luggage
Whichever train company you’re travelling with this summer, make sure you’re within the luggage limits of your journey.
Pack light
You should only travel with what you can manage yourself. Remember that there are limits on maximum dimensions for cases and large items too.
Every case has its place
All trains in the UK have dedicated spaces for luggage. Make sure you store your items in the correct areas to maximise the space available.
Know your limits
Luggage limits can vary across UK train operators, so check any specific conditions for your journey before you travel.
Be considerate
Avoid putting items on the seat next to you or in areas that could impede access, so everyone can have a safe and comfortable journey.
Popular summer destinations
Whether you want to sunbathe on the beach, hike through hills and countryside or seek some thrills, there are thousands of destinations and attractions around the UK that are easy to get to by train. Take a look at some of the most popular places to visit below.
Best beaches in the UK
Thinking about your next beach holiday but not sure where to go? We've got you covered!
Top National Parks to visit in the UK
Fancy a trip to the Great British countryside? We're here to help!
The UK's best theme parks
Who doesn’t love a thrilling day out at a theme park?
The best zoos and wildlife parks in the UK
Planning a day out at the zoo and want to travel there by train? You're in luck!
Heading out on your bike?
Did you know, there’s no charge for taking your bike on a train in the UK? So, whether you’re travelling to your nearest park, wood, or favourite cycling destination, it’s easy to hop on a train with your bike in tow.
In the UK, you can take your bike on the train, and more importantly, you should take your bike on the train! Thanks to Trainline’s new bike reservation feature, travelling with your bike on the train is simple and stress-free.
Trains connect some of the UK’s best cycle routes, putting cyclists within easy reach of thrilling mountain bike tracks and peaceful journeys through the countryside. Also, if you’re a commuter, taking your bike on the train is usually the cheapest and greenest way to travel.
Although the types of bikes allowed on trains can vary. Fully folding bicycles are allowed on all trains without restrictions or reservations. Reservations are sometimes required for full-size bicycles on certain services, and there are also restrictions on Peak-time travel. From 1st June 2023, all e-scooters, e-unicycles, e-skateboards and hoverboards are not allowed on trains in the UK. Please note that electric bikes and are still permitted.
Find out more in our guide to taking bikes on trains in the UK.
Want to know more about train travel in the UK?
We’ve told you everything you need to know about train travel in the UK this summer, but if you want to find out more about train companies in the UK, travel in certain countries, or even venturing into Europe, we’ve got all the helpful guides you need.