Top tips for travelling with Avanti West Coast this Christmas

1. Book early: Save on train tickets this Christmas. Get up to 42% off the ticket price when you book eight weeks in advance, or up to 70% when you book 12 weeks in advance! The earlier you buy your tickets, the more you can save.

2. Sign up for Ticket Alerts: Be the first to know when tickets for your festive journeys go on sale. If you’re travelling during the festive period the majority of tickets have now been released. However, if you are travelling in March please setup a ticket alert to get notified when tickets are released.

3. Avoid travelling during peak times: We advise you to travel as early in the day as possible to enjoy a comfortable journey. Trains are likely to be very busy during this period, with passengers travelling across the UK the week before Christmas. Take advantage of our Seat Picker to secure your perfect seat, don’t miss out.

4. Book Passenger Assistance: By letting us know your travel requirements in advance, we can help make sure you have a hassle-free journey. Either book online via ‘My Bookings’, use the Transreport App on an Apple or Android device, or call 0345 528 0253 and select option 3. We're open 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday.

5. Feast with Click & Collect: What’s Christmas without a few treats? There’s plenty to enjoy on an Avanti train, whether you need a lunch for the journey home or want to warm up with a hot chocolate after a day out. Use our Click & Collect service to order delicious food and drink from your seat.

6. Take advantage of discounts: Discounts are available all year round. So don’t forget to take advantage of them at Christmas! If you’ve got a Railcard, you enjoy up to a third off your fares. Heading home with children aged 5 to 15? Buying a Family ticket can help you save. Group tickets will also give you a discount if you’re heading on a day trip with three or more people.

7. Stay informed with Journey Alerts: If there are any changes to your trip, be the first to know by signing up for our Journey Alerts. Depending on what you prefer, we can send you an email or SMS to update you.

8. Join Club Avanti: Get 10% off your next journey when you join Club Avanti. You’ll also get rewards like 10% off food and beverages, a free hot drink and free train tickets. Christmas has come early!

9. Treat yourself to an upgrade: Say cheers to the festive season with a glass of fizz in First Class. Enjoy relaxing in the station lounge as you wait for your train. Then, settle into your seat with extra legroom and tuck into a feast of complimentary food and drink. Just call it an early Christmas present to yourself ! Alternatively, you can upgrade to Standard Premium from £15 (prices may vary depending on your journey) which means extra room doesn’t need to cost a lot.

10. Book via Avanti West Coast: This festive period, ensure you book directly with us to get the best ticket prices. Or, if you download the Avanti West Coast app, you can plan your journeys easily and store your tickets in one place.

Before you travel

1. Pack light and label your luggage: You can bring up to three pieces of luggage, each no bigger than 30x70x90 cm, when travelling by train, so we recommend packing light to make your trip stress-free.

2. Give yourself extra time: Stations and roads can be busier than usual at this time of year. Arrive early to allow for traffic, queues, weather and

3. Consider travelling off-peak: If you’d prefer a quieter journey, try to travel during off-peak hours when trains and stations are usually less crowded.

4. Dress for the weather: Wrap up warm and wear layers that you can easily remove once you’re on a warm train. Sensible shoes with good grip will help you stay steady on wet or icy surfaces.

At the station and on the train

1. Use luggage racks safely: Please keep small bags in the overhead racks or under your seat, and place larger bags in the main luggage racks.

2. Carrying larger bags: Please use the lift and take extra care on the stairs by holding the handrail and watching your step, especially in wet and slippery weather.

3. Stay with your children: Keep children close by in busy stations and on platforms, and make sure they stay near you on board.

4. Travel with others where you can: If you’re travelling late at night, try to travel in a group or sit near other passengers rather than alone.

5. Be aware of your surroundings: Keep your belongings with you and be mindful of what’s happening around you, especially in crowded areas and when boarding or leaving the train.

6. Take care when drinking alcohol: Enjoying a festive drink is part of the season for many, but please know your limits. Take care and don’t be antisocial after drinking - it helps keep the journey pleasant and safe for everyone.