The Cheapest Ways for Families to Travel by Train

Travelling as a family can make for unforgettable days out and long-lasting memories, but between entry ticket prices, merchandise, meals, and snacks, the costs can add up quickly. The good news? There are plenty of ways to save on train fares and make your journeys with Avanti West Coast more affordable.

Here’s your complete guide to the cheapest ways for families to travel by train, from Family Tickets and Family & Friends Railcards to smart booking strategies that help you keep more in your pocket for the fun stuff.

How to get cheap train tickets for your family

When it comes to saving money on family train travel, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are a few tried-and-tested ways to make your budget stretch further.

The two biggest savings options for families are:

• Family Tickets: ideal for groups travelling together on the same route.
• The Family & Friends Railcard: perfect for frequent travellers or those planning several family trips each year.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what they are, how both work, when they can save you the most money and which options are best for you and your family.

Save on fares with Family train tickets

Family Tickets make it simple and more affordable for families to travel together. Instead of buying individual tickets for each of your family members, you’ll pay a set discounted fare for the whole group, giving you great value and one easy booking.

Here’s what you get:

• Fixed group fares: one price for your whole family (usually up to five people, with at least one adult travelling).
• Flexible routes: available on selected Avanti West Coast journeys.
• Big savings: often cheaper than buying separate Off-Peak or Advance tickets.

Family Tickets are ideal for occasional trips. Whether it’s a day out, a visit to relatives, or a half-term adventure, it’s perfect for those moments when you’re all travelling together.

Buy Family train tickets

Save every time you travel with the Family & Friends Railcard

The Family & Friends Railcard is a great-value discount card for families who travel by train regularly. For a small yearly fee, it unlocks generous savings every time you travel together.

Here’s what you get:

• Annual savings: 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids’ fares (aged 5–15).
• Group flexibility: valid for up to four adults and four children travelling together.
• Great value: costs just £35 a year, saving an average of around £114 annually.
• Network-wide use: Works on Off-Peak, Advance, and Standard Class Anytime fares across Avanti West Coast routes.

It’s perfect for parents, grandparents, and friends travelling with children, as long as at least one named adult travels with a child, everyone gets the discount. Find out more about Family & Friends Railcard usage rules and tips in our guide.

Buy Family & Friends Railcard

Are Family Railcards worth it?

As the table shows, you and your family only need to take the train more than once or twice a year for the Family & Friends Railcard to absolutely be worth it.

At just £35 a year (or £80 for three years), it can pay for itself within two return journeys. You’ll get 1/3 off adult fares, 60% off kids’ fares, and discounts across Off-Peak, Advance, and Standard Class Anytime tickets, making it one of the easiest ways to keep family adventures affordable.

Example: An Off-Peak Return journey from London to Liverpool for two adults and two children could cost around £342 without a Railcard, but just £195.10 with one, saving almost £150 in a single trip.

So, if you’re planning weekends away, school holiday outings, or extended family visits, the Family & Friends Railcard is a small investment that makes a big difference.

Extra ways to save on family train travel

Already sorted your Family Ticket or Family & Friends Railcard? Great start, but that’s not the only way to save. There are plenty of other small tricks that can make a big difference to your family’s travel budget and maybe even help you enjoy more family adventures for less.

Here’s how to make your next journey with Avanti West Coast even more affordable:

1. Book Advance tickets where possible

Avanti West Coast Advance fares are released up to 12 weeks before travel, and they’re often the cheapest way to book. The earlier you plan, the more you’ll save.

2. Travel during off-peak hours

Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are available on many Avanti West Coast routes, offering lower prices during quieter times of day. Combine these with your Railcard for even bigger savings.

3. Use child discounts

Children under 5 travel free, and those aged 5–15 get 50% off most standard fares with a train ticket kids discount, even before adding Railcard savings.

4. Mix and match fares

For longer journeys, booking two Advance tickets (outbound and return) can be cheaper than a single flexible fare. Use our Best Fare Finder to compare options.

Tips for stress-free family train travel

Saving is one thing, but making the journey smooth, simple, and fun is just as important. Travelling with kids can come with its own little challenges, so here are a few handy insider tips to help you arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy the day.

• Reserve your seats early to keep your group together.
• Bring snacks or order food from Avanti’s onboard menu from your seat.
• Use E-tickets for easier check-in and fewer paper tickets to juggle.
• Look for family-friendly carriages, where available.
• Download entertainment before you board, though Wi-Fi is available on all Avanti West Coast trains.

Start saving on family train travel today

Now that you know how to make family travel more affordable, all that’s left is to plan the fun part, where to go first.

Whether it’s a fun day trip, weekend adventure, a school holiday getaway, or a visit to see grandparents, Avanti West Coast makes it easy to travel together for less.

Affordable journeys, more memories, and less stress for parents, that’s the Avanti West Coast way to travel.

Explore your best options and start planning your next trip:

Buy Family tickets   Buy Family & Friends Railcard