Expert tips Archive - Railsmartr.co.uk

Expert Tips

Our expert tips are here to help you plan your next adventure like a boss. From the best places to visit and even which seat to pick on the train, you'll find it here.

train ticket to illustrate changes to project oval

What are Off-Peak train times?

Looking to know what Off-Peak train times are? They can be tricky to navigate. Here's our guide to what Off-Peak means and more.

16 Apr 2024

How do I get to the London Marathon 2024?

Looking for how to get to the London Marathon? Look no further. Our handy guide has you covered.

08 Apr 2024

Easter Engineering Works – what do I need to know?

Planning a trip this Bank Holiday? Take a look at our guide to Easter engineering works.

12 Mar 2024

Great Easter Day Trips by Train

Looking for some Easter day trips by train? We've got some egg-cellent suggestions for you and your family.

12 Mar 2024

What are Split Tickets?

Railsmartr now does split tickets! Here's our guide to saving a packet with them.

18 Jan 2024

A guide to LNER ‘Simpler Fares’

Fares to and from some LNER destinations are changing. Here's what you need to know.

16 Jan 2024

East Midlands Railway First Class: is it worth it?

Taking a trip in East Midlands Railway First Class? Here's our guide on what to expect.

09 Jan 2024

GWR First Class: Is it worth it?

Taking a trip in GWR First Class? Here's our guide on what to expect.

08 Jan 2024

TPE train arrives at East Linton station

East Linton Station is open!

We paid a visit to the brand-new East Linton station.

18 Dec 2023

What is ‘A Short Notice Change to the Timetable’?

What is 'P-coding' and how does it affect your trip? We're here to explain.

13 Dec 2023

Getting to Luton Airport by train

What is the Luton Airport Express? Is it worth it? We're here to help.

12 Dec 2023

anne hathaway's cottage - which can be visited on cheap days out by train

10 Day Trips for a Tenner – cheap days out by train

Looking for a day out that won't break the bank? Here are 10 day trips for less than a tenner.

11 Dec 2023

What is Project Oval?

Fares have changed in many parts of the South East. We're here to answer your questions.

07 Dec 2023

Edinburgh Christmas Markets – our guide

Ready for festive fun in the Scottish Capital? Let's help you travel smarter.

05 Dec 2023

Manchester Christmas Markets – our guide

Fancy a festive trip to Manchester? Here's what you need to know.

05 Dec 2023

gwr train which will operate more frequently from december timetable change

December Timetable Change – What’s Happening?

It's all change for some routes from December 10th. Here's our guide to what's going on.

30 Nov 2023

Cheap Train Tickets – Money-saving alternatives for your next trip

Looking for a cheaper train ticket? Here are some alternatives for your next trip.

24 Nov 2023

Is there an unreserved coach on my train?

No reserved seat? Don't be left standing. Here's our guide to finding an unreserved one.

22 Nov 2023

Can I upgrade to First Class on the train?

Looking for luxury on a whim? Here's our guide to upgrading to First Class on the train.

22 Nov 2023

What’s the least reliable train operator?

Who's the safest bet for a rail trip? Let's cut through the jargon and find out.

14 Nov 2023

What’s the best train for luggage?

Don't let luggage weigh you down. Here's our comparison of which trains are best for travelling less than light.

14 Nov 2023

What’s the best train from London to Birmingham?

There's plenty of choice when it comes to London to Birmingham trains. But which is best for you?

14 Nov 2023

Rail travel myths: Debunked!

Let us debunk some of the most common myths about rail travel to help you travel smarter.

14 Nov 2023

What’s the best train to Heathrow Airport?

Jetting off on holiday? Here's our guide to the best train for you.

14 Nov 2023

Avanti Standard Premium vs First Class

Wondering which upgrade is best for you on Avanti West Coast? Let us do the legwork.

14 Nov 2023

Day trip to Liverpool

Fancy a day trip to Liverpool? Take a look at what you can't miss.

14 Nov 2023

What’s the best train from Leeds to Manchester?

Wondering which train to take from Leeds to Manchester? Weigh up your options with us.

14 Nov 2023

10 advantages of travelling by train

We've got plenty of reasons for you to take to the rails on your next trip.

14 Nov 2023

What are the cheapest railway station pints?

Fancy a drink that doesn't break the bank? We've done the legwork for you.

14 Nov 2023

Avanti vs LNER First Class – which is better?

Looking for some luxury? Here's our guide to where your money is best spent.

14 Nov 2023

How to travel in First Class for free

How about some luxury at no extra cost? Here's how to use First Class for free.

14 Nov 2023

Our Top Five Beaches to Visit by Train

Looking for a dose of sand and sea? Look no further with our top picks.

14 Nov 2023

10 best day trips from Newcastle by train

There's so much to see and do just a stone's throw from Newcastle.

14 Nov 2023

Five Easy Day Trips from Leeds by Train

Looking for some day trip inspiration from Leeds? Look no further.

14 Nov 2023

Five Great Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train

Looking for some day trip inspiration from Edinburgh? Look no further.

13 Nov 2023

LNER or Lumo? Big brand vs budget

Here's our guide to long-standing LNER and low-cost newcomers Lumo. Above all - which is best?

13 Nov 2023

Family Train Trips: Our guide to taking the kids on the train

Family train trips can be as daunting as they are exciting. Here's our guide to having a stress-free adventure with the kids.

13 Nov 2023

Tips for first-time train travel

Not sure where to start with train travel? Need help booking your ticket? We've got you covered.

13 Nov 2023

Cheap First Class train tickets – Our Top Tips

Looking for luxury on a budget? Look no further with these tips.

10 Nov 2023

Strike action may affect your journey on 7-9 May. Click here for more information.

Expert Tips

What are Off-Peak train times?

How do I get to the London Marathon 2024?

Easter Engineering Works – what do I need to know?

Great Easter Day Trips by Train

What are Split Tickets?

A guide to LNER ‘Simpler Fares’

East Midlands Railway First Class: is it worth it?

GWR First Class: Is it worth it?

East Linton Station is open!

What is ‘A Short Notice Change to the Timetable’?

Getting to Luton Airport by train

10 Day Trips for a Tenner – cheap days out by train

What is Project Oval?

Edinburgh Christmas Markets – our guide

Manchester Christmas Markets – our guide

December Timetable Change – What’s Happening?

Cheap Train Tickets – Money-saving alternatives for your next trip

Is there an unreserved coach on my train?

Can I upgrade to First Class on the train?

What’s the least reliable train operator?

What’s the best train for luggage?

What’s the best train from London to Birmingham?

Rail travel myths: Debunked!

What’s the best train to Heathrow Airport?

Avanti Standard Premium vs First Class

Day trip to Liverpool

What’s the best train from Leeds to Manchester?

10 advantages of travelling by train

What are the cheapest railway station pints?

Avanti vs LNER First Class – which is better?

How to travel in First Class for free

Our Top Five Beaches to Visit by Train

10 best day trips from Newcastle by train

Five Easy Day Trips from Leeds by Train

Five Great Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train

LNER or Lumo? Big brand vs budget

Family Train Trips: Our guide to taking the kids on the train

Tips for first-time train travel

Cheap First Class train tickets – Our Top Tips