Get to Popular Universities by Train
As September rolls around, that familiar autumnal feeling starts to creep back, a time of excitement and fresh starts. It can only mean one thing: Back to School.
So whether you’re starting your very first semester at university, or returning to familiar campus grounds, you’ll need the latest info on getting the fastest and cheapest student train tickets for UK university train routes.

Top Universities:
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- King’s College London
Main train stations:

Top Universities:
- University of Manchester
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- BPP University
Main train stations:
Manchester is a vibrant student city, offering excellent universities and a lively atmosphere. You can find direct trains from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly that take approx. 2 hr 10 min, with many northern cities serving routes to Manchester Victoria.

Top Universities
- University of Edinburgh
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh Napier University
Main train stations
Scotland’s historic capital boasts some excellent universities that are easily accessible by train. You can find direct trains from London King's Cross (approx. 4 hr 30 min duration), as well as from across different parts of Scotland and northern England.

Top Universities
- University of Birmingham
- Aston University
- Birmingham City University
Main train stations
Birmingham’s position as a central hub for the British railway system makes it easily reachable from nearly anywhere in Britain, with approx. 1 hr 30-min trains from London Euston. The University of Birmingham even boasts its own dedicated station!

Top Universities
- University of Bristol
- University of the West of England, Bristol
- The University of Law – Bristol Campus
Main train stations
Bristol’s thriving art scene and nightlife make it a popular student city. Clifton Down station serves Bristol University, and direct trains to Bristol run from London Paddington (approx. 1 hr 40 min) and across the South West.

Top Universities
- University of Glasgow
- University of Strathclyde
- Glasgow Caledonian University
Main train stations
- Glasgow Central
- Glasgow Queen Street
- Patrick
Railcards for Students


16-25 Railcard
1/3 Off rail tickets
- For students aged 16–25.
- Offers student train discounts of 1/3 off.


16-17 Saver
50% Off train tickets
- Younger students can save 50% on most UK fares with this Railcard.
- For students aged 16 and 17.


26-30 Railcard
1/3 Off rail tickets
- Perfect for mature students and recent graduates aged between 26 and 30.
- Offers discounts of 1/3 on train tickets.
Family Offers

Family & Friends Railcard
Make every family outing more affordable with a Family & Friends Railcard.
- Valid for up to 4 adults and 4 children (aged 5–15) travelling together.
- Enjoy 1/3 off adult fares and a massive 60% off children’s tickets.
- A minimum of one adult and one child is required to travel for the discounts to apply.
- Easily purchase your Family & Friends Railcard through the Trip.com app or website.

Children Travel Free or with Discount
Find fantastic savings for the youngest travellers in your group:
- Under 5s travel free on most journeys (please note this does not include a reserved seat, so they may need to sit on a lap during busy periods).
- Children aged 5–15 typically get 50% off most standard and Off-Peak train tickets.
- Young people aged 16 and 17 can unlock 50% off most fares with a dedicated 16–17 Saver Railcard.

Tips for Travelling with Children
Make your family's train journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible with these handy tips:
- Keep them entertained: Pack engaging activities like colouring books, puzzles, or small toys to prevent boredom.
- Snacks are essential: Have a stash of their favourite snacks on hand for when hunger strikes – happy tummies make for happy travels!
- Plan ahead: Research station and onboard facilities in advance (e.g., baby changing facilities, pushchair storage, food options) so you can arrive prepared.
- Arrive early: Especially if you're travelling with children under 5 who don't have reserved seats, arriving early helps you find suitable seating together.
- Travel off-peak: Opt for quieter, off-peak times for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
- Pack light: Minimise stress by only taking essential bags, making it easier to navigate with children in tow.
Save on Back to School Train Tickets
Advance Tickets: Book your train tickets as early as possible, ideally at least 12 weeks in advance, to access the lowest fares and special promotions. Advance tickets can save you up to 61% compared to buying on the day.
Off-Peak Travel: Travel during Off-Peak hours (after 09:30 in major cities and after 09:00 elsewhere, with Super Off-Peak between 10:00–15:30 and after 19:15) to benefit from lower fares.
Split Ticketing: Use split ticketing to save more by dividing your journey into separate tickets, even if you stay on the same train. Trip.com automatically finds and offers the cheapest split ticket options for your route.
Flexible Dates and Times: Being flexible with your travel dates and times helps you find the cheapest train tickets available.
Student Season Tickets: Student Season Tickets allow unlimited travel between two stations for a term, offering significant savings and convenience for regular commuters.




