Getting about for less
Lesson 8 of 12 in our free Food & Everyday Spending guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.
Shown for England. Some rules here are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: the lesson shows your nation's version.
This lesson is in the full version.
Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Food & Everyday Spending is free for everyone.
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Questions you'll answer
A 16–25 Railcard costs £35 a year and takes 1/3 off most fares. Mo makes 6 return trips home a year at £60 each. How much does Mo save after paying for the card?
It's 2am, Mo's alone, and the last bus has gone. What does Nana say?
Quick facts
- Booking train tickets in advance → Usually cheaper. Advance fares are often much cheaper than buying on the day.
- Buying a single every day on a route you do daily → Usually pricier. A weekly or monthly pass often wins if you travel most days. Do the maths.
- Off-peak travel → Usually cheaper. Avoiding rush hour can make fares cheaper.
- Taxi for a 15-minute walk in daylight → Usually pricier. Totally fine sometimes — just know it's the priciest option.
- Coach for a long trip with time to spare → Usually cheaper. Slower, but often cheaper.
- Fact: “Railcards usually give a third off eligible fares.” — The 16–25 Railcard costs £35 a year and knocks a third off most fares.
- Myth: “Return tickets are always cheaper than two singles.” — Not always — sometimes two singles (or split tickets) are cheaper. Compare before you buy.
- Fact: “Many areas offer discounted bus travel for young people or students.” — Schemes vary by area — and in Scotland under-22s can get free bus travel. Check your local options.