Student Travel Guide

If you’re a student heading to Southampton for the first time and want to know what to expect, this article is for you.

Trains

You can find times and prices at National Rail Enquiries (www.nationalrail.co.uk; tel. 0845 47 48 49).
Basic Ticket Types

• Single
• Day Return
• Saver Return (return in one month)

Most tickets are “open” – you do not need to choose a particular train. However, most cheaper tickets and railcards cannot be used at peak times (early morning Mon-Fri).

16-25 Railcard (£30 per year)

If you are aged 16-25, or a full-time student aged 26 or over, you can save 1/3 on most standard class rail fares throughout Great Britain. Please note: if you travel before 10am Monday to Friday a minimum fare of £12 is payable. See www.railcard.co.uk.

Two Together Railcard (£30 per year)

Save 1/3 on most standard class rail fares throughout Great Britain when two named people travel together. You can use the card after 9.30am Monday to Friday, or any time at weekends and on public holidays. See www.railcard.co.uk.

Network Railcard (£30 per year)

If you travel regularly in South-East England, buy a Network Railcard and you and up to three other adults can save 1/3 off standard class adult fares. It can be used after 10.00am Monday to Friday and any time at the weekend or on public holidays. Please note: a minimum fare of £13 applies Monday to Friday. The Network Railcard can only be used on certain routes. See www.railcard.co.uk.

GroupSave

On some journeys, a group of 3 or 4 people can travel for the price of 2 adults.

Advance Tickets

Look online for cheap single tickets when you book in advance. These tickets are limited and not available for every journey. Advance tickets are not ‘open’ – you have to choose a particular train.

Coaches

Coaches are a low-cost way of travelling between cities.
National Express
Fares are often cheaper if you book at least 3 days in advance, and if you avoid peak times.
Also try Megabus

Local Buses

The three major bus operators are First, Blue Star and Uni-Link.
See Reception for help.