Railway expert reveals six money-saving tips for families this summer

The latest travel insights show that on average, families in England spent £217 per person per trip last year. *

With rising costs remaining a key concern for families, keeping the kids entertained this August shouldn’t have to break the bank.

In a bid to show families how they can spend less and do more this summer, West Midlands Railway has revealed their six top tips to save money when travelling by train.

1. Under 5s travel free

Travelling with youngsters? Good news! Kids under 5 travel for free when they’re with a fare-paying adult. There’s no need to book them a ticket, you can just hop on and go.

2. Up to 50% off top attractions

You can get up to 50% off the ticket price of your favourite family attractions if you travel there by train.

Discover nearly 200 different vouchers on the WMR website across the West Midlands, London, Liverpool and beyond. Book your tickets using the online guide to secure your savings.

Family favourites like Cadbury World, the Sea Life Centre and Shrek’s Adventure are just a few examples of what’s on offer.

3. Kids travel for £1 to and around London

If you’re heading for a family day out in the capital, you’ll want to know about this offer.

For the cost of £1 per child plus an adult off-peak train fare, you can get unlimited travel within London Fare Zones 1-6 for yourself and up to four children aged 5-15.

An off-peak family travelcard covers same day return travel to and from London Euston, as well as journeys on London buses, tubes, trams and DLR.

The WMR website has the full details of how to make the most of this discount.

4. Kids aged 5-15 get 50% off

Did you know that children aged 5-15 always get a 50% off discount on the full adult fare?

You can even get a free photocard at any staffed station with an appropriate passport style photo for proof of age.

5. Save 1/3 with a Family & Friends Railcard

Costing just £35 for a year, a Family & Friends Railcard saves 1/3 off rail fares for up to four adults and 60% off for up to four children aged 5-15.

Two adults can be named on the card, so when one cardholder isn’t using it, the other still can.

6. Friends and family tickets for £1 with nTrain and nNetwork season tickets

If you are a nNetwork or nTrain season ticket holder, you might be missing out on this lesser-known deal.

Eligible season passes allow you to take one adult and up to two children with you on the train for a £1 return fare after 09:30 Monday – Friday or all day on weekends and bank holidays.

Just show your season ticket to station staff and ask for a ‘friends and family ticket’ between two stations. If you’re taking more than two children, additional kids can be added for just 50p each!

For more advice on how to secure cheap family train tickets and make the most of your days out this summer, visit West Midlands Railway’s online guide.