Advance tickets
Like to plan ahead and get cheap train tickets? Get great deals by booking Advance tickets from just £6 one way.
Get there by train. Get there with Southern.
Are you planning on taking a trip soon? Why not get a head start by arranging your journey now? When you book your trains in advance, you can enjoy savings on your rail fare and get your travels organised early on.
Brighton to London Victoria
Advance Single
London Victoria to Eastbourne
Advance Single
London Victoria to Hastings
Advance single
What are Advance rail tickets?
Advance train tickets give you the chance to book your trip for cheaper prices than if you were to buy on the day. They’re for one-way, single journeys, so if you need to return, you’ll need to buy two single Advance tickets.
Here are some of the benefits of booking early on:
- No last-minute dash to the ticket office to arrange travel
- Cheaper fares
- 1/3 off the ticket price if you have a 16-25, Senior, HM Forces, Family & Friends, Two Together or Disabled Persons Railcard
- Using single tickets gives you the chance to mix and match tickets. For example, you could travel standard class on the way out and First Class on the way back
How much do they cost?
Advance tickets are available across the country at different prices, however journeys on the Southern network start from £6.
If you want to upgrade, you can select one of our First Class Advance tickets which start from £19.
The earlier you book, the more likely it is that you’ll snap up a £6 ticket. Don’t worry if you’ve not planned that far ahead, though. As our other Advance tickets are often available right up to 6pm the night before you travel.
When can I use Advance rail tickets?
You can only travel on the date and train shown on your train ticket and reservation coupon issued to you when you book. As this is a set booking, you won’t be able to get another train or break your journey. So, if you get off the train at a station on the route and get on another train to complete your journey, your Advance ticket will no longer be valid, and you’ll need to buy a new one.
When you book ahead, remember that advance return fares aren’t available, so you’ll need to book two singles. Use our journey planner to find the best times and fares.
How do I book Advance train tickets?
You can book trains in advance quickly and easily:
- Online – you can have your tickets posted out or collect them from the station
- Ticket offices at the station
The latest information on the availability of Advance fares can be found on this National Rail website.
You can change your ticket at any National Rail Ticket Office, but you will need to pay any difference between the fare you have already paid and the best available fare for the new journey, plus a £10 change of journey fee for each ticket changed.
In the following circumstances you can also change your Advance ticket, by logging into your account and following the instructions in the ‘manage my tickets’ section, without paying the £10 change of journey fee:
- An Advance ticket is available for your new travel date
- You bought a paper ticket that you have not yet printed
- You paid for your tickets using any method of payment, except PayPal
Advance tickets are non-refundable, so plan your journey carefully.
Get more information about refunds and changing your ticket.
Save with Advance tickets
Advance tickets are available up to 12 weeks before your travel date.