THREE WAYS TO CUT FARES

STEP ONE The best way to beat the price hikes is by planning ahead. Booking up to 12 weeks in advance means you might pay as little as 20 per cent of the cost of a seat purchased on the day of travel.

Websites such as thetrainline, Travel-Supermarket and redspottedhanky can do much of the bargain hunting on your behalf.

STEP TWO Rail users can also cut costs by split-ticketing. Instead of buying one ticket, a traveller breaks their trip into specific legs, resulting in a cheaper combined fare. The train must stop at the place where one ticket ends and another starts – but you do not need to get off at the station.

Websites such as faresaver.org and smartphone apps such as Tickety-Split can do the sums and find the best deals.

STEP THREE Another way to save money, particularly if travelling off-peak – either after 9.30am during the week or at weekends – is to buy an annual railcard. All versions, bar those for disabled people (which cost £20), can be bought for £30.

A Two Together Railcard allows two named people travelling together to get a third off fares.

A Family & Friends Railcard – for up to four adults travelling with up to four children – gives a third off adult fares and 60 per cent off for those aged under 16.

A 16-25 Railcard gives those aged between 16 and 25 a third off rail fares while a Senior Railcard offers similar discounts for those aged 60 or over.

Call National Rail on 0345 3000 250 or visit the Railcard website for more details.