Money Saving Expert explains how you can save hundreds on train tickets

Securing cheap train tickets in the UK can be a daunting task, given the notoriously high prices. However, Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert has revealed some handy tips to help you find the most affordable options.

One key tip is to book your tickets well in advance, ideally 12 weeks prior to your journey, as this is when prices are typically at their lowest. If you don't have that much time, it's still advisable to book as soon as possible to secure the best rates.

Part-time commuters could save hundreds of pounds annually by opting for a flexible season ticket, which allows travel on any eight days within a 28-day period using a paperless ticket via a smartcard or phone. However, Money Saving Expert warns that if you're not a part-time commuter, this type of ticket could leave you out of pocket, reports the Express.

The Trainline app also offers a useful tool, available on iOS and Android, that predicts when ticket prices are likely to increase or sell out.

One savvy tip that could save you a substantial amount of cash is to utilise split tickets. This involves purchasing tickets for different parts of your journey, which can significantly reduce the cost, even though you're travelling on the exact same train.

The only caveat is that you must ensure you select a route that passes through certain stations. If you frequently travel by train, it's certainly worth investing in a railcard.

Most railcards are priced around £30 annually and can offer savings of up to a third on fares. Additionally, if your train is delayed or cancelled, you can claim some money back.

The delay repay scheme means that if your train is 15 minutes or more late, you're entitled to a partial refund.