Looking for last minute train tickets but not sure where to start? We have all the information you need for a seamless journey.
If you need to make a sudden work trip or plan a spontaneous getaway, you can always find the cheapest last-minute train tickets with us. Use our journey planner to get your last-minute train tickets and discounts up to 15 minutes before departure!
Book last minute train tickets
Got a few more minutes to spare? We have plenty more money-saving tips for bagging last-minute train tickets below.
Book a last minute train ticket & save
If you are looking for a last minute train ticket, purchasing a ticket before you hop on the train is the cheapest way to travel. Our Advance rail tickets are available to book online and offer the best price tickets.
Last minute Advance train tickets on the day
Our Advance tickets are available to purchase on the day and are the most economical last-minute train tickets that can be purchased up to 15 minutes before the train leaves. They are a more affordable option compared to other ticket types and are ideal for spontaneous travel plans.
Simply search for your train, choose your ticket, and download it directly to our app. Additionally, we will send a backup ticket to your email address. This means no queues, no ticket collection machines – it's hassle-free!
- You can purchase Advance train tickets on the day up to five minutes before the train leaves, on specific routes.
- These tickets can be obtained from ticket offices, our website, and our mobile train app.
- Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get the best fare for last-minute train tickets.
- Getting an Advance train ticket is even easier when you download our mobile app.
On the day Advance tickets do not come with seat reservations meaning you're free to occupy any unreserved seat in the class of accommodation for your ticket.
Book last minute train tickets
Download our app to book cheap last minute rail tickets
Get the best price last minute rail tickets, check journey information in real-time and save with no booking fees on the EMR app.
Secure our cheapest last minute train tickets while you’re on the move with our free train times app. Click and purchase last minute train tickets in just a few moments.
- Enjoy stress-free train travel by downloading the EMR app - quickly book last minute train tickets.
- Save your payment method for faster ticket buying, without having to pay any credit card charges or booking fees.
- Manage your daily commute and check live departures in real-time.
Download the free EMR railway app from the Apple or Google Play Store to plan your journey and buy your cheap train tickets today.
Bag last minute rail tickets with Secret Fare
Secret Fare provides another great way to secure the best price on your last minute rail journeys. If you’re flexible with departure times, this could be just the option for you whilst saving up to 50% on your fare!
Secret Fare rail tickets can be purchased from when services normally open for reservation (usually around 3 months) up until 2 days for your journey.
Simply select a specific day of travel, pick a flexible time travel window (morning, afternoon or evening) and you’ll be allocated last minute train tickets within your chosen time slot.
For more information, please visit the Secret Fare landing page.
Book last minute train tickets
How to book cheap last minute train tickets
If you are looking to save money on last minute train travel, check out our handy round-up of tips below.
Book Last Minute Advance Tickets
Book Advance Tickets for today and save! Our Advance tickets are ideal if you want to save on last minute train tickets as they are available up to 5 minutes before your journey tim
Travel Off-Peak
To find the cheapest last minute train tickets, opt to travel during Off-Peak times if you can and purchase an on the day Advance train ticket.
Purchase a Secret Fare Rail Ticket
If you’re able to be flexible with your travel time, purchasing a Secret Fare ticket from Seatfrog is a possible option. You can buy this ticket type up until 2 days before your journey with savings of up to 50%.
Download the EMR App
You will always find our cheapest last minute tickets available for your journey on the app. Download the EMR app to access the best last minute train ticket deals every day.
Get a Railcard
Bag extra discounts on last minute train tickets when using a Railcard. Applicable for Children, passengers aged 16-17 and 16-25, Disabled Persons and Seniors can all use their Railcards to get 1/3 off most Advance train tickets.
Book in further Advance if you can
It’s always best to book up to 12 weeks in advance for the cheapest fares. However, if you are travelling last minute, an Advance ticket purchased on the day is a cost-effective option available up to 15 minutes before the train leaves.
Book last minute train tickets
Last minute train tickets - FAQs
Our Advance purchase on the day tickets are the most economical last-minute train tickets that can be purchased up to 15 minutes before the train leaves. They are a more affordable option compared to other ticket types and are ideal for on the day train travel.
The only way you can claim a refund on Advance train tickets is if your chosen train is cancelled, delayed or your reserved seat isn’t available (and you decide not to travel as a result). You can travel on the next available train to complete your trip if convenient. Find out more about refunding your ticket.
Additionally, if any leg of your journey is delayed by more than 15 minutes you can claim compensation through our Delay Repay Scheme.
Last minute train tickets can be obtained from ticket offices, our website, and our mobile app.
No, it is always best to book advance train tickets up to 12 weeks in before your journey for the cheapest fares.
However, if that’s not possible and you are traveling last minute, an Advanced on-the-day ticket is a cheaper option and is available up to 15 minutes before the train departs. These tickets are not always available but are worth checking for, as they are a cheaper alternative to a standard fare ticket when making last-minute bookings.
If you need to change the date or time of your Advance ticket you can get most tickets amended before the departure of the first reserved train printed on the ticket. If you have bought your ticket direct through EMR, you can change them in the 'My Account' area on our website and app. There's a £10 admin fee, plus any difference in fare if your new ticket costs more than the original.
Yes, you can bag extra discounts on Advance train tickets when using a Railcard. Applicable for Children, passengers aged 16-17 and 16-25, Disabled Persons and Seniors can all use their Railcards to get 1/3 off most Advance train tickets.
When booking last minute train tickets, you can book your train tickets online or at one of our stations. Booking direct and in advance (up to 15 minutes before time of travel) will provide you with the best fares available. Downloading the train app will give you more flexibility to book last minute train tickets on the move, avoiding station queues so you can head straight to your train.
EMR customers have taken advantage of the Seatfrog app, which allows customers to bid for a last minute seat upgrade to First Class. Beginning 24 hours before departure and up to 30 minutes before the train is due to depart, you can also buy an instant upgrade once on the train. Seatfrog upgrades are available on selected peak and off-peak services on EMR's Intercity route between London and other Intercity destinations, including Leicester, Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield and East Midlands Parkway.