Ticket release dates vary by country and train operator. Here’s when you can usually book to get the best deals.
🇬🇧 UK (Train travel within the UK)
When to book: Most train operators release Advance Single tickets 12 weeks before travel.
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Good to know:
Advance and First Advance Singles are the cheapest fares.
They’re non-refundable, but you can change the time or date (fee and fare difference apply).
Almost all include a seat reservation.
Railcard discounts apply.
You can buy them for most long-distance journeys.
If you need more flexibility, check our Ticket types guide.
🚄 Eurostar
When to book: around 180 days (6 months) in advance.
Tips for cheaper fares:
Book as early as possible — cheapest tickets sell out fast.
Mid-week travel (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) is usually cheaper than Fridays, Sundays, or bank holidays.
Tickets are non-refundable but can be exchanged for a fee.
🇫🇷 France (SNCF, Thalys, Lyria, France–Spain routes)
SNCF:
Domestic: released 3 months in advance.
France ↔ Italy: released 4 months in advance.
Cheapest fares: Prem’s (limited and sell out quickly).
Thalys:
Released 3 months in advance.
Non-refundable and not exchangeable.
France ↔ Spain (Renfe-SNCF):
Released 4 months in advance.
Partially refundable or exchangeable up to 7 days before travel.
France ↔ Switzerland (TGV Lyria):
Released 4 months in advance.
Cheapest fares: Non-Flex (non-refundable and not exchangeable).
🇩🇪 Germany (Deutsche Bahn)
When to book: around 90 days in advance.
Look for:
Saver-Ticket, Europa-Spezial, and Sparpreis fares — available for domestic and international routes.
Refund and exchange terms vary by fare type (check before purchase).
🇦🇹 Austria (ÖBB)
When to book: around 180 days in advance.
Cheapest fares: Sparschiene tickets — valid only for the booked date and time, non-refundable and not exchangeable.