Rail fare rises: how to track down the cheapest train tickets Check the prices before automatically assuming that a cut-price weekly travelcard is the best option. Get a refund What happens if you cannot travel at the last minute? Southern Railway, which links the south coast with the capital, offers a money-back guarantee if you buy tickets on its website and choose the "ticket on departure" delivery option. If you cannot make your journey, you can cancel your tickets and receive a refund without paying the normal £10 administration fee. For tickets purchased at the ticket office or self-service ticket machines, you must return them within 28 days of purchase to any Southern ticket office. However, the £10 fee will apply in this instance. Book tickets in advance The cheapest tickets become available 12 weeks before travel, so it pays to book early if you know when you will be travelling. These savings are particularly significant for those making longer journeys - you could pay as little as 10pc of the full fare. Don't assume a return is cheaper If your journey is for pleasure rather than business, you're probably more able to travel at off-peak times. If this is the case, it's often worth splitting your journey into two single tickets instead of a return. For example, London Paddington to Bath Spa could cost as little as £44 for two adults travelling off-peak, whereas an anytime return is £336, so you could save £292. It's worth noting that these tickets are valid only on the service you have chosen, and are non-refundable. So don't miss your train, or you'll have to buy a new ticket.