Cut Your Commute Costs With These Student Travel Deals

Getting to university can quickly become one of those regular costs that eats into your budget. Whether you’re catching a train to campus, taking a coach home at the weekend or making regular journeys between your university city and your hometown, those fares can add up over the course of a term.

The good news? Your student status can help you cut the cost of getting around.

With TOTUM, you can access a range of travel discounts designed to help make your money go further. From railcards and train tickets to coach journeys across the UK, there are plenty of ways to look for a better deal before you set off.

We’ve rounded up some of the best TOTUM travel offers currently live to help students save on their commute.

1. Save 1/3 On Train Tickets With Trainline

If you regularly travel by train, a Railcard could make a noticeable difference to your travel costs. Through Trainline, TOTUM members can currently get access to digital Railcards that can provide 1/3 off eligible train tickets.

The Railcard is stored digitally in the Trainline app, making it easy to keep track of your ticket and Railcard when you’re travelling.

There are different Railcards available depending on factors such as your age and circumstances, so check the eligibility requirements before purchasing. Peak-time rules, minimum fares and other restrictions can apply depending on the Railcard you choose.

For students who regularly catch the train to lectures, head home for the weekend or travel around the UK, it’s worth checking whether you’re eligible.

Commute-saving tip: If you’re making regular train journeys throughout the academic year, calculate how much you could save with a Railcard before booking your next ticket.

2. Get 1/3 Off Rail Fares With A 16-25 Railcard

For students aged 16 to 25, the 16-25 Railcard is another useful option for cutting the cost of train travel. The current TOTUM offer provides access to a Railcard that can give eligible users 1/3 off rail fares.

The Railcard can be used for journeys across Britain and can be useful for regular commutes, trips home, days out and visits to friends.

There are eligibility requirements and specific conditions around fares and travel times, so make sure you check the details before purchasing.

If you’re commuting by train several times a week, a Railcard could become a valuable part of your student travel toolkit.

3. Save Up To 20% On National Express

If you regularly travel by coach, the National Express TOTUM offer could be worth adding to your travel-saving toolkit.

TOTUM members can currently save 20% on National Express Standard or Fully Flexible fares from Monday to Thursday, with 10% off from Friday to Sunday. The offer applies to eligible full-price fares and bookings must be made at least 24 hours before outbound travel.

National Express connects towns and cities across the UK, making it useful for everything from getting to university to travelling home for the weekend.

Commute-saving tip: If your timetable gives you flexibility around when you travel, check fares for different days and times before booking.

4. Get 10% Off Megabus

Another handy option for budget-conscious students is megabus, where TOTUM members can currently get 10% off eligible UK coach travel.

Megabus can be useful for travelling between university and home, visiting friends in another city or heading off for a weekend away.

A 10% saving on each eligible journey can add up over a term, particularly if you’re a regular coach traveller.

5. Save 5% On Train, Bus And Flight Bookings With Omio

Planning your journey using different transport options? Omio can help you compare trains, buses and flights, while TOTUM members can currently get 5% off eligible bookings when booking through TOTUM.

While Omio can be useful for trips further afield, it’s also worth checking when planning journeys involving different transport providers.

Think Beyond The Daily Commute

Travel costs can stretch beyond getting from your halls to campus.

You might need to travel to a placement, attend a university event in another city, visit friends at another university or head home during the holidays. These extra journeys can quickly become another expense to factor into your student budget.

That’s where having a range of travel discounts can be useful.

TOTUM’s current Travel section includes offers across transport and travel services, so it’s worth browsing whenever you have a journey to book.

9.Compare Your Travel Options

Finding a discount is one part of saving on your commute. Planning when and how you travel can also make a difference.

If you have flexibility, compare different departure times, transport providers and routes. Look at the total cost of your journey, including any connections or additional transport you’ll need once you arrive.

Then check whether your TOTUM membership can reduce the price.

For example, you could compare a train journey with an eligible coach fare, then check the relevant TOTUM offer before making your booking.

Make Your Commute Cost Less With TOTUM

Travel is one of those regular student expenses, so finding ways to reduce the cost can make a difference over the course of the academic year.

Whether you’re a regular train commuter, travelling home by coach at weekends or planning occasional trips further afield, TOTUM gives you access to travel offers that can help you spend less.

From 1/3 off eligible rail fares with a qualifying Railcard to up to 20% off National Express and 10% off megabus, there are plenty of reasons to check your TOTUM benefits before booking your next journey.

Ready to make your next journey cheaper? Head to the TOTUM Travel discounts page and explore the latest offers available