Martin Lewis on a background of a train
Train-ing home for Christmas? (Picture: Getty)

Yep, we said it, the C-word.

While it might still feel like summer outside, with fine, sunny and settled weather for the UK this week, Christmas is less than 100 days away.

And if there’s one thing you should get organised early, it’s Christmas travel.

Millions of Brits take to the railways in the days leading up to the big day, with the most popular day for travel usually being the last Friday before Christmas.

But we know train tickets aren’t cheap, and fares rose even further by 4.9% in March.

But Martin Lewis has warned Christmas travellers to mark Friday September 27 on their calendars, as it’s the date most train companies will release their tickets for the festive period – and it’s when you’ll get the best prices.

Traveler on a journey with train
You’ll feel even more festive knowing you didn’t spend a fortune (Picture: Getty Images)

In his latest newsletter, Martin writes: ‘Advance tickets usually go on sale 12 weeks before the date of travel, and that’s the best time to grab the cheapest fares.

‘So, if you know when you want to travel, be ready to pounce in a couple of weeks.’

Contractually, Network Rail are obliged to have the timetables set this far in advance, and as a result, firms usually release the tickets shortly after.

The busiest time for Christmas travel usually falls on the weekend before December 25, which this year, will begin on Friday December 20. Count back on your calendars, and 12 weeks prior to this, is Friday September 27.

Keep checking back each day as more tickets are released, and you’ll be one of the first to bag the cheapest tickets.

Christmas travellers seen waiting for their trains to the
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of travel chaos (Picture: Hesther Ng/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

It is worth remembering though that advance tickets tend to be non-refundable, so make sure you’ve got your Christmas travel plans firmly in place before you start booking.

Martin Lewis’ MSE also reccomends putting your journey details in the Trainline Ticket Alert website. You’ll then get an email when advance tickets for your particular journey go on sale.

You don’t even have to book through Trainline – but at least you’ll know exactly when the tickets become available.

Deals of the day

For more tips when booking train tickets in advance, visit the MSE website.

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