Avanti Superfare: The Secret to £9 Train Tickets (And Why You Should Know About It)

Avanti Superfare, powered by Seatfrog, has been quietly revolutionising train travel on the West Coast Main Line, offering incredibly cheap tickets from just £9. If you're willing to be a bit flexible with your timing, these fares could save you serious money on your UK train travel.

How Does Superfare Work?

The concept is brilliantly simple: Avanti sells empty seats at heavily discounted fixed prices, but you'll only know your exact departure time 24 hours before travel. Here's the key information:

• Book between 7-56 days before travel

• Choose morning (07:00-11:59), afternoon (12:00-16:59), or evening (17:00-21:00) slots

• Receive your specific train time 24 hours before departure

• Prices are fixed regardless of peak/off-peak travel

• Standard Class only, but eligible for Seatfrog upgrades

The Best Routes and Prices

Some standout routes worth considering:

• London to Birmingham: £9

• London to Manchester: £20

• London to Liverpool: £15

• London to Glasgow: £30

• Preston to Glasgow: £12

Maximising Value

There are several ways to make these fares even more valuable:

1. Upgrade Opportunities: While tickets are Standard Class only, they're eligible for Seatfrog upgrades, potentially allowing access to First Class for a fraction of the usual cost.

2. Stack with Points Earning: Using a points-earning card like the Capital on Tap Business card means you can still earn Avios on your purchase. While these tickets don't earn Club Avanti points, you can maximise returns through credit card spending.

3. Strategic Timing: The afternoon slots (12:00-16:59) typically offer the most consistent journey times based on Avanti's usual scheduling.

Important Limitations

Before booking, it's crucial to understand the restrictions:

• No refunds or exchanges available

• Can't use Railcards or other discounts

• No guarantee of specific seats (though you're guaranteed a seat)

• You must travel on the assigned train

• Not available on Sundays until after 25th May 2025 due to industrial action

The Value Proposition

For flexible travelers, the savings can be substantial. A London to Manchester journey that might typically cost £87 at peak times could be available for just £20 through Superfare. While the uncertainty of exact timing might not suit everyone, the savings can be significant enough to warrant planning around it.

Market Impact

This initiative marks an interesting shift in UK rail pricing strategy. While similar to LNER's "Loyalty Price" concept, Superfare takes it further with deeper discounts and a unique allocation system. For points and miles enthusiasts, it represents another tool in our arsenal for maximising value - especially when combined with points-earning cards and upgrade opportunities.

If you're considering trying Superfare, it's worth comparing these prices against other travel options. Our Smart Redemptions tool can help you compare these prices against potential Avios redemptions for alternative routes.

Have you tried Avanti Superfare yet? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

Until next time