Why I Now Book All My UK Train Tickets Through Uber

Triple-dip your rewards and save money on rail travel

As someone always looking to maximise value from everyday spending, I've recently changed how I book all my UK train tickets. Instead of going directly through train operating companies or traditional booking platforms, I now book exclusively through Uber. Here's why, and how you can benefit too.

The Uber Advantage

Uber's rail booking feature might not be widely known, but it offers a compelling proposition: 10% back in Uber credit on all train bookings, plus you earn 1 Avios point per £1 spent. The best part? The prices are exactly the same as booking directly with train operators.

Stacking Rewards

But it gets even better. By using my Curve card (which lists Uber as one of my chosen 1% cashback retailers) and linking it to my Barclaycard Avios Plus card, I create a powerful triple-stack of rewards.

Let's break down a typical £60 train ticket:

  1. Uber Credit: £6 (10% back)

  2. Curve Cashback: 60p (1% back)

  3. Barclaycard Avios: 90 Avios (1.5 Avios per £1)

Total Value:

  • £6 in Uber credit

  • 60p in Curve cash

  • 90 Avios points (worth roughly £0.90 at 1p per point)

This means on a £60 ticket, I'm getting approximately £7.50 in value back - that's a 12.5% return on my spending!

Practical Considerations

The Uber credit is particularly valuable if you regularly use their services. I find myself using Uber frequently for airport transfers and city travel, so the credit essentially becomes as good as cash for me.

Want to replicate this setup? You can sign up for:

Final Thoughts

While this might seem like a small optimisation, these kinds of strategies really add up over time. For regular rail travellers, this could mean hundreds of pounds in value annually. Plus, there's something satisfying about turning mundane travel expenses into future travel rewards!

Remember: The key to successful points collecting isn't just about big sign-up bonuses - it's about optimising your everyday spending. This train booking strategy is a perfect example of how small changes to your routine can lead to meaningful rewards.

Have you tried booking trains through Uber? I'd love to hear about your experiences over on our Instagram.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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