Advance train tickets
Save up to 60%* with Advance train tickets - The earlier you buy, the more you could save!
Choose date & time
Close ✕You can book up to 90 days in advance.
Looking for dates further in the future?
Train operators can only release tickets for sale up to 90 days in advance.
But don't worry, you don't have to miss out - be the first to hear when tickets are available with our FREE ticket alert.
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Your journey
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Benefits of Advance train tickets
- They’re our best value tickets. Generally the earlier you book, the better value they’ll be*
- You will be reserved on a specific train and get a reserved seat or counted place
- Available for journeys in both Standard & First Class
- Available as an e-Ticket to save you queuing up at a station
- Railcard discounts on top of our great value train tickets
What are Advance train tickets? +
These tickets are usually released up to 12 weeks before departure date, so are perfect for those who like to plan ahead. Advance train tickets are for one-way single journeys, so for a return journey you will need to buy two single tickets.
What if I need to change my Advance train ticket? +
Advance train tickets are non-refundable but we know that sometimes plans change. CrossCountry offer free changes to Advance train tickets when you buy with us online. Find out how to change your Advance train ticket for free here.
How do I book an Advance train ticket? +
You can book an Advance train ticket on our site, Train Tickets app or via telesales.
How far in advance can I book? +
Advance booking dates
Due to delays in engineering work receipts as a result of COVID disruption, we are currently running a reduced advance booking window.
Whilst tickets can be bought up to three months prior to travel, seat reservations are not available until closer to the journey date. The table below provides the latest date that you can reserve seat reservations on our services. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, please check back for updates.
You can sign up for ticket alerts here - this will send an email once reservations are open for your chosen journey date and you can add seat reservations to your online booking via your online account once they become available.
| Monday - Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
| Birmingham - Manchester |
28 October 2022 |
22 October 2022 |
9 October 2022 |
| Birmingham - Reading |
28 October 2022 |
22 October 2022 |
9 October 2022 |
| Reading - Southampton / Bournemouth |
28 October 2022 |
22 October 2022 |
9 October 2022 |
| Birmingham - Bristol / South West |
11 November 2022 |
5 November 2022 |
9 October 2022 |
| Birmingham - Newcastle / Scotland |
11 November 2022 |
5 November 2022 |
9 October 2022 |
| Birmingham - Stansted |
4 November 2022 |
29 October 2022 | 9 October 2022 |
| Cardiff - Birmingham |
4 November 2022 |
29 October 2022 | 9 October 2022 |
| Birmingham - Nottingham | 4 November 2022 | 22 October 2022 |
9 October 2022 |
(last updated: Friday 2 September)
Where can I use my Advance train ticket? +
Advance train tickets are not flexible, meaning you must travel on the route and time specified on your ticket.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? +
Read our full FAQ's here.
*Applies to CrossCountry journeys only. Average saving calculated by comparing Standard Advance Single ticket prices, purchased before the day of travel, for 4,973 CrossCountry journeys, to the equivalent price of a Standard Anytime Single ticket valid on the same service. Advance fares are subject to availability, terms and conditions apply.
**Senior, Two Together, HM Forces and Disabled Persons Railcard holders can save 1/3 on First and Standard Class Advance tickets. 16-25 and Family & Friends Railcard holders can save 1/3 on all Standard Class Advance tickets.