Train Tickets & Times
If your looking to travel on the UK network then buying your train ticket in advance will save you time, money and effort - so check your train times! Remember, buying two single tickets is generally cheaper than buying an open return; the further you book in advance the greater your saving; and the more specific you can be about travel times the less you will pay.
Your Rail Resource
Welcome to Trains Online. This site provides an insight into the UK rail industry; with its part privatised, part government run nature, the UK rail industry is one of the most unique public / private relationships around.
Have a look around the site to learn a little about the industry, the stakeholders and the operations on the network.
Train Operating Companies (TOC)
Train Operating Companies, abbreviated to TOCs, run all the main line passenger services in the UK.
Franchises are currently awarded for each TOC to operate services over a given time period, usually around 7 years; although this may be revised higher in the future to promote further investment.
The Association of Train Operating companies (ATOC) provides a common voice for all operators.
You can buy your train tickets from any mainline staffed station, via the web at thetrainline.com or on the train.
The furhter out you book and the more limited your choice of service the cheaper the ticket will be
Freight Operators (FOC)
Freight Operating Companies, abbreviated to FOCs, run all the main line freight services in the UK.
FOCs are not split geographically, unlike their TOC counterparts, due to the nature of the freight business.
There are currently far fewer freight operators and each have specialised in their own areas reducing competition between themselves.
Freight transport by rail has been in decline for decades, but their is a renewed push by the Department for Transport (DfT) to increase the movement of freight by rail.
