Published: 11 May 2026
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How to get 20% off all virtually all TransPennine Express trains
TransPennine Express operates a comprehensive network of train services across Northern England and Scotland. It operates a mixture of inter city transport, regional trains and also commuter service – all using similar equipment.
Key routes are:
- Liverpool/Manchester <> North East & North Yorkshire
- Liverpool/Manchester <> South Yorkshire & Linconshire
- Liverpool/Manchester <> Lancashire & the Lake District and then onto Glasgow & Edinburgh
Generally speaking, TransPennine Express trains are not ideal for long journeys as they are generally smaller, commuter trains and are slower than offered by the likes of LNER & Avanti West Coast. However, they do offer a good service to smaller towns and are invaluable if you are crossing the Pennines between the North West and Yorkshire.
Train travel can be expensive
The drawback with TransPennine (as with many UK rail services) is the price. My step-daughter lives in Liverpool and the cost for my wife and I to visit her this weekend is £192 for two off peak returns (or £193 for 2 single tickets each).
But a 20% discount can easily be achieved – reducing the cost of the pair of tickets down to (a still pricey) £154.60 – a saving of £37.40
So how do you get 20% off?
The Discounts for Carers and Discounts for Teachers websites both offer a 20% discount on virtually all First Class & Standard Class Advance Tickets operated by TransPennine.
You will need to sign up for one of the sites, search for TransPennine Express and then click “get code” and you will be given an 8 digit PIN code to enter when the TransPennine Express site opens up.
Other things to note
The discount is automatically populated and is shown on the screen. Remember it only applies to TransPennine Express services – you may see trains from other operators in your search but will not get the saving on these trains.
No proof of eligibility is currently required to sign up so you do not need to have your teachers union card to hand or provide evidence that you look after a relative. The Ts&Cs state that “You will need to show photo ID along with your train ticket for inspection, if requested, to demonstrate your eligibility for the discount” although I have never once been asked for anything.
There are no booking fees, the discount can be used for more than one traveller and this 20% discount is in addition to any railcard discounts that can be used.
One thing to note that the discount is for advance purchase single fares only. Whilst you can search for a return trip, make sure you book two singles (one each way) rather than a return ticket to get the discount. Also the discount only works for one trip, if you want to book a separate journey, you need to go back to the Discounts for Carers/Teachers site and get a new code.
These discounted tickets can also be upgraded to First Class using Seatfrog
Click to visit the Discounts for Carers or Discounts for Teachers websites to get 20% off.
Further Reading
- Secret Fares are available on certain TransPennine Express routes and can offer savings of 50%
- The Northern Explorer ticket allows unlimited rail travel across the Northern Trains network from £35
- Avanti SuperFare: Save Up to 49% on Train Tickets
