People looking to make seasonal savings this spring can now take advantage of cheap Advance rail fares for travel during the Easter holidays.

Advance fares are available to buy around 12 weeks before the date of travel, and passengers who book their rail tickets early for journeys to visit family and friends can make some real savings.

The number of cheap Advance fares sold has almost doubled over the last five years, and operators now sell around a million every week.

The National Rail Enquiries website includes a Cheapest Fare Finder tool, and users are also offered a cheaper alternative route to the journey requested, if there is one available.

Edward Welsh from the Association of Train Operating Companies said: “Train companies understand that times are tough for many people. Buying Advance train tickets now for visits home or to enjoy a day out over the Easter break will help make valuable savings.”

Being flexible on the days and times you can travel often means you can find a cheaper ticket, and passengers are recommended to check if they are eligible for a Railcard, which gives them a third off most rail fares including Advance tickets.

A Family and Friend Railcard for example offers considerable savings for families looking for affordable days out over the Easter holidays, who can also take advantage of the many two-for-one deals for popular attractions offered by train companies.