Make the most of the Easter bank holiday weekend and hop around the UK with TrainPal's cheap train tickets. From Good Friday to Easter Monday (3rd to 6th April 2026), you've got 4 days off for family adventures—take advantage of the Easter train deals and get out and about for less this spring.
Essential Easter travel information 2026
Bank holiday timetables
Trains run on Good Friday (3rd April 2026), Easter Sunday (5th April 2026) and Easter Monday (6th April 2026) in the UK, but often follow a reduced Sunday schedule. You can use the journey planner on TrainPal to view the up-to-date Easter bank holiday train timetable for your chosen route.
Rail engineering works
Be sure to check schedules on TrainPal to see if there are rail engineering works this Easter affecting your route. With fewer commuters and more daylight hours as spring arrives, National Rail often uses Easter to carry out essential upgrades and maintenance work. Rail replacement bus services operate on disrupted lines.
Advance tickets
For cheap train tickets this Easter, it's often best to book Advance fares. These go on sale 12 weeks before departure and can sell out. Train tickets can rise the closer you get to the Easter bank holiday weekend.
Railcards
Remember to use Railcards for some of the biggest train discounts this Easter. You'll save a third on your fare for bank holidays days out with the 16-25 Railcard, Family & Friends Railcard and Senior Railcard. The discount applies when you book tickets on TrainPal.
Top Easter destinations by train
London
Take the train to London and you'll arrive in the centre of town. Don't miss the Easter egg hunts at Kew Palace, ZSL London Zoo and countless other attractions.
Manchester
Hop over to Manchester for the Annual Duck Race at Salford Quays, the "Find the Flock" Shaun the Sheep Trail, and "Spring Into Science" at the Science and Industry Museum.
York
Visit York for the popular Chocolate Festival this Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Here you and the kids can try delicious sweet treats made by local, regional and international chocolatiers.
Edinburgh
The bank holiday weekend and long Spring daylight hours make Easter an ideal time to visit Edinburgh. Join the Easter Egg at the Zoo or climb up to Arthur's Seat for sweeping views.
Top Easter coast trips by train
Brighton, East Sussex
For a fun-filled day out at Brighton's seafront, pier and the Lanes, take the train from London Victoria, London Bridge, and other southern stations on the Brighton Mainline.
St Ives, Cornwall
Atlantic beaches, surf schools and the Tate St Ives await. The scenic St Ives Bay Line starts in St Erth, where the Great Western Mainline from London Paddington terminates.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
The scenic Esk Valley Line from Middlesbrough to Whitby runs through the North York Moors. The harbour town's famous for fish and chips, Whitby Abbey and picturesque coastal walks.
Llandudno, North Wales
You can reach this popular seaside resort town from Manchester, Chester, and other stations along the North Wales Coast Line. Lladudno has a Victorian promenade and family-friendly beaches.
Easter train travel FAQs
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Do trains run on Easter Sunday?
Yes, trains do run on Easter Sunday and usually follow a standard Sunday timetable. There may be rail engineering work taking place, though, so be sure to double check schedules when planning your trip.
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Do my Railcard discounts apply on Bank Holidays?
Yes, Railcard discounts do apply on all bank holidays, meaning you can save on third on your fare for exciting Easter days out. Remember, you can use your Railcard to save a third when booking on TrainPal.
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When can I book Easter train tickets?
Train tickets go on sale 12 weeks before, so you can book for the 4-day Easter bank holiday weekend usually from around January.
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Are trains cheaper on Easter Monday?
Trains can often be cheaper on Easter Monday as this is a bank holiday and Off-Peak fares apply all day. That said, try to book early as it may be a busy day for people travelling home at the end of the long weekend. -
Will there be rail replacement buses during Easter?
If there are engineering works taking place on your route this Easter, National Rail will operate rail replacement bus services to take you to your destination.
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Can I travel with a bike on the train during Easter?
Yes, you can normally travel on a train with your bike over Easter, but it all depends on the operator. Keep in mind, too, that it's often first come, first served and some train providers require you to reserve a space in advance.
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