Whether you’re commuting to campus for lectures, travelling home to see family, or going to the local shop, transport costs can add up very quickly. Fortunately, there are many simple and affordable ways to reduce transport costs without sacrificing convenience.
The Importance of Cutting Transport Costs
Travelling can be expensive, from filling your car with petrol to high train fares. Even small costs, like a single bus ticket or parking ticket, may not seem like much at the time, but can add up when using transport several times a week. When travelling is routine and seen as something you have to do, it’s easy to overlook how much you’re really spending over time. Even saving a few pounds here and there can make a big difference overall.
Using Discounts and Student Benefits
Buying Student Tickets
When booking your place on public transport, always check whether student tickets are available, as they should be cheaper than standard tickets. You’ll usually need to show a valid form of student ID when travelling on public transport with a student ticket.
Using Student Discounts
Student discount apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans have money-saving deals on certain modes of transport. Before booking, always check student discount apps for money-off and other deals.
Getting Yourself a 16-25 Rail Card
People between the ages of 16 and 25 and mature students in full-time study can apply for one of these to save money on train tickets. If you get the train often, having a 16-25 railcard means you can save money over time. As of February 2026, having one of these for a year costs only £35 (*subject to change), which National Rail says can pay for itself in just a couple of trips.
Cheap Ways to Travel
Walking and Cycling Short Distances
Walking is completely free! It gives you the chance to get some fresh air and gentle exercise, which can get you feeling energised and motivated for a day of lectures. Spending time outside is a form of self-care, which can help you recharge and reduce stress. If you have a bike, cycling to places is also a form of exercise that allows you to spend time outdoors. Many university campuses, towns, supermarkets, and workplaces have bike storage facilities where you can leave your bike.
Travelling on E-Scooters
Many towns and cities across the UK offer rental e-scooter schemes where you can hire an e-scooter for short journeys. In order to use these, you’ll usually need to have a driving licence (full or provisional), be at least 18 years old, and use the provider’s app to register. These often include an unlocking fee and are generally charged per minute.
Using Campus Shuttle Services
Some universities offer shuttle services that allow you to travel between campuses and nearby areas for free or at a low cost. Not only can these save you money, but they’re convenient as well, making it easier to access different facilities at your university.
Smart Travel Planning
Carpooling with Housemates
There are several situations where carpooling with housemates makes sense, such as if you both need to do a food shop or have a lecture at the same time. This can reduce how much you spend on petrol and parking fees. To ensure fairness, take turns driving rather than having one person give lifts all the time.
Buying Monthly or Annual Passes
If you use a certain mode of transport often, like the bus or train, you may be able to save by purchasing a season ticket, weekly, monthly, or annually. Buying one of these can also help you budget, as it gives you a clearer and more predictable view of your travel costs.
Travelling Off-peak
Off-peak times are periods when travel, particularly on trains, is less in demand, so cheaper fares are offered. Off-peak times vary by provider and location, but you can often find them on the operator’s website or app, or in ticket descriptions.
Booking in Advance
Booking transport in advance can sometimes be cheaper and means you can secure off-peak tickets, better seats, and avoid last-minute stress.
Save Money With The Student Energy Group
At The Student Energy Group, we understand the importance of sticking to your budgets while at university. Managing student bills can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also trying to keep everyday costs like transport under control. That’s why we bundle your water, green electricity, gas, broadband and TV licence into one monthly statement, which can be split evenly between you and your housemates. Signing up with us also means we’ll plant a tree! Get a free, no-obligation quote from us today to start saving on your bills.
