Not all split tickets are created equal. Complex algorithms are used to efficiently compare multiple routes and multiple breaks to find valid and cheap splits. The best of these algorithms, and the systems that run them, are proprietary, have taken years to develop, and are constantly being tweaked and improved.
Introducing split tickets
To sell train tickets, Railboard has partnered with TrainSplit, a subsidiary of Raileasy. TrainSplit is an industry leader and pioneer in split ticketing, having first introduced it in 2014. By partnering with TrainSplit, Railboard’s customers benefit from their industry expertise and experience.
By contrast, TrainPal started selling split tickets in 2018. And Trainline launched its split ticketing system, SplitSave, in 2020.
Quick overview of split tickets
While each app has a slightly different name for split tickets (SplitSave vs Split Tickets), they all refer to the same thing: finding combinations of tickets that together offer the same journey but at a lower price than a regular ticket.
This is done by splitting regular train tickets at calling points along the journey. So instead of one ticket from A to C, you have two tickets from A to B and B to C. However, you stay on the same train as normal. There is no requirement to alight and re-board.
If you want to find out more about split tickets and why they often work out cheaper, check out our split ticket help articles.
Key differences between Railboard, Trainline and TrainPal
All three apps have the same prices for the individual tickets that make up the split tickets. This is because split tickets are just combinations of regular train tickets, and the price of a regular train ticket is exactly the same wherever you buy it, as regulated by the Rail Delivery Group.
As a result, what affects the actual price you pay are the split ticketing algorithms the app uses, what booking fees they charge, and what split ticket saving commission they take.
Split ticketing algorithms
As already mentioned, Railboard is partnered with TrainSplit, and so benefits from their algorithms and overall system. Trainline and TrainPal each use their own split ticketing algorithms.
The different methods used to find splits can produce very different results, so this is the most important factor that determines the overall price.
Booking fees
Trainline charges booking fees, although not for every transaction. Whether you pay a booking fee on Trainline, and the amount you pay, is determined by: your chosen journey, the ticket value, the day and time you’re making the purchase, and if you’re booking on the website or app.
Railboard doesn’t charge a booking fee, and neither does TrainPal.
Split ticket saving commission
Trainline doesn’t charge a SplitSave tickets fee.
Railboard charges a share of saving commission of up to 15% from the split ticket savings. It will only apply if we have found you a saving.
TrainPal charges a ‘Split service fee’ but doesn’t specify what amount or percentage this is. Depending on their promotions, they don’t necessarily charge it all the time.
These may seem like big differences, but they only apply to the savings found. In practice, the differences in split ticket savings between the three apps are often significantly greater than these commissions.
The numbers!
We spot-checked prices for 15 journeys on each app.
Spot-check test details
Each search was for a single for one adult with no railcards, departing at 8:00 am on Wednesday, 1 February 2023. The searches were done on 15 January. For each spot-check, we picked the exact same journey from the results across the three iPhone apps.
The price shown is the total overall price to pay, including all fees and tickets.
The results
Analysis
Railboard won 9 times, TrainPal 5 times, and Trainline only once, being hampered in many of the close runs by its booking fee.
So Railboard comes out on top, with TrainPal a respectable runner-up. Trainline was nowhere near.
Other factors
Cost isn’t the only thing to consider when choosing which train ticket app to use. Several other factors will also influence your decision.
Dark Mode
Unlike Trainline and TrainPal, Railboard supports Dark Mode. So you can use the app with whichever appearance best suits your specific needs.
Results without prices
You won’t always be wanting to buy tickets or see prices, so with Railboard, you can plan journeys without seeing prices, and you can use the Live trains tab to see live station departure and arrival boards. By contrast, on Trainline and TrainPal, you have to see prices with every search, whether you want to or not.
Turning off split tickets
Because there are a few downsides to split tickets, you may want to turn them off and see results without them. Railboard gives you this option; meanwhile, on Trainline and TrainPal, you’ll see split tickets in the results, regardless of your preference.
Direct trains only
Sometimes you know the route you want to take has a direct train, and you’re not interested in journey options that involve changes. On Railboard, you can choose to see direct trains only. This isn’t an option on the Trainline or TrainPal apps.
Ads
If you don’t want to see ads interspersed with journey results, your best bet is either Railboard or TrainPal. The Trainline app mixes in banner ads with its results. TrainPal will show you offers and promotions, but we wouldn’t consider these adverts, and they’re certainly not mixed in with the journey results!
Coach tickets
Trains aren’t the only means of transportation; you may be looking to travel by coach. In which case, you’d be better off with either Trainline or TrainPal, which both sell coach tickets in addition to train tickets. For the time being, at least, Railboard only sells train tickets.
Design
And last but not least, the Railboard, Trainline and TrainPal apps each have a different design and feel. Which one you prefer will be highly individual and down to your personal preferences. You can see screenshots from each app in this roundup of notable train ticket apps.
Summary
So there you have it. Based on those spot-checks, Railboard sells cheaper tickets on most routes, with TrainPal close behind and Trainline clearly being the most expensive.
But in addition to price, each app has a different mix of features available, which may or may not be more important to you personally. Ultimately, the app you choose will depend on your unique preferences and needs.
