How to Find the Best Student Travel Deals & Affordable Travel Options


Travelling to a new city is all part of the university experience. Over three years, you’ll get to explore your new home while making unforgettable memories. But just because you’re studying doesn’t mean there’s no room for a holiday! 

Taking time out of your schedule for an adventure is a great way to celebrate achievements. Whether you’ve completed a stressful university exam or achieved the grades you wanted, treating yourself is non-negotiable.

For the best advice on student travel deals, stay with Luxury Student Homes.

Students at a train station with a camera, ready for a budget-friendly trip

Use Flight Comparison Sites to Find Cheap Student Travel Deals

Going with the first deal you see is a rookie error, one that may take a bigger chunk out of your budget than planned. We know it’s tempting to snag cheap tickets before they sell out, but there’s always something better out there!

Using flight comparison websites can stop hasty decisions in their tracks. These platforms help you find the best student travel deals, ensuring you don’t overpay for flights.

Sites like Skyscanner, KAYAK, and Kiwi can help you find the best flights at the lowest prices. You can also use the “explore everywhere” tool on Skyscanner to see where the cheapest flights are from your nearest airport.

Many comparison sites also offer fare alert services that notify you of price drops for specific routes. Subscribing to these alerts can help you book flights when prices are at their lowest.

 

A student looking for travel deals, laptop screen showing a flight comparison website like Skyscanner or KAYAK

Check with Airlines for Discounted Student Travel Offers

If you have a specific destination or departure airport in mind, you should check with the airline directly.

Who knows, you may find even better deals! Some airlines, like EasyJet, have an ‘Active Education’ discount where you can use fee-free instalments to pay off your trip.

Ryanair has an exclusive ‘Erasmus Student Network’ that gives you a free checked-in bag on four one-way flights and a 10% discount! American Airlines (a student favourite) has a rewarding Advantage Scheme where you can get plenty of perks.

Many airlines offer exclusive discounted student travel schemes, helping you save on flights throughout the year.

Use a Student Travel Discount Card for Extra Savings

Travel doesn’t have to be abroad; it could be to and from campus or even to visit family back home.

18+ Student Oyster Card: If you’re 18 or over and enrolled in a qualifying course in London, the 18+ Student Oyster photocard offers a 30% discount on adult-rate Travel cards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.

By linking a 16-25 Railcard to your Oyster photocard, you can receive a 1/3 discount on off-peak pay-as-you-go fares on the Tube, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, and most National Rail services in London!

16-25 Railcard: Available to individuals aged 16 to 25 or mature students over 26 in full-time education, the 16-25 Railcard provides a 1/3 discount on rail fares across Great Britain.

Young Person’s Coachcard: National Express has the Young Person’s Coachcard, which grants a 1/3 discount on standard and fully flexible fares for those aged 16 to 26 (as well as full-time students).

Student Universe: Student Universe is an online travel agency that specialises in discounted fares for students and young travellers. By verifying your student status, you can access exclusive deals on flights and hotels!

Student Beans: While mainly known for its fantastic retail discounts, Student Beans also offers travel-related deals. By registering with a valid student ID, you can access promotions on travel services and accommodation.

Find Off-Peak Deals (and Save More on Student Travel)

‘Off-peak’ refers to times when fewer people are travelling, usually outside of standard commuting hours and school holidays. Off-peak travel has lower demand, which can result in lower fees!

(For train journeys, off-peak times are generally between 10:00 and 15:30 and after 19:15 on weekdays). If your term time schedule allows you to, try planning your travel plans during off-peak hours to take advantage of these cheap student travel deals.

Even better is booking these deals in advance. Many operators release a limited number of discounted tickets for off-peak times, so early booking can be a real lifesaver.

Pack Light to Avoid Extra Fees

The anxiety-inducing wait to see if your bag is over the weight limit is, undoubtedly, one of the worst parts of travel. If you fall victim to these costly fees, you may find yourself working with a significantly reduced holiday budget.

That’s why we recommend packing light. Unless you have specifically paid for an extra bag, try to be as choosy as possible. Don’t take anything too bulky (e.g., unnecessary shoes/bags) and use packing cubes to keep everything organised.

By packing light, you’ll avoid extra charges, keeping your trip affordable and making the most of discounted student travel options.

Looking for inspiration on where to travel to?

Check out our blog Best Places to Travel as a Student.

 

FAQs About Student Travel Deals

  1. How can students get the best travel discounts?
    Students can save money on travel by using student discount cards (e.g., 16-25 Railcard, Young Person’s Coachcard), booking off-peak tickets, and checking student-exclusive airline discounts.
  2. Are student travel discount cards worth it?
    Yes! A 16-25 Railcard saves 1/3 on train fares, and a Young Person’s Coachcard offers the same discount on National Express. If you travel often, these cards pay for themselves quickly.
  3. Do airlines offer student discounts?
    Some airlines, like EasyJet, Ryanair, and American Airlines, offer student airfare deals, including discounts and extra baggage allowances. Always check directly with the airline before booking.
  4. How far in advance should students book travel to get the best price?
    For flights, book at least 6-8 weeks in advance for domestic trips and 3-6 months for international travel. Train and coach fares are usually cheapest when booked 12 weeks before departure.
  5. What is the cheapest way for students to travel around the UK?
  • Trains: 16-25 Railcard for a 1/3 discount.
  • Coaches: National Express Young Person’s Coachcard.
  • Local travel: In Liverpool, the student bus pass offers the most affordable way to travel. Additionally, some bus routes receive subsidies from Liverpool University, further reducing costs.
  • Flights: Budget airlines like Ryanair & EasyJet.

 

We Have Properties in Liverpool’s Best Student Areas!

There’s so much to look forward to when you come to university. So, why not get ahead and book your student accommodation with us? We’ve got properties in Liverpool’s best student areas, like Wavertree, Aigburth and the city centre. Then, take advantage of these student travel deals when you get the chance!