England - an app for buying "short hop" train tickets?

Are you having problems with the Transpenine App? If so, you aren't the only one. Mine keeps crashing and has for months.

I just tried reinstalling the app and it works. However, I got an error message saying the app works best in the UK and suggested I use the website instead from the US. If you have a VPN that can connect with a UK IP address, try that.

You can buy the tickets for the same price from any train operator in the UK.

Thanks, Frank. Yes, I believe the error comes from the Transpenine site. Based on your experience, I won't keep testing.

I really wondered if any of the UK posters have found a reliable app for purchases, or if it is just easiest to plan on arriving at the station in time to physically purchase tickets.

You don’t have to use the site/app for that specific train operator.

I use GWR trains a lot but found their website glitchy. I tend to use Avanti’s site/app for buying tickets.

All the train operators sell each other's tickets. Yes, National Rail will direct you to the operator of that service. But if you’ve found a website or app from one of the train operating companies that works well for you, you can use that for all your purchases. So if LNER works for you, buy all your tickets there.

I know the train companies want you to be buying off apps or websites, not physical tickets.

Personally I don't use apps for anything at all, I use websites. Presumably the TPE website works over in the US.

The best websites seem to be LNER and Northern Rail (and we know that people on here from North America use their websites and apps happily). And Scotrail for longer distance tickets, as they automatically split the tickets when applicable.

Equally you can buy either from Ticket Machines or manned ticket offices until the moment of departure.

So there are multiple purchase methods, not one which is 'best practice'. You take your pick. All methods are the same price.

York to Malton is interesting in that there are short distance Advance (train specific) tickets for £5 each way- if purchased a few days ahead. But looking at 1505 today all trains (including the 1510) had Advance Tickets for £7.40 each way. [All fares before railcard discount]. That feels like an Oxymoron, cheap Advance Train Specific tickets until minutes before departure. But it is what it is, and not all operators sell Advance Tickets that close to departure (Northern are 15 minutes).
Now 2 x £7.40 exceeds the price of an open day return ticket, so in that particular case the cheapest option would be a Day Return Ticket. But go one way and the walk up Advance is the cheapest option.

Also to Malton from York I'm personally on the Coastliner bus (bound for Scarborough or Whitby) for £3 each way- it drops me closer to the town centre, on the north side of the river.

For trips I know in advance, I buy the ticket direct from the train operator via their app or website. It is usually cheapest and gives some peace of mind for refunds should my train be cancelled or delayed. However, for last minute trips, I prefer Trainline. Now, Trainline is an after market app that is said to add a some degree of a booking fee but in my experience the price difference is barely noticeable if at all. The interface is fantastic on Trainline and I like heading to the station and booking a trip in real time via Apple Pay. No need to get my wallet out in a crowded station. I also use Trainline just to check schedules as, again, I find their interface to be light years ahead of some train companies.

I don't use Trainline and don't have the app. How does Delay Repay work with Trainline. I know some operators are going to automatic refunds for Delay Repay when using their apps.

I only have the Avanti app on my phone as it serves my area. But I use it to buy tickets even when in another region, choosing a digital tickets that is stored on my phone. As others have said, all operators sell each others tickets.
Seeing as you will be doing a lot of train travel, are you aware of railcards, they will save you 33% on your off peak tickets.

Thanks to all! I will play around with some of the other apps - LNER, as mentioned above, is already on my phone. I knew the different carriers sold tickets for the rest of the system, but hadn't translated that thought to "try another app" in my mind. I appreciate the suggestions!

isn31c - I may well be taking the Coastliner bus. Can I tap and go on the bus? I'll research, but maybe you will answer before I get around to finding payments methods. I did look at that schedule earlier today - looks quite convenient for my plans I'm glad to hear the recommendation from a local.

Thanks, briwire, for the mention of Rail Cards. I have looked into those; it's good to keep the possibility in mind as I put final details together. A change to the itinerary might change the equation as I ran it.

Yes the bus takes contactless payments as well as cash- both bank cards and things like Apple Pay etc.

^^^^^ Thanks so much!!! I thought I had that in my notes somewhere, but I needed to verify. Now, you've done it for me - I appreciate it!!!!

I’ve been using the Uber app for trains recently because you get 10% back in Uber credits. It’s very easy to use. You can buy tickets right up until travel but you’ll often need to buy before you’re on the actual platform because you have to scan your ticket to get through gates.

I should clarify the ticket is on your phone. You don’t need a paper ticket.

Helen, thank you! This is an option that is new to me (although not new to Uber). It looks quite easy to use - I'm much more used to the Uber app than most of the UK rail apps. I see the promotion you mentioned. It looks worth a try!

Lots of rail tickets on my phone currently. Adding another won't be a problem.