Earn Avios on Train Travel: Thursday Travel Tips
- Helena
- Oct 30
- 4 min read
Welcome back to Thursday Travel Tips – where we show you how to turn everyday spending into extraordinary travel rewards.
We’ve already explored how broadband and mobile contracts can earn thousands of points. But what if I told you that your train travel – from daily commutes to weekend trips – can steadily build your Avios balance too?
Whether you're booking long-distance journeys, grabbing a Railcard, or even taking the Heathrow Express to catch a flight, there are multiple ways to earn Avios every time you travel by rail in the UK.
Let’s take a look at how to make your train journeys work harder for you.
Why Train Travel Is a Smart Way to Earn Avios
Unlike one-off big bonuses such as insurance or broadband, train travel tends to be regular and repeatable. If trains are already part of your routine, you could be collecting Avios week after week without spending anything extra.
Better still, you’re not limited to just one platform. Several train booking services and even railcards now offer Avios on purchases, making travel one of the most reliable ways to grow your balance.
Where You Can Earn Avios on Train Travel
Here are the current earning rates available when you book through Avios partner platforms (correct at the time of writing):
Partner / Service | Avios Earn Rate |
Trainline | 1 Avios / £1 |
Trainpal | 4 Avios / £1 (was 2 Avios / £1) |
Heathrow Express | 5 Avios / £1 |
Transport for Wales | 3 Avios / £1 |
Railcards (via Avios eStore) | See below |
Uber | 1 Avios / £1 |
And when it comes to Railcards:
Railcard Type | Avios Earn Rate |
26–30 Railcard | 1 Avios / £1 |
Two Together Railcard | 1 Avios / £1 |
All other Railcards | 2 Avios / £1 |
This means you can earn Avios both on the ticket AND the Railcard you use to save money on that ticket. Double win.
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How to Earn Avios on Train Bookings
Earning Avios on trains works in a similar way to online shopping portals.
For Trainline, Trainpal, Heathrow Express and Transport for Wales, simply log in to the Avios.com, search for the relevant retailer, and click through to their site. Once you make your booking, the transaction tracks automatically and the Avios will show as ‘pending’ before being added to your balance.
For Railcards, the process is the same – just purchase through the eStore link rather than going directly to the Railcard site.
The key rule: always click through the portal first. If you go direct, you won’t earn anything.
Enjoying this weeks Thursday Travel Tips? Here are some of our other recent Avios Tips!
Uber Opportunities Available
When you link your British Airways Club account with your Uber account, you can earn rewards on train journeys booked through the app. For every £1 you spend on Uber in the UK, or every €1 spent in the Republic of Ireland, you’ll receive 1 Avios. Once you've downloaded the app, simply connect your accounts to begin collecting Avios automatically with each eligible trip. The benefit of Uber over the other options is the simplicity in just opening an app instead of having to go via the Avios eStore.
Why Heathrow Express Is the Star Performer
If you travel to or from Heathrow, the Heathrow Express is by far the most rewarding rail partner, offering 5 Avios per £1 spent.
On a £25 single journey, that’s 125 Avios – and if you book for two people, or return tickets, the numbers add up quickly.
Trainpal: The Underrated Gem
Trainpal is currently offering 4 Avios per £1, double its previous rate and one of the best earn rates in the travel category. If you’re booking higher-value tickets or long-distance journeys, Trainpal can generate a surprising number of Avios quickly.
Just make sure you still get the same fares as you would elsewhere, and always access Trainpal through the Avios eStore to ensure tracking.
Why Regular Travellers Should Pay Attention
If you commute by train five days a week, even a 1 Avios per £1 rate starts to add up. Annual travelcards, season tickets or regular long-distance trips can easily reach hundreds or even thousands of pounds a year. Every booking is an opportunity.
And if you combine:
Railcard discounts (to lower your fare)
+ Avios earnings on the Railcard itself
+ Avios earnings on the ticket
+ Avios from using an Avios credit card
You’re stacking value in multiple ways.
Final Thoughts: Your Train Ticket Could Be a Flight Ticket
Train travel is one of the most overlooked ways to build your Avios balance, especially for people who travel regularly or commute.
You don’t have to change your behaviour – just change where you click before you book.
So next time you’re heading to work, visiting family, or catching a flight, remember: Your train ticket could be quietly paying for your next one – in the air.
Until next week – happy travelling by rail, and happy flying with Avios.
Helena
Points Well Made is a passion project of Sam and Helena with a loyal following. If you like what we do, and wish to help us continue to create the content you love, please consider buying us a Kofi, or subscribing monthly. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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