Thursday Travel Tips: Earn Virgin Points Every Time You Book a Train Ticket
- Helena
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Hello everyone, and welcome back to another post in our Thursday Travel Tips series. You know we’re all about turning everyday spending into points that take you places. Literally.
This week, we’re diving into a travel hack that’s right under your nose, and perfect for regular commuters and weekend wanderers alike.

Did you know you can earn Virgin Points every time you book train tickets using the Virgin Trains Ticketing app? And, that until Monday 30th June you can get double points on any train, going anywhere!
Yes, your humble journey to Leeds, Llandudno, or Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch could actually be powering your next flight to Las Vegas. Let’s jump straight in, shall we?
So, How Do You Earn Virgin Points Every Time You Book a Train Ticket?
It’s incredibly simple. Virgin Trains Ticketing is part of the Virgin Red programme – and that means every train booking you make through the app could be boosting your Virgin Points balance.
Here’s how it works:
Download the Virgin Trains Ticketing app – available on both iOS and Android.
Log in or sign up for a Virgin Red account (it’s free and takes just a minute).
Link your Virgin Red account within the Virgin Trains Ticketing app. This is essential – otherwise, no points will be awarded!
Book your train travel as usual, through the app.
Earn 3 Virgin Points for every £1 you spend on train tickets.

That’s it. No complex steps. No hidden fees. Just pure, effortless point-earning from travel you were going to book anyway.
Wait – What’s Virgin Red Again?
Great questions! Virgin Red is the Virgin Group’s loyalty programme that lets you earn Virgin Points across a whole range of everyday activities – from shopping and dining to flights and now... train travel.
Once earned, Virgin Points never expire. You can redeem them for everything from flights with Virgin Atlantic, to theatre tickets, luxury getaways, or even a cheeky bottle of wine delivered to your door.
How to Link Your Virgin Red Account in the App
This is where the magic happens – and it’s crucial for making sure your points land safely in your account.
Open the Virgin Trains Ticketing app.
Tap your profile (top right corner).
Scroll to find “Virgin Red” under account settings.
Tap “Link Virgin Red account” and log in using your Virgin Red details.
That’s it! You’ll now earn points automatically with every eligible booking.
Once your accounts are linked, you can sit back and let the points roll in with every ticket.
Are There Any Restrictions?
A few quick things to note:
You’ll only earn points when you book through the Virgin Trains Ticketing app – not other train booking platforms.
Points typically appear in your Virgin Red account within 7–10 days of your journey.
Booking for multiple people? You earn points on the total spend – so the more you book, the more you earn.
Some promotional fares or voucher discounts might not be eligible for points.

Always good to double-check the app’s T&Cs if you’re planning a big trip.
Why It’s Brilliant: Trains Today, Take-Off Tomorrow
This is one of those genius ways to earn points without changing your habits. If you’re already travelling by train for work, for a weekend away, or even just a day trip, why not get rewarded?
It’s an everyday way to travel with a sneaky reward built in. Use your train journeys to fund your next adventure in the skies.
Final Thoughts – Every Ticket Gets You Closer to Take-Off
So, the next time you're booking a train journey, skip the big-name train sites and head straight for the Virgin Trains Ticketing app.
Not only are you supporting a homegrown app that’s super easy to use, but you’re also turning your commute into cocktails in the Clubhouse, or that dream trip to the Caribbean.
Points for something you were going to do anyway? That’s the kind of travel tip we live for as you well know!
Download the app, link your Virgin Red account, and let those train journeys start earning you sky-high rewards.
See you next Thursday for more tips and tricks to make every pound (and point) count.
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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