How far in advance should train times and tickets be available in online journey planners?

10 February 2023

In February 2023 Transport Focus surveyed passenger to understand views about when train times should be accurate in online journey planners.

We asked how far in advance people usually look up train times and ticket prices. We also asked how far in advance the timetable should show correctly in online journey planners that sell train tickets.

Among passengers who look up times and prices a month or more in advance of travel, timetable accuracy three months ahead is favoured by most.

Among those looking up times and prices two months in advance, having the timetable correct three months ahead is also favoured by most – but with accuracy six months ahead a strong second.