GWR says the scheme unlocks substantial savings across key routes including London Paddington to Welsh destinations
If the trial is successful it will be rolled out more widely(Image: PA)
Great Western Railway (GWR) has launched “Secret Fares” a scheme which they say can save passengers up to 50%. The new trial service, through GWR partner Seatfrog, transforms how budget-conscious travellers book train tickets by offering mystery departure times between London and south Wales at dramatically reduced prices.
Passengers select their travel date and preferred time window – morning, afternoon, or evening – then receive their specific train details 24 hours before departure. This flexibility unlocks substantial savings across key routes including London Paddington to Welsh destinations.
Sample Secret Fare Prices:
- London Paddington to Cardiff: £15
- London Paddington to Newport: £15
- London Paddington to Swansea: £23
- London Paddington to Carmarthen: £30
- Reading to Swansea: £19
- Reading to Cardiff: £15
- Newport to Swansea: £5
- Cardiff Central to Carmarthen: £5
- Cardiff to London Paddington: £15
GWR Head of Marketing Helen daCosta said: “We are always looking at how we can make train travel more accessible while also providing great value for money for travellers and taxpayers alike.
“This new partnership offers great value fares while at the same time taking advantage of spare space on quieter, less in demand services.”
The service appeals particularly to leisure travellers, students, and anyone with flexibility who prioritises savings over specific departure times.
Multiple tickets can be booked together, though seats are not guaranteed to be so.
Secret Fares can be reserved from three months in advance until five days before travel.
Tickets are non-refundable and railcard discounts don’t apply, as prices are already heavily discounted.
Seatfrog chief executive Officer Iain Griffin said: “At Seatfrog, we believe in giving people the best journey for their money. With this partnership with GWR, we’re taking our mission a step further – unlocking huge savings on popular routes between London and south Wales, simply by offering flexibility.
“It’s about giving people more choice: pick a date, a time-window, and enjoy travel that’s kinder to your wallet – no compromise on the experience.
“We’re excited to partner with GWR to make rail travel more accessible, more affordable, and more in tune with what passengers really want.”
Book Secret Fares through the Seatfrog app or at www.seatfrog.com.
The trial runs from mid-September through to March, 31, 2026 and if successful, could be rolled out to other destinations across the GWR network.
For more information on Secret Fares please visit: www.gwr.com/Secret-Fares
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