Easter Travel Update 2026 by Trainline: Where to Go and How to Save

With the Easter holidays just around the corner, many people are starting to think about a little getaway. Whether it’s a trip to the seaside with the family or a quiet escape to the countryside with friends, the long weekend is the perfect chance to explore. New data from Trainline gives us a sneak peek into where everyone is heading this Easter, and also reveals some hidden gems that might be a bit quieter. This travel information makes planning a trip by train or coach super accessible, so let’s see what the bookings are showing.

The Easter travel hotspots for 2026

It seems lots of people are hoping for a bit of sun this Easter, as seaside towns are seeing a huge uplift in train bookings. The latest data shows a big trend for coastal and countryside destinations, suggesting travellers are keeping their options open for the break. Looking at the numbers gives a clear picture of the most popular places for Easter travel.

Sajjad Motamed, the UK Country Manager for Trainline, commented on the findings:

“Easter is the perfect excuse to get out and explore, and going by train makes these destinations accessible for everyone. Seeing such a strong uplift in popular seaside locations like Paignton and Newquay suggests that some Brits are betting big on seeing some sunshine this year, but with some scenic countryside options also making the list, there’s something whatever the weather. By using Trainline’s seamless integrated platform, travellers can also spend less time booking and more time enjoying the long weekend.”

Whitby is proving very popular, showing a 63% uplift. Visitors to this historic town can head to Whitby Abbey for an Easter Quest or enjoy the Made In Whitby Easter Festival. The data makes it clear that such destinations are in high demand.

Here’s the full list of trending Easter destinations based on the increase in passenger numbers between 26th-30th March and 2nd-6th April 2026:

• Paignton (+120%)

• Middlesbrough (+114%)

• Northallerton (+109%)

• Moreton-in-Marsh (+100%)

• Berwick-upon-Tweed (+89%)

• Newquay (+80%)

• St Ives (Cornwall) (+78%)

• Truro (+76%)

• Bridlington (+72%)

• Newton Abbot (+67%)

• Whitby (+63%)

• Perth (+61%)

• Weston-Super-Mare (+60%)

• Bodmin Parkway (+59%)

• Castle Cary (+58%)

• Aviemore (+57%)

• Darlington (+51%)

• Swansea (+49%)

• Totnes (+49%)

• Abergavenny (+48%)

Looking for somewhere a bit quieter?

If battling the crowds isn’t the idea of a relaxing break, Trainline’s data also points to some fantastic destinations that are looking to be much quieter this Easter. These spots are perfect for anyone wanting to dodge the masses and enjoy a more peaceful holiday with family and friends.

Fancy a lovely walk in the Yorkshire countryside? Hebden Bridge, a quirky market town, is actually showing a decrease in visitors. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll followed by a pub lunch. For something a bit different, the town hosts an Easter Duck Race that’s always a good laugh. The train station is just a short 10-minute walk from the centre, making it incredibly accessible.

Smart tips for cheaper Easter travel

Getting away for Easter doesn't have to break the bank. With a bit of planning, there are some great ways to find cheaper fares for train and coach travel. Trainline has a few handy features and tips to help save some cash on those bookings.

One clever tool is SplitSave, which automatically finds cheaper combinations of tickets for a journey. Sometimes, buying separate tickets for different legs of the same trip works out cheaper than a single ticket. The app does all the hard work, and passengers can stay on the same train.

Getting a Railcard is another brilliant way to cut costs. The Family & Friends Railcard knocks a third off adult fares and gives a whopping 60% off for kids. It’s not just for big groups either; single parents with children can use it too. For those travelling with one other person, the Two Together Railcard is perfect. And it doesn't have to be a romantic partner – it can be used with different friends or family members, making it ideal for days out.

For groups of three to nine people travelling together, GroupSave offers up to a third off train fares on Off-Peak services. It's great for sightseeing trips with a group of friends. The discount is applied automatically when booking, as long as everyone travels on the same train. Having this information on rail fares can make all the difference for a family budget.