Where a football club is based can add almost £2,000 to the cost of travelling to away matches over a season, according to new TrainPal analysis of rail fares for the 2026 and 2027 campaign.
The research compared estimated rail fares for away fixtures across the Premier League, Championship, League One, and League Two. Plymouth Argyle supporters face the highest estimated seasonal rail cost at £3,100.74, while Walsall supporters face the lowest at £1,147.98, a difference of £1,952.76.
The figures are modelled estimates rather than guarantees of what fans will pay. TrainPal says its analysis uses the lowest available standard-class Advance fares for relevant routes, based on a fixed Saturday matchday window. Prices were captured approximately one month before travel and were correct as at 13th August 2026.
Premier league: Where you live can add almost £900 to a season
Newcastle United supporters face the highest estimated away-day rail cost in the Premier League, at £109.05 per fixture and £2,071.89 across the season. Sunderland supporters are next, paying an estimated £107.93 per fixture and £2,050.61 for the season.
Aston Villa supporters face the lowest estimated cost, at £61.71 per away fixture and £1,172.57 across the season. The difference between Newcastle United and Aston Villa is £899.32.
| Rank | Team | Average Away Fare (Per Match) | Estimated Total Away Fare |
| 1 | Newcastle United | £109.05 | £2,071.89 |
| 2 | Sunderland | £107.93 | £2,050.61 |
| 3 | Bournemouth | £94.11 | £1,788.10 |
| 4 | Ipswich Town | £92.24 | £1,752.50 |
| 5 | Hull City | £86.47 | £1,642.90 |
| 6 | Brighton & Hove Albion | £82.80 | £1,573.28 |
| 7 | Everton | £74.29 | £1,411.53 |
| 8 | Leeds United | £70.83 | £1,345.82 |
| 9 | Liverpool | £69.44 | £1,319.31 |
| 10 | Chelsea | £66.68 | £1,266.83 |
Championship: Fans face higher rail costs than the premier league
Middlesbrough have the highest estimated away travel cost in the Championship, at £118.24 per fixture and £2,719.62 across the season.
West Bromwich Albion have the lowest estimated cost in the division, at £50.26 per fixture and £1,156.00 across the season. The difference between the two clubs is £1,563.62.
| Rank | Team | Average Away Fare (Per Match) | Estimated Total Away Fare |
| 1 | Middlesbrough | £118.24 | £2,719.62 |
| 2 | Portsmouth | £98.45 | £2,264.37 |
| 3 | Swansea City | £95.00 | £2,185.07 |
| 4 | Norwich City | £94.03 | £2,162.63 |
| 5 | Southampton | £90.02 | £2,070.44 |
| 6 | Blackburn Rovers | £85.88 | £1,975.24 |
| 7 | Burnley | £85.26 | £1,960.90 |
| 8 | Bristol City | £84.77 | £1,949.61 |
| 9 | Cardiff City | £78.76 | £1,811.58 |
| 10 | Lincoln City | £76.53 | £1,760.19 |
League 1: The biggest away-day rail bill in english football
Plymouth Argyle have the highest estimated away travel cost across all four divisions, at £134.81 per fixture and £3,100.74 across the season.
Notts County have the lowest estimated cost in League One, at £52.73 per fixture and £1,212.88 across the season.
| Rank | Team | Average Away Fare (Per Match) | Estimated Total Away Fare |
| 1 | Plymouth Argyle | £134.81 | £3,100.74 |
| 2 | Reading | £85.42 | £1,964.71 |
| 3 | Blackpool | £82.45 | £1,896.40 |
| 4 | Wycombe Wanderers | £79.69 | £1,832.83 |
| 5 | Bradford City | £73.76 | £1,696.49 |
| 6 | Wigan Athletic | £73.21 | £1,683.85 |
| 7 | Cambridge United | £72.48 | £1,667.14 |
| 8 | Oxford United | £72.47 | £1,666.92 |
| 9 | Stevenage | £71.39 | £1,641.91 |
| 10 | Bromley | £68.63 | £1,578.50 |
League 2: Central location brings the lowest away-day costs
Exeter City have the highest estimated away travel cost in League Two, at £106.78 per fixture and £2,456.05 across the season.
Walsall have the lowest estimated cost across all four divisions, at £49.91 per away fixture and £1,147.98 across the season.
| Rank | Team | Average Away Fare (Per Match) | Estimated Total Away Fare |
| 1 | Exeter City | £106.78 | £2,456.05 |
| 2 | Colchester United | £103.47 | £2,379.80 |
| 3 | Gillingham | £102.17 | £2,349.90 |
| 4 | Crawley Town | £95.80 | £2,203.31 |
| 5 | Swindon Town | £90.84 | £2,089.26 |
| 6 | Grimsby Town | £82.49 | £1,897.23 |
| 7 | Barnet | £81.54 | £1,875.43 |
| 8 | York City | £80.93 | £1,861.42 |
| 9 | Fleetwood Town | £76.38 | £1,756.69 |
| 10 | Bristol Rovers | £74.45 | £1,712.36 |
Geography linked to higher travel costs
TrainPal’s analysis suggests that geography is linked to away travel costs.
Plymouth Argyle have all 23 away fixtures more than 150 miles away, while Newcastle United have 11 of their 19 fixtures more than 150 miles away.
Middlesbrough have no league matches within 50 miles, while 11 of their 23 away fixtures are more than 150 miles away. Exeter City have 16 of their 23 away games 150 miles or more away.
National Rail says Advance tickets are sold in limited numbers and that booking further ahead generally offers cheaper fares. Many Railcards provide one-third off eligible fares, although restrictions and eligibility rules apply.
TrainPal also says that planning ahead, comparing ticket options, checking additional fees, and using Railcards where eligible can help reduce costs.
A TrainPal spokesperson said: “Away fans are some of football’s most committed supporters, but our analysis shows they are not all starting from the same position. Where your club is based can add almost £2,000 to the cost of travelling to league away games across a season.”
“That doesn’t mean supporters should simply accept the first fare they see. Planning ahead, comparing ticket options, checking for additional fees, and using Railcards where eligible can all make a real difference over the course of a season.”
“For many fans, the train remains part of what makes an away day an away day. Travelling together, arriving in the heart of a town or city, and not having to worry about driving home afterwards are all part of the collective experience. Our role is to help supporters find the best value available when they choose to travel by rail.”
“Features such as split-ticketing give fans more ways to save, particularly those making regular journeys throughout the season.”
TrainPal says the estimates exclude walk-up fares, sold-out Advance tickets, Railcard discounts, split-ticketing, season-ticket or group deals, and alternative transport such as coaches or cars.