Commuters and long-distance travellers alike have long been moaning about the cost of train travel, and how ludicrously hard it is to track down the cheapest deal.

Last week National Rail launched bestvaluefares.co.uk which it says will help passengers find the cheapest fares and best deals.

So does it deliver?

Just recently the government has been condemning the fact that the best value train fares are only available online. But with ticket prices continuing to rise and all the confusion between the different types of tickets, getting a good deal can be pot luck even when you buy on the internet.

Of course we're all trying to save money wherever we can, and transport is an area where making savings can really count. There are a few things you can do to maximse your chances of getting the best fares. Follow these simple pointers and you'll be on the way to cheaper train travel.