Tickets & passes
You can buy a train ticket for any departure point to any destination on the National Rail network at any train station, train travel point or online. Prices vary greatly depending on a number of factors including:
- day and time of travel
- distance
- how far ahead you book
- operator
Journeys may be cheaper if you book in advance or buy a non-refundable ticket. Journeys are usually cheaper if you travel outside peak hours: 05:00-10:00 and 15:00-20:00 Monday to Friday.
For exact fares or to book online visit National Rail (www.nationalrail.co.uk/).
Rail passes
If you're going to make lots of train journeys, there are a number of passes available to help you get the best value. Britrail passes are a great value way to travel by train and let you either plan ahead or decide day by day. These tickets can be used on all of the privatised train companies that operate mainline services in Britain including the Heathrow and Gatwick Express.
England Flexi Pass
The Britrail England Flexi Pass offers unlimited travel for 4, 8 or 12 days on any scheduled train on England's rail network within a 1-month period.
England Flexi Pass - more information
GB Flexi Pass
The Britrail GB Flexi Pass is similar to the England Flexi Pass, but allows you to travel on any railway routes in England, Scotland and Wales. The GB Flexi Pass is available for 4, 8 and 15 days of unlimited travel in a 1-month period of validity. It also includes the Heathrow and Gatwick Express.
GB Flexi Pass - more information
England Consecutive Pass
The Britrail England Consecutive Pass allows you access to England's railways over a selected number of consecutive days. The England Consecutive Pass is available for 4-, 8-, 15-, 22-day and 1-month periods.
England Consecutive Pass - more information
GB Consecutive Pass
The Britrail GB Consecutive Pass is similar to the England Consecutive Pass, but allows you to travel on any railway routes in England, Scotland and Wales. The GB Consecutive Pass is available for 4, 8, 15, 22-day and 1-month periods.
GB Consecutive Pass - more information
Booking your rail pass
You can buy your pass online before you leave, or at any UK train station. With all passes, you can book the days you want to travel on in advance at any UK train station, or you can simply turn up on the days you want to travel and activate your pass for that day at the station ticket office.