News

Introducing Simpler Rail Fares from Sunday 7th September 2008

6th August 2008

New names for rail fares are being introduced across the National Rail network.

 

The new fare names bring together commonly used Single and Return fares into three categories.

 

The new names describe when you can buy or use your ticket, making it easier for you to buy the best value ticket for your journey.

Buy any time, travel any time

Anytime fares are fully flexible tickets, with no restrictions on when you can travel. Perfect for people who need complete flexibility.

Buy any time, travel off-peak

Off-Peak fares are cheaper tickets for travelling on trains that are less busy. Where there is more than one Off-Peak fare for a journey, the cheaper fare with more restrictions will be called Super Off-Peak.

Buy in advance, subject to availability

Advance fares are Single (one-way) tickets offering great value for money on many longer distance journeys. You must book in advance and travel on a specific train service.

Other tickets, like Season and Rover tickets, won't change.

Why the change?

Customer feedback suggested that it isn't always easy to find the best value ticket to match their needs because of the range of ticket names and different fares available.

The new fare names simplify the choice, allowing you to choose your rail ticket with confidence.

When will fares change?

Advance fares were introduced on 18 May 2008.

From 7 September 2008, walk-up fares (that you don't have to buy in advance) will be grouped into Anytime or Off-Peak.

Will fares increase as a result of these changes?

No, fares will not increase as a result of the new fare names.

What are the benefits for you?

• Ticket names are easier to understand
  The new fare names describe when you can buy or use your ticket, making it easier for you to decide what ticket suits your journey. For example if you buy an Anytime fare, you can use it to travel any time during the day.
• Fewer ticket names
  We all want to get the best value fare for our rail journey, so with fewer names you can quickly work out what ticket you need to make your journey.
• Common terms & conditions
  Advance ticket terms and conditions are now the same across all train companies nationwide, so you know exactly where you stand.
• New Railcard discounts
  Railcard holders get 1/3 off all Standard Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares. Senior, HM Forces and Disabled Persons Railcard holders also get 1/3 off First Class fares. Visit our Railcards page to check if you are eligible for a Railcard.

 

Buy in any time, travel any time

 

Anytime fares are fully flexible tickets, with no restrictions on when you can travel. Perfect for people who need complete flexibility.

You can buy Anytime tickets any time before you travel and you can use your ticket to travel on any train. With an Anytime ticket you can also break your journey at stations along the route of travel.

Anytime Single and Anytime Day (Single and Return) tickets must be used on the date shown on your ticket. For Anytime Return tickets, the outward journey must made on the date shown on your ticket and return journeys must be made within one calendar month.

You can reserve a seat on many longer distance services and reservations are recommended on busy services. Child discounts apply for all Anytime fares.

Railcard holders get 1/3 off all Standard Class Anytime fares. Senior, HM Forces and Disabled Persons Railcard holders also get 1/3 off all First Class Anytime fares. Please note, minimum fares / time restrictions may apply to tickets bought with a Railcard.

 

Buy in any time, travel off-peak

 

Off-Peak fares are cheaper tickets for travelling on trains that are less busy.

Offering good value for money, these tickets may require you to travel at specific times of day, days of the week or on a specific route.

Where there is more than one Off-Peak fare for a journey, the cheaper fare with more restrictions will be called Super Off-Peak.

You can buy Off-Peak tickets any time before you travel. The travel restrictions for your Off-Peak ticket will depend on the journey you are making and will be advised when you buy your ticket.

Off-Peak Single and Off-Peak Day (Single and Return) tickets must be used on the date shown on the ticket. For Off-Peak Return tickets, outward journeys must be made on the date shown on your ticket and return journeys must be made within one calendar month.

Child discounts apply for all Off-Peak fares.

Railcard holders get 1/3 off all Standard Class Off-Peak fares. Senior, HM Forces and Disabled Persons Railcard holders also get 1/3 off all First Class Off-Peak fares. Please note, minimum fares / time restrictions may apply to tickets bought with a Railcard.

 

Buy in advance, subject to availability

 

Advance fares are Single (one-way) tickets offering great value for money on many longer distance journeys.

 

You must book in advance and fares are subject to availability. Generally, the earlier you book the better the deal. You can mix and match Advance fares for a return journey.

 

Advance fares are valid only on the date and train shown on the ticket and are non-refundable. You can change the time or date of travel before departure of the first reserved train. Any difference in fare and an administration fee will be payable.

 

Child discounts apply for all Advance fares.

Railcard holders get 1/3 off all Standard Class Advance fares. Senior, HM Forces and Disabled Persons Railcard holders also get 1/3 off all First Class Advance fares.

In addition, 16–25 Railcard holders get 1/3 off First Class Advance fares for travel on CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, First Great Western, National Express East Coast and Virgin Trains services.

Please note, minimum fares / time restrictions may apply to tickets bought with a Railcard.

More information

For more information on other tickets and fares visit the Ticket & Offers section of the website.

Don’t forget it is also easy to plan your journey with our new Journey Planner.