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Guide to fares and ticket types

This year fares have been simplified to three basic types which depend on whether you wish to book in advance or travel off peak.  The first stage, the introduction of Advance tickets was completed on the 18th of May while Off-Peak and Anytime tickets will be introduced from the 7th of September.  Until then refer to the existing fares guide.  The new fares are listed on this page. 

Advance Fares

These tickets are the best value fares for longer distance journeys.  You must specify which trains and days you are going to travel on (although you may change these subject to the difference in fare and a £10 administration charge).   These tickets have different price bands so the earlier you can book the cheaper your ticket will be.

The most exciting aspect of these new fares is that Railcard discounts will be available (Advance fares did not allow discounts in the past).   Child discounts apply for all Advance fares. 16–25 (Young Persons), Family & Friends (Family), Senior, HM Forces and Disabled Persons Railcard holders save 1/3 on all Standard Class Advance fares.  Senior, HM Forces and Disabled Persons Railcard holders also save 1/3 on all First Class Advance fares.  In addition, 16–25 Railcard holders save 1/3 on First Class Advance fares for travel on CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, First Great Western, National Express East Coast and Virgin Trains services. 

These fares all come with a complementary seat reservation and all are single fares - so that you can mix and match for the best price. 

 
Off Peak Off-Peak are cheaper fares for travelling when it’s less busy, so they have restrictions on when you can travel. Travel restrictions will generally relate to times of the day or days of the week that you can travel.

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

Off-Peak Single and Off-Peak Day fares must be used on the date printed on the ticket. The outward portion of an Off-Peak Return ticket must be used on the date printed on the ticket and the return portion is valid for one month.

Off-Peak tickets are available for travel in Standard Class and, where available, First Class.  Reservations are not required, but maybe available on longer distance journeys and are sometimes highly recommended on busier services.

 
 
Peak Anytime fares will be available for travel on or after 7 September 2008.

Anytime is the most flexible fare as there are no time restrictions on when you can travel. Perfect for people who need complete flexibility.

Anytime Single and Anytime Day fares must be used on the date printed on the ticket. The outward portion of an Anytime Return ticket must be used on the date printed on the ticket and the return portion is valid for one month.

Anytime tickets are available for travel in Standard Class and, where available, First Class.  Reservations are not required, but maybe available on longer distance journeys and are sometimes highly recommended on busier services.

 
 

 

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This site was last updated 01-Jun-2008