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Refunds Change

Refund conditions for some ticket types are changing from 1 April 2026

What are the changes?

From 1 April 2026, if you have one of the above tickets and decide not to use it, you will have until 23:59 the day before it becomes valid to request a refund from the retailer who sold it to you. After that you will only be able to claim a refund if your train service has been delayed or cancelled.

We will be ending the practice of accepting refund claims up to 28 days after the date of travel.

Why are the changes being made?

We’re working to tackle fare evasion which costs the industry millions annually. The changes will stop fraudulent claims for refunds on tickets that have been used for travel. They bring our terms and conditions into line with the railways of most other countries, where most day tickets are not refundable once they become valid for travel.

Full details of the new refund rule are in the new National Rail Conditions of Travel, which come into effect on 1 April 2026.

FAQs

No. Advance tickets and Season tickets both have their own refund rules and are not affected.

There are also some other types of tickets which have their own terms and conditions so you should always check before you buy.

No. The refund conditions are based on the date of purchase, not the date of travel. If you bought your ticket prior to 1 April, it will be processed in accordance with the rules that were in place when your ticket was purchased.

Yes. The changes apply to tickets purchased from all retailers.

Yes. If your ticket is already valid it will not be eligible for a refund unless you choose not to use it because your train is cancelled or disrupted.

Please tell the retailer who sold you it as soon as you realise your mistake, they might be able to resolve the problem then and there.

If you discover your mistake after you have started your journey, you may need to buy another ticket to be able to complete your journey. If you then contact the retailer’s customer services and provide evidence of your mistake they will consider issuing a refund.

Yes. You can change your reservation, class and route, providing the conditions of your ticket allow it.

You cannot amend the date of Anytime tickets, Off-Peak tickets, Day Travelcards and most Ranger tickets and Rover tickets after 23:59 on the day before travel.

Yes. You are still able to apply for a refund for your whole journey (National Rail Conditions of Travel 30 applies).

No, once the outward part of an Open Return becomes valid for travel, both portions of the ticket (for the Outward journey and the Return journey) are no longer refundable.

No. Delay Repay applies when you have used your ticket to travel but been delayed. Find out more on our Compensation and Refunds page.

I have a Season ticket, if I leave it at home and must buy a ticket for travel, will I still be able to get a refund for my journey?

Yes. You will still be able to apply for a refund in this circumstance.

I’ve lost my Season ticket, and am waiting for a duplicate to arrive, so I have had to buy a ticket to travel. Will I be able to get a refund for this when my duplicate Season ticket arrives?

Yes. You will still be able to apply for a refund in this circumstance.