What types of tickets are there?
Fare names across the national rail network fall into one of four ticket types. The names best describe when you can buy or use a ticket, making it easier for you to buy the best value ticket for your journey.
Simple fares explained
| FAQ | Ticket names | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
ADVANCE | ANYTIME | OFF-PEAK | SUPER OFF-PEAK | |
| When can I buy my ticket? | Booked up until the day before travel | Booked in advance or purchased on the day of travel | Booked in advance or purchased on the day of travel | Booked in advance or purchased on the day of travel |
| Class of ticket offered? | Standard or First Class | Standard or First Class | Standard only | Standard only |
| Single and Return availble? | Single only (combine 2 singles for a return trip) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| When can I use this ticket? | Must travel on date and time specified on ticket | Outward journey must be on the date specified, and you must return within one calendar month.* | Outward journey must be on off-peak trains on the date specified, and you must return on off-peak trains within one calendar month. | Outward journey must be on off-peak trains on the date specified, and you must return on off-peak trains within one calendar month. |
| What trains can I use this ticket on? | On the train specified on ticket | Any train on the permitted route | Any off-peak train on the permitted route | Any Super off-peak train on the permitted route |
| Is the ticket refundable? | No | Yes (minus admin fee) | Yes (minus admin fee) | Yes (minus admin fee) |
| Can date/time of ticket be changed? | Yes (minus admin fee) | Yes (minus admin fee) | Yes (minus admin fee) | Yes (minus admin fee) |
| Discounts | Yes - child and railcard | Yes - child and railcard** | Yes - child and railcard** | Yes - child and railcard** |
* From the 16 March 2009 the validity of Anytime Return tickets has changed. The Outward journey does not have to be on the day of travel, but can now be made within 5 days (including the date on the ticket). e.g. if date on the ticket is 20 March then outward travel is valid until 24 March inclusive. The return portion will remain valid for one month from the date on the outward portion. ** Restrictions may apply at certain times of the day and/or on First class products. | ||||