Anytime Day Single and Anytime Day Return tickets are only valid on the date shown. You can use your Anytime ticket to travel on any train on the route shown. You can also break your journey at stations along the route. Anytime Day tickets are ideal for passengers who require flexibility in their travel plans and may need to make multiple journeys on the same day.
From Wednesday 1 April 2026 refund rules for some ticket types have changed . Find out more about the national changes.
Rail travel that’s as flexible as your ticket
From busy commuter to frequent day-tripper – there’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ schedule. That’s where our convenient Anytime train tickets come in. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is an Anytime train ticket?
An Anytime day train ticket is a type of ticket that offers the flexibility to travel on any train service for your chosen route on the date specified on the ticket. These tickets are not restricted to a specific train time and are valid for the entire day of travel. They are often more expensive than advance tickets but provide the convenience of being able to travel at any time on the specified date without the need to commit to a particular train service.
Keep reading for all the information you need on Anytime Day, Anytime Single, and Anytime Return tickets.
Anytime ticket advantages
Anytime train tickets are completely flexible, allowing travel at any time of the day. If you know you need to be somewhere but are unsure for how long, an Anytime ticket is the perfect way to cover all your bases.
Anytime train tickets offer flexible outward and return travel between two stations on a single day or within a one-month period. There are no restrictions on the time of day you can travel with an Anytime ticket, allowing you to board a train during Peak, Off-Peak, or Super Off-Peak hours.
Types of Anytime rail tickets
Remember to keep both parts of your return tickets together – you’ll have to buy a new ticket if your first journey doesn’t have an unused return part with it.
From 1 April 2026 the refund conditions for some tickets have changed.
Anytime tickets, Off-Peak tickets, Super Off-Tickets, Day Travelcards and most Rover tickets and Rangers tickets will be only be refundable up until 23:59 the day before your ticket becomes valid for travel.
Once your travel date arrives, your ticket is non-refundable. If you need to cancel your ticket before the day you are travelling, you will need to apply for a refund from retailer who sold you your ticket. An administration fee (up to a maximum of £5 per ticket) may apply.
Anytime train tickets rules explained
- Travel at any time of day – including peak times
- Buy tickets up to 12 weeks in advance, right up to just before you travel
- Use Anytime Day tickets up to 04:29 the following day
- Use Anytime Single journey tickets within two days of the date shown
- For Anytime Return trips, take the first journey within five days of the date shown, and return within 28 days
Discounts on Anytime tickets
There are plenty of discounts available when purchasing an Anytime rail ticket with a Railcard.
- If you have any National Railcard you can get 1/3 off Standard Class Anytime fares
- For a child aged 5 to 15, a discount of 50% applies to all Anytime fares
- If you have a 16-17 Saver Railcard, you can also get 50% off adult Anytime fares
Find out more about our Railcards.
Anytime Ticket FAQs
When can I use my Anytime Day train ticket?
Can I break my journey while using an Anytime ticket?
How can I book an Anytime train ticket?
Can I upgrade or change my Anytime train ticket?
Can I reserve a seat when booking an Anytime rail ticket?
Are there any extra discounts on Anytime tickets?
Can I get an Anytime train ticket refund?
What if my train is delayed or cancelled?
What is an open return train ticket?
You can use your Anytime Day train ticket at any time of the day, including peak hours. This type of ticket offers the most flexibility in terms of travel times and is not restricted to a specific train service.
Rail passengers with an Anytime Single or Return ticket can break their journey. This means they can disembark at any connecting stop, leave the station, and then board a later train to continue their journey.
You can easily book your Anytime Single and Return train tickets in advance – right up to the same day of travel – using our online booking system, or through our free train app.
Yes. Stretch your legs out a little more and enjoy an upgrade to First Class with your Anytime rail ticket on selected Intercity services – available through Seatfrog. Upgrades are subject to availability, find out more about upgrading your ticket to First Class with Seatfrog.
If you need to make any of the following changes to your Anytime ticket, you'll need to claim a refund on your unused ticket and buy a new one before your trip:
- Travel date of your single or return journey
- Your chosen route
- Swap from First to Standard class
EMR Intercity seat reservations are currently unavailable on services from 1 April 2026 while we transition to our new Aurora fleet. Wheelchair and bicycle reservations can still be made in the usual way.
By using a Railcard, you can save up to 1/3 on Standard Class fares for Anytime tickets. Additionally, children aged 5-15 can enjoy a 50% discount, and anyone with a 16-17 Saver Railcard can also get 50% off adult Anytime fares. Find out more about Railcards.
If you use a railcard to buy your Anytime ticket, remember to take it along with you when you travel. If you forget, you will be asked to buy a new, full-price ticket. You’ll be able to claim any additional costs back the first time this happens.
Yes, Anytime rail tickets are usually refundable.
From 1 April 2026 the refund conditions for some tickets have changed.
Anytime tickets, Off-Peak tickets, Super Off-Tickets, Day Travelcards and most Rover tickets and Rangers tickets will be only be refundable up until 23:59 the day before your ticket becomes valid for travel.
Ticket bought before 1 April
If you have changed your mind about travelling with us, or need to change your Anytime ticket, just return your unused ticket to the place you bought it from within 28 days of its expiry date. There's a £5 fee for claiming a refund. Find out more about refunding your ticket.
If your journey is delayed by more than 15 minutes you can claim compensation through our Delay Repay scheme.
If you decide not to travel with your Anytime ticket because you can’t get the train you were counting on or your seat reservation isn’t available, don't worry. You can claim a refund for your unused tickets. If your train is delayed or cancelled during your journey and you decide to return to your original station, we'll also give you a refund.
An Open Return train ticket allows you to return on any date within a certain time period. This type of train ticket offers flexibility for your return journey, as you are not tied to a specific date and time. Please note, depending on the type of Open Return purchased, you may be restricted to certain times of travel - if you have purchased an Off-Peak Return or Super-Off Peak Return, you will be limited to use these train times only.
To learn more, read the full National Rail terms and conditions for Anytime tickets
Find the best train ticket for your needs and start your journey today
Whether you're commuting daily, travelling occasionally, or planning your next adventure, choosing the right train ticket makes all the difference. From discounted Advance fares to flexible options, explore the possibilities and start your journey today.
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