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.
Anytime train tickets: the rules
- 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
Further details
Stretch your legs out a little more and enjoy the peace and quiet when you upgrade to First Class –available on the train, subject to availability. Or travel further than your original destination when you upgrade your journey. Visit the booking office before you travel to upgrade your train ticket.
If you need to make any of the following changes to your 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
Changed your mind about travellling with us, or need to change your Anytime ticket? No problem. Just return your unused ticket to the place you bought it from within 56 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 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.
You could save 1/3 off the cost of your ticket with a railcard. If you use a railcard to buy your 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. Find out more and buy railcards
Save money when you travel together with our range of group discounts – for groups of three or more. Find out more about Groupsave and other group travel offers .
The best things come in pairs, and your Anytime train tickets are no exception. 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.
To learn more, read the full National Rail terms and conditions for Anytime tickets