The UK rail network is serviced by over 25 different train operators. Luckily, their tickets all follow the same terms and conditions. You can check the National Rail Conditions of Travel here.
Have your travel plans changed? Available change options depend on the fare conditions of your ticket.
Please note that some tickets are already valid for a wider travel period and may not need to be exchanged. You can check the fare conditions, ticket validity, and any available change options in the Omio app or your confirmation email.
Advance, Off-Peak and Anytime fare tickets can be exchanged through the Your Bookings page.
Alternatively, you can exchange your Advance ticket by booking a new ticket through Omio for the same route on a different date or time before the departure time of your original booking. To request a refund, please contact our Customer Service team before your original departure time.
Most UK Rail tickets offer flexible cancellation options, although these depend on the fare type you booked.
You can review the fare conditions, ticket validity, and available refund options in the Omio app or your confirmation email.
If your fare allows cancellations, you can cancel the tickets through Your Bookings page.
However, Advance fare tickets cannot be cancelled. They can only be exchanged through the Your Bookings page.
Alternatively, you can exchange your Advance ticket by booking a new ticket through Omio for the same route on a different date or time before the departure time of your original booking. To request a refund, please contact our Customer Service team before your original departure time.
For Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets, refund requests must be submitted before the applicable deadline:
Before April 1, 2026: Within 28 days after the ticket expires.
On or after April 1, 2026: By 11:59 PM on the day before the ticket becomes valid.
UK rail tickets are automatically issued in the name of the purchaser. Don’t worry though, they are valid for anybody to use and you are not required to produce ID when travelling (unless a railcard has been used).
In the UK, trains usually have both first-class and second-class seating. First class gives you more space and a quieter ride.
Not every train company offers it, though. Want to see which ones do? You can check it here.
Train delays or cancellations may occur occasionally— staying informed helps you avoid travel disruptions.
In case your train is cancelled:
- Your original ticket is usually valid for either of the two earlier or two later scheduled trains.
- We recommend checking directly with the train operator to confirm your options before you travel.
If your train is delayed or cancelled, but you still completed your journey, you can make a claim with the train operator through the Delay Repay scheme. The name of the train operator is on your ticket, and your claim will be handled by them directly.
If you did not complete your journey, you can make a claim by contacting our Customer Service team.
For the latest updates on announced disruptions, delays, and cancellations, please visit our Service Disruptions page before you travel.
- Infant: under 5 years old, up to two infants can travel free of charge with each fare-paying passenger.
- Child: 5-15 years old; a 50% discount is automatically applied to the ticket price. It is a good idea to carry proof of the child's age when travelling, just in case.
- Adult: over 16 years old.
Not all UK rail operators allow for seat reservations on all routes. When available, they will be applied to Advance fares, subject to availability.
Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak or Anytime fares: As these tickets are flexible and are valid for use on a number of different trains, seat reservations are not applied.
Any preferences you select during the booking process will be applied when possible but are not guaranteed.
There are two ticket types in circulation within the UK rail system.
- Ticket on Departure (ToD): These tickets must be printed at the station before travelling, either at a ticket machine or the ticket desk. You will need your 8 digit booking reference and any bank card to print the tickets. The bank card does not need to be the same one you used to book.
- E-tickets: These can be shown from a mobile device either as a PDF file or from within the Omio app.
You can print and collect your ToD tickets from any of the stations listed in the dropdown menu below:
Assistance is readily available at stations around the UK. Passengers will need to contact the specific train company that they are travelling with in advance of their journey in order to make the necessary arrangements. The contact details for the UK rail operators can be found here.
On UK trains you are allowed to travel with three items of luggage for free; this includes two large items (e.g. suitcases) and one smaller item (e.g. a briefcase).
Full details of the free luggage allowance and any additional fees are available by contacting the individual UK rail Companies directly here.
You can travel with up to two pets free of charge on most UK Rail services.
Dogs must travel on a lead or in a pet carrier, while other small pets should remain in a secure carrier throughout the journey. Pets must not occupy passenger seats. Guide and assistance dogs always travel free of charge.
For more information about travelling with pets on UK Rail, including pet limits and travel conditions, please visit the National Rail website here.
Many UK Rail services allow bicycles onboard, but the rules depend on the train company.
Folding bicycles are usually allowed free of charge and do not require a reservation. For non-folding bicycles, some train companies require you to reserve a bicycle space before you travel.
For full details about travelling with bicycles on UK Rail, including reservations and operator-specific rules, please visit the National Rail website here.
Train travel reduces carbon emissions by two-thirds compared to cars and planes. With the UK Government’s legally binding commitment to reduce carbon emissions, UK Rail is working to become even greener.
- You can read more about their sustainable initiatives on their website here.
All major UK railcards are supported and can be selected during the booking steps. If only one passenger in a group has a railcard, please make sure that you book the tickets separately.
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