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Public Transport – Trains

Train times, connections and prices
Since the break up of British Rail, British train services in the UK have been operated by a number of different companies. Thankfully, you don’t have to phone lots of them to find out what train services are available – you can call National Rail Enquiries or visit their website to get times and prices. Their website offers a useful journey planner. Once you’ve used the journey planner, you’ll be offered contact details for how you can buy your tickets.

Getting the best from UK rail services
Up until recently, there were lots – lots! – of different types of tickets available. Since May 2009, the UK’s train ticketing system have been simplified, but there are still a small number of different types of tickets available and booking in advance remains the cheapest way to travel by train (and you can make sure you get a seat!) In addition, you can get details and leaflets from most stations about special offers.

Prices can vary depending on time of day and day of travel. Some tickets restrict which trains you can use. National Rail Enquiries – contact details below – can supply all the information you need for your particular journey needs.

Taking a bicycle on the train
Subject to restrictions, cycles are now carried free on most National Rail services provided they can be stored safely and out of the way of other passengers. You’ll find a list of the conditions and restrictions on the National Rail Enquiries website. For some routes you are required to book in advance if you are taking a bike and there are limits to how many cycles can be taken on a train. On some services it is not possible to take a bicycle.

Young Person’s Railcard – 16-25 Rail Card
If you travel by train regularly, or even if you only occasionally travel by train, a Young Person’s Railcard could save you money – get one and you’ll get 1/3 off the price of train tickets. A Young Person’s Railcard currently (July 2009) costs £26 for a year (or £65 for three years) and you can buy one at any time of the year from your local station or from the 16-25 Rail Card website. See the website for details of what id docs you’ll need – driving licence, passport, etc – to provide in order to apply for a card. Young Person’s Rail Card discounts now also apply to ‘advanced’ tickets.

Group discounts
Many rail companies offer special fares for people travelling in groups.

Child fares
Most rail companies also have discounted child fares if you’re under 16. Check with the rail company you’ll be using to find out if they offer cheaper tickets for children.

Getting on the train without a ticket
Even if you are in a rush think carefully about getting on the train without a ticket. If the ticket office is open and you get on the train without a ticket you will have to pay a much higher fare than normal. If you find the ticket office is shut you need to buy a permit to travel if there is a machine to buy one at your station. Then when you get on the train you need to ask for a full ticket from the conductor at the first opportunity. If the ticket office is shut and there is no permit to travel machine at your station then you will only have to pay the normal charge – get a ticket from the conductor at the first opportunity.

Links and Contact Details

Name: National Rail Enquiries
Web: www.nationalrail.co.uk
Email:
Tel: 08457 48 49 50
Tel: 0845 60 40 500 (Welsh language service)
Textphone: 0845 60 50 600 (for customers with hearing impairments)
Info: Comprehensive information service for all train services in the UK.

Name: DirectGov – UK Journey Planner
Web:
www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/PlanningYourJourney/DG_10036717
Email:
Tel:
Info: How to get from A to B anywhere in the UK!

Name: 16-25 Rail Card
Web: www.16-25railcard.co.uk
Email:
Tel:
Info: Official website for the 16-25 Rail Card (Young Person’s Railcard)

Name: Traveline Cymru
Web: www.traveline-cymru.info
Email:
Tel: 0871 200 2233
Info: Loads of info about public transport services in Wales.

Name: First Great Western
Web: www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
Email:
Tel:
Info:

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