Why should I buy a BritRail Pass from VisitBritain?
If you are a visitor coming from abroad, the advantage of purchasing your rail tickets through VisitBritain is that:
• you get preferential rates as a foreign national.
• the tickets are generally much cheaper than if you were to buy individual train tickets when you get here.
• you save time queuing.
What is the difference between a BritRail Consecutive Pass and a BritRail Flexi Pass?
A Consecutive Pass is for use on consecutive days, so for example if you buy a 4 day Consecutive Pass and start your pass on a Monday, it is then valid until Thursday.
A BritRail Flexi Pass can be used over a 2 month period. So if you purchased a 4 day Flexi Pass on a Monday you then have 3 remaining other days that you can use your pass over the next 2 months.
Where do I activate / validate my Britrail pass?
Before you can start to use your BritRail Pass you must have it activated. To do this, please take along your BritRail Pass and your ID (preferably a passport) to the ticket office at the train station you wish to make your first journey from. The ticket staff will then activate your pass for you. You can then board the train and, if asked, please show your ticket to the ticket inspector. You must fill in the date on your ticket of any journey before boarding a train.
Where can I find train timetables?
For information regarding train times, please click on www.nationalrail.co.uk. This is a really useful website for planning trips by train in the UK. All you need to do is type in where you want to go from and where to, with the date you intend to travel and it will bring up all the details you will need (times, changes if needed, facilities on board etc.).
How many train journeys can I make on one day?
You can make as many journeys as you like in one day. The passes are restricted by days, not journeys. A day is classified as one calendar day – not 24 hours from the start of the journey. You therefore need to commence your last journey of the day before midnight.
Is there a tour guide included?
No, there are no tour guides on BritRail trains.
Can I buy food and drink on trains in the UK?
Most trains in the UK have either a shop or a trolley service on board. Virgin trains sell sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
Do I need to make seat reservations?
It is not essential to reserve seats on all trains. Generally speaking it is only really necessary to make reservations if you plan to travel on a popular route (e.g. London to Edinburgh) at a peak time (e.g. Friday at 18.00). To make a reservation with a BritRail Pass you need to take your BritRail Pass to the station that you are going to travel from and the travel centre will make the seat reservations for you (for a small fee – approximately £10.00)
What is the difference between 1st Class and standard class?
1st class tickets include more legroom, your own table, reclining seats and overhead reading lights. Some trains also include complimentary Wi-Fi in 1st class. Buy a BritRail 1st class ticket from our website and enjoy complimentary food and drink on Virgin Trains.
Can I use my BritRail Pass on the Eurostar?
BritRail Passes are not valid on Eurostar services between London and Brussels or Paris
Can I use the BritRail Pass on the tube?
BritRail Passes are not valid on London Transport Underground trains or buses. To travel on the tube you will need either an Oyster Card or a London Travelcard.
Is there a luggage restriction with BritRail Passes?
There is no specific luggage limit, but please be considerate to other passengers who may also be travelling with luggage. Most trains have small overhead luggage racks and at least 1 luggage compartment per carriage.
Can I use my BritRail Pass on the Heathrow/Gatwick/Stansted Express?
Yes you can, but please be aware that this will be considered as a day of travel
Can children travel free with my pass?
For every adult buying a full price ticket, one child (age 5 to 15) receives a pass of the same type and duration for free. You must enter the child details at the bottom of the page in order to get the free pass
Is there a student discount?
Youths between the ages of 16 and 25 (inclusive) are entitled to a 20% discount in both 1st and Standard Class. Please take along a valid proof of age (eg passport) when activating your pass. It will not be activated without one.
Is there a senior discount?
Seniors 60 and over receive up to a 15% discount in First Class.
Can the 1st Class BritRail Flexipass be used for a single berth sleeper on the Caledonian Sleeper train between London and Fort William, Scotland?
You can only reserve a standard class berth or first class berth with a BritRail Pass. To do this, you will need to contact ScotRail directly or do it at any mainline rail station. There’s a reservation fee that you pay locally. You can book for services up to 12 weeks in advance, and choose from seated or berth accommodation. ScotRail can be contacted on 0044 8457 55 00 33. You will need your BritRail Pass number to do this. We will supply you this number on booking your pass.
If I leave London Euston on, say, Monday at 21.45 on the Caledonian Sleeper and arrive at Fort William at 09.54 on Tuesday, does that count as two days travel on the BritRail Flexipass?
No, it only counts for the day you start the journey