Why should I buy a BritRail M-Pass from VisitBritain?
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You get preferential rates as a foreign national
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The tickets are generally much cheaper than if you were to buy individual train tickets when you get to the UK
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Huge flexibility - hop on and off any train while your pass is valid, without worrying about ticket restrictions or changing your plans!
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You save time queuing
What if there is no barcode ticket reader?
Not every station has barcode readers installed on their ticket barriers. If you come to a station where there is no barcode reader on the ticket barrier, simply go to the wider, side gate and the member of staff will either scan your M-Pass or visually inspect it and let you through.
What if ticket inspectors on board train services do not have a barcode ticket reader?
If ticket inspectors do not have a barcode ticket reader, still present your BritRail M-Pass on your device as it has been designed to be visually inspected by inspectors and train staff.
How far in advance can I buy my BritRail M-Pass?
You can purchase a BritRail M-Pass up to 6 months ahead of your intended travel date.
Where can I find train timetables?
For information regarding train times in Scotland, please click on www.nationalrail.co.uk. This is a really useful website for planning your trains in Scotland, and throughout the UK.
All you need to do is go to the Journey Planner tab, type in your departure station, and which station you’d like to get to along with the date you intend to travel. The search engine 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.
What happens if there are no trains?
If you have a BritRail consecutive pass and there are no trains on a day during your pass validity (e.g. Christmas Day), you can visit a ticket office to get your pass extended. Your pass will then be valid for one additional day. Please note that if your train is cancelled but you are able to take an alternate route or a replacement bus, you will not be eligible for a pass extension.
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, selling 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 M-Pass you need to take your BritRail M-Pass to the station that you are going to travel from and the ticketing staff will make the seat reservations for you (for a small fee)
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.
Why am I being asked for outbound travel details?
BritRail passes are only available to non-UK residents, and international passport holders. You may purchase a BritRail M-Pass if you are a UK passport holder providing that you have not resided in Britain consistently for the previous 6 months. You may also be asked to present proof of return travel from Britain during onboard train ticket inspections.