BritRail England Rail M-Pass

What’s the difference between a Consecutive pass and a Flexi pass?

A Consecutive pass is valid for a set number of days in a row. For example, if you start using a 4 day pass on a Monday, it will be valid until Thursday. 

This pass will suit you if:

• You’re taking several day trips from a central base, i.e. if you want to take lots of train trips from London
• You want to see a lot of different places in England, and go on multiple day trips, in a short amount of time

With a Flexi pass, your travel days do not need to be consecutive – you can travel for a set number of days over a period of 1 calendar month. For example, if you start using a 4 day pass on the 23 March you then have 3 remaining other days that you can use your pass until the 22 April inclusive.

This pass will suit you if:

• You want to stop in different places and relax for a few days before moving on
• You want the freedom to change your travel plans last minute

Click here for a full map of Britain and find out which BritRail Pass works best for you

How does the BritRail England M-Pass work?

Once purchased, you will receive a link to download your M-Pass to your phone. This link will direct you to the activation page, where you will need to fill in the details before you’re able to download the pass.

You can download your mobile train pass nearer to your departure date in case your first date of travel changes. Once downloaded, simply present your M-Pass to any ticket barrier with a barcode reader, or to any member of staff who asks to see it at ticket gates, or onboard the trains.

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 at the ticket barrier, simply go to the wider, staffed 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 the train services do not have a barcode ticket reader?

If ticket inspectors onboard the train do not have a barcode ticket reader, still present your BritRail England M-Pass on your device, as it has been designed to be able to be visually inspected by inspectors and train staff. When ticket inspectors do have a barcode ticket reader, simply present your BritRail M-Pass to be scanned.

Ordering your pass

• Firstly, you will need to enter number of passes required for each type and duration
• You will need to provide the names of all passengers (except children under 5)
• Important! Print this document that you need to bring with you when you travel 
• Your passes will be emailed to you, usually within 1-2 days – ensure you leave enough time for them to reach you before you travel

Please note: The BritRail England M-Pass can be cancelled within 72 hours of purchase.

Activating your pass

• The BritRail England M-Pass can be validated up to 6 months after the departure date you stated when ordering
• Activate your pass on the first day you want to travel.

Restrictions

• BritRail passes are not available for UK residents; this includes International Students who are studying in the UK for more than six months. 
• This pass does not include Scotland or Wales.

Why should I buy a BritRail Pass from VisitBritain?

• 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 to the UK
• Huge flexibility – hop on and off any train while your pass is valid, without worrying about ticket restrictions or changing your plans!
• You save time queuing

Where can I travel with my BritRail England M-Pass?

The BritRail England M-Pass includes all of England. Click here for a full map of Britain showing which parts of the rail newtork are covered by the BritRail England M-Pass.

Where do I activate / validate my BritRail England M-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 of any journey on your ticket before boarding a train.

How far in advance can I buy my BritRail pass?

You can purchase a BritRail England M-Pass up to 6 months ahead of your intended travel date.

Where can I find train timetables?

For information regarding train times in England or train times in the UK, please click on www.nationalrail.co.uk. This is a really useful website for organising your train travel in England.

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, stops, 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 by 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 Pass, you will need to take your BritRail 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).

What is the difference between 1st Class and standard class?

1st class train tickets in the UK 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 the BritRail England M-Pass on the tube?

BritRail Passes are not valid on London Transport Underground trains or buses. To travel on the tube, or the Overground trains in London, 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 one of your days of travel. It should also be noted that the passes are not valid on airport transfers by bus.

Can children travel free with my pass?

For every adult or senior 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’s details at the bottom of the page in order to get the free pass.

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 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.

• Please note that face masks are mandatory whilst you are travelling on the National Rail Network
• Please also ensure you abide to social distancing measures set out by each Train Operating Company