Why should I buy a BritRail 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
Where do I activate / validate my BritRail GB 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 pass up to 6 months ahead of your intended travel date.
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 organising your train travel in Great Britain.
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 in 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. 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 6pm). 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).
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 the BritRail 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 GB 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.
Is there a young person’s 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 (e.g. 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 1st Class.
Can the BritRail FlexiPass be used for a single berth sleeper on the Caledonian Sleeper train between London and Fort William, Scotland?
You can reserve a bed in a two berth cabin or a single occupancy 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, and the fee will vary depending on your class of BritRail Pass and whether you want a shared or private cabin. You can book for services up to 12 weeks in advance, and choose from seated or berth accommodation. ScotRail can be contacted on +44(0)141 555 0888. 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, for example, Monday at 9.45pm on the Caledonian Sleeper and arrive at Fort William at 9.54am on Tuesday, does that count as two days travel on the BritRail Flexipass?
No, it only counts for the day you finish the journey
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.