BritRail England Rail 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 to find out which BritRail Pass works best for you

Ordering your pass

• Enter number of passes required for each type and duration
• You need to provide the names of all passengers (except children under 5)
• Free child passes – purchase any adult or senior BritRail pass and we will send you a child BritRail pass of the same type and duration for free.
• Important! Print this document that you need to bring with you to the UK
• Your passes will be posted to you – ensure you leave enough time for them to reach you before you travel

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

Activating your pass

• The BritRail England Pass allows you to explore England by hopping on and off as many trains as you wish within your designated travel zone
• Activate your pass on the first day you want to travel
• Take your pass, and a valid ID (i.e. a passport) to any staffed ticket office at a UK train station where it will be stamped
• Pass can be validated up to 6 months after the departure date you stated when ordering

Restrictions

• BritRail passes are not available for UK residents; this includes International Students who are studying in the UK for more than six months

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 do I activate / validate my BritRail England 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 in England or train times in the UK, please click on www.nationalrail.co.uk. This is a really useful website for for organising your train travel in England.

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.

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 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 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.