Customer Service
Uk Trains FAQ
  How do I book a train ticket?
    Please visit our train tickets page
  How do I find the cheapest fares?
    Like most travel fares the price you pay for your train ticket can vary considerably depending on a range of factors. So here are 5 tops tips:
BOOK AHEAD
Most tickets are available up to 3 months in advance, the earlier you book the cheaper the fares.
TRAVEL OFF PEAK
Avoid busy times and travel off peak when demand and prices are lower, i.e. weekdays after 10am and not between 5pm & 7pm.
SPECIFY RETURN DATES
If you are booking a return ticket always specify a return date and time. Open returns are more expensive.
BUY SINGLE TICKETS
Two singles are often cheaper than a return ticket. Even if you search for a return journey the option to check single ticket prices will be made available on step 2 of 7 when making a booking.
BE FLEXIBLE
Check different routes and train operators. The tickets displayed are based upon the fastest routes available. There may be a slower but cheaper route. On step 2 of 7 when making a booking the option will be made available to check these alternative routes.
  At what times can I use the peak and off peak One Day Travelcards?
    Day Travelcards (Peak) Can be used all day Mondays to Fridays, on the day of validity and for any journey that starts before 0430 the following day. On public holidays it is cheaper to buy an Off-Peak Day Travelcard.
    Day Travelcards (Off-Peak) Can be used from 0930 Mondays to Fridays, all day Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, on the day of validity and for any journey that starts before 0430 on the following day.
  How do I find the cheapest fares?
    Collection from FastTicket is easy, you only need to remember to bring 2 things:
Credit Card that was used to make the booking.
FastTicket reference given to you when the booking was made. For details on where you can find your reference. Click Here
Tickets are ready for collection 2 hours after purchase.
When at the FastTicket machine:
  Insert the credit or debit card used to make the booking
  Key in your unique FastTicket Reference number when prompted
  Your ticket(s) will then be dispensed.
The screen of the FastTicket machine contains all the instructions you need.
Please note:
  Mint cards are not accepted by Fastticket machines
  If you have made a booking on behalf of other travellers the booking confirmation email will be sent to the email address displayed on the delivery details page
  What is an open return ticket?
    An Open Return allows the return part of your journey to be flexible and so you don't need to specify a time or date of travel. Tickets are normally valid for one month after you have made the outward journey. There are many types of Open ticket but the two main types are Standard or First Open tickets and Saver Returns. Both Standard and First Open tickets allow you travel on both peak or off-peak services. When booking a journey you will be presented with a full list of ticket types available and what restrictions apply with each.
  What child fares are available?
    For Children aged between 5 and 15 there are a number of discounted child tickets available. These tickets will automatically be displayed on Step 2 of 7 of the booking process. The total fare quoted is with the discount already applied. Click on the ticket name shown on the left of the page to see if it is a discounted ticket.
    Children under 5 travel free of charge so you will not have to book a ticket. Please keep in mind that they will not have a seat reservation. If you wish them to have a seat reservation then you will need to buy a child ticket.
  What are Airline, Facing and Backward seats?
    For seat reservations you will be given the option of Airline, Backwards, Front, and Any when booking online. The seat number will be printed on your ticket and will end with either an F or B indicating forward or backward facing.
Airline
Airline seats are those that are seated alone or in pairs with a fold down table, these are similar to the seats you find in Standard class on an airplane. They can face both forward and backwards.
Facing and Backward
The Facing and Backward options refer to pairs of seats grouped around a table, either Facing towards the front of the train or the back. Direction cannot be guaranteed as trains may turn around during the journey.
Please note, that it is not possible to guarantee these type of seats. This is due to the seat numbering system on newer trains, which does not recognise the direction of travel. We're working hard to provide this facility shortly, and hope to include the ability to specify if you want to be seated in the quiet coach etc
  What if I don't want my tickets delivered to my billing address?
    The delivery address does not have to be the same as your billing address. On step 5 of 7 while making a booking you will have the option to choose an alternate delivery address.
Please use the following steps to change the delivery address::
  On step 5 of 7, use the address search to obtain the correct address.
  Highlight the correct address and click on continue.
  You will be reverted to step 5 of 7. Click on save.
  Select the address from the drop down box and click on continue.

Note - you can not change the delivery address once the booking has been confirmed
  What types of ticket are there ?
    Most tickets can be put into one of three categories based on flexibility and cost:
 

Travel is flexible and there are few restrictions on when the booking has to be made. (e.g First Open and Standard Open)
Generally, these are the most expensive tickets available because they are the most flexible. You can travel on any train service for the route, at any time of day and reservations are not essential, although advisable for travel at peak times.
The return tickets in this category are generally valid for 1 month from the date shown on the ticket.
 

Tickets that can be bought at any time but travel is restricted. (e.g Saver or SuperSaver)
There could be restrictions on when you travel ( e.g peak times between 0700 and 0900 and between 1600 and 1900) and depend on the train operator, route and date of your journey. These tickets are cheaper than the fully flexible tickets.
 

Tickets which must be bought in advance and travel is restricted to a particular service.
This group offers the cheapest option for travel, however carries restrictions in terms of how far in advance of travel a ticket must be purchased and which trains you must travel on. In many cases you will be required to reserve for both the outward and return journeys and will not be able to change your reservation without incurring an administration fee. Generally, the further in advance you are required to make the booking the cheaper the ticket will be.
  Can a book a ticket for the London Underground?
   

A London Underground ticket will be included with your booking if part of your journey involves travelling across London and using the Underground or if you type in' Zone 1' or 'Zone 2' as either an arrival or destination station.
    We also offer unlimited Day Travelcards if your arrival station is in London. This ticket can be purchase on Step 3 of 7 of the booking process
  My question isn’t answered here, what now?
   

A larger FAQ is available by clicking here