Transport Focus comment on update to National Rail Conditions of Travel

02 April 2026

From April 1 2026, the updates to the National Rail Conditions of Travel, announced by National Rail, came into effect.

Under the new terms, most passengers with Off-Peak and Anytime tickets can only request a refund by 11.59pm the day before their ticket becomes valid. The rule will also apply to Day Travelcards, Rover tickets, and Ranger tickets.

If you have one of the above tickets and decide not to use it, you will have until 11.59pm the day before it becomes valid to request a refund from the retailer who sold it to you.

After that you will only be able to claim a refund if your train service has been delayed or cancelled, or if an exceptional circumstance (such as a serious medical emergency) has stopped you from travelling.

Natasha Grice, Director for Rail at the independent watchdog Transport Focus said:  

“Transport Focus supports efforts to tackle fare evasion, but the new refund rules need to make sure that flexibility isn’t reduced for honest passengers.

Where people are unable to travel for reasons beyond their control, we expect operators to apply discretion fairly and consistently — and to clearly communicate the changes so passengers know what to expect.”