Can you get a refund on train tickets and season tickets amid coronavirus outbreak?

Following recent government advice on social distancing, people will be wondering what to do about train tickets that are already booked (Photo: Shutterstock)Following recent government advice on social distancing, people will be wondering what to do about train tickets that are already booked (Photo: Shutterstock)
Following recent government advice on social distancing, people will be wondering what to do about train tickets that are already booked (Photo: Shutterstock)

Following recent government advice on social distancing, people will be wondering what to do about train tickets that are already booked. The government has warned that we should be taking measures to reduce social interaction in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus, including avoiding the use of public transport wherever possible.

If you have a rail season ticket or another train ticket booked, here’s everything you need to know.

What is the current government advice on train travel?

The current government guidance is: “Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible.”

But what if you’ve already purchased a rail season ticket or normal train ticket?

Will I get a refund for train tickets?

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Rail companies understand that these are exceptional times and we are committed to playing our part to support the national effort to delay the spread of coronavirus.

“Train operators have agreed that for tickets they have sold, they are waiving refund fees on most refundable fares and in the case of cheaper advance fares, all operators will be allowing fee-free changes to a trip if someone decides to change when they travel.”

For tickets that they have sold, train operators have decided to waive ‘refund fees’ on most refundable fares, including Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak and Rover/Ranger.

All operators have waived the ‘change of journey fee’ for advance tickets, which is normally £10.

What about season tickets?

The Rail Delivery Group explains that season tickets can be refunded, depending on how long is left unused on them, but there may be an admin fee.

Who should I contact to get a refund?

The Rail Delivery Group explains that customers should get a refund from wherever they bought it.

If they got it from a particular train company they should contact them, or if they got it from a third party retailer then they would need to contact them.

What if I have to use trains to commute to work?

If you do have to travel on public transport, Gov.uk explains, “There are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

washing your hands more often - with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser when you get home or into work, when you blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle foodavoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed handsavoid close contact with people who have symptomscover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your handsclean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home