Planning to travel around the UK by train? This BritRail Pass guide explains what it is, the different types available, how to download and activate your pass, and how to choose the best option for your UK rail journey.
If you are considering or have already decided to travel around the UK, taking the train is a viable option available to you. It can be simpler than hiring a car, especially if driving on the left is not an option you would consider. A combination of car hire and train travel is becoming a popular option right now.
Coach or bus travel can be a reasonably priced option, but it’s often the slowest, making it less ideal if you’re on a tight schedule. Long delays are not uncommon, on top of already longer journey times, especially during busy periods like summer weekends. Longer journeys may also require overnight stays, making them less cost-effective overall.
For longer journeys, trains are often quicker than travelling by car or coach. The UK rail network spans much of the country, and even some small villages have stations. It’s a convenient and stress-free way to get around, with fast and generally reliable services between major destinations.
Unfortunately, train tickets in the UK can be expensive to purchase, especially if you have a flexible itinerary and are likely to take extra journeys or detours. They will likely need to buy your tickets on the day of travel or at short notice.
Whatever your itinerary plan, if multiple train journeys are going to form part of your UK adventure, the most convenient and flexible way to plan your train travel is with a Britrail Pass.
If you prefer to buy train tickets and look for the best deals, with or without a National Railcard instead, read our guide to 13 Top Tips to Save Money on Rail Travel in the UK
If mainland Europe is also forming part of your Rail adventure, consider purchasing a Eurail Global Pass to cover both the UK and Europe. Please read our article to help decide between a Britrail or a Eurail Global Pass.
(*Note the Eurail Global Pass is available to non-Europe residents only. For those of you who reside in Europe, the Global Interrail Pass is the equivalent pass.)
BritRail Pass Guide – The Easy Way to Travel the UK by Train
Suppose you plan to explore England, Scotland or Wales by train. In that case, a BritRail Pass provides international visitors with unlimited travel across the National Rail network, making it the most flexible and cost-effective way to explore the UK by rail. Whether you’re travelling for a few days or a few weeks, there’s a pass to suit your itinerary and budget.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about BritRail Passes:
- The different types available and the areas covered for National Rail Travel in the UK.
- How much do they cost?
- How and where to buy?
- How to activate them?
- What does the Britrail not cover?
- Answers to the most frequently asked questions. (FAQs)
What Is a BritRail Pass?
A BritRail Pass gives you unlimited UK rail travel on valid days throughout the UK’s National Rail network. You can choose a consecutive pass (for travel every day) or a flexi pass (for selected days within a longer period).
If you’re planning multiple train journeys across different regions of the UK, a BritRail Pass makes things easier – and can often save you money too. Options are also available for visitors who are not clear of an exact train time they will be catching and would prefer to be able to jump on any train that day.
BritRail Passes
There are five types of BritRail passes available for purchase. The generic terms and conditions apply to all. Any specific terms and conditions are stated where applicable for the different types of passes available.
BritRail Pass – Key Terms, Conditions & Exclusions
- Valid for use across England, Scotland and Wales (unless stated otherwise by the specific pass)
- Available only to non-UK residents – you must purchase before arriving in Britain.
- Your first travel day can be up to 11 months after the purchase date.
- Discounts may be available for seniors, youths, and families. Small groups travelling together may also get a discount on the standard BritRail Pass.
- Youth (16-25): Up to 20% off
- Senior (60+): Up to 15% off
- Children (5-15): 50% off; under 5s travel free with an adult
- Saver Pass: Groups of 3-9 people travelling together receive a discount
- First class upgrades and airport express services are included with some passes (Does not include transfers by buses between airports)
- Choose between a mobile (M-Pass) or a paper pass.
- Seat reservations are optional but recommended, especially on busy routes and longer-distance routes and also recommended for groups travelling together.
- BritRail Passes are not valid on the London Underground, including the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Trams, Boats or buses, Tyne & Wear Metro(Newcastle), Manchester Metrolink, or Glasgow Subway – Eurostar services – Steam trains, heritage railways, private rail lines, trams, buses or ferries. Always check the specific pass details when booking to make sure your planned journeys are covered.
Types of BritRail Passes and UK Areas Covered
Each BritRail Pass option below includes typical coverage and approximate price ranges. Click on the link for each Britrail Pass to view complete pricing and purchase information.
Britrail Pass Purchases and Full Ticket prices ➡️ Book or find out more about the BritRail pass here
To Note:
- Passes are available for Standard Class (Second Class) and First Class Travel.
- Some train services in Great Britain do not have First Class Travel options.
- Prices referenced are indications only and may be subject to change.
(#May 2025). - The price ranges shown are for Standard Class Travel.
1. BritRail Pass (England, Scotland & Wales)
- Where it’s valid: The Entire Mainline National Rail network across Great Britain, including Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, Stansted Express and the Caledonian Sleeper and Night Riviera, though sleeping accommodations do need extra reservations and the payment of a Supplement.
- Does NOT include Eurostar services, London Underground services, including the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Trams, Boats or buses, Tyne & Wear Metro(Newcastle), Manchester Metrolink, or Glasgow Subway – Steam trains, heritage railways, private rail lines, trams, buses or ferries
- Perfect for: Full UK itineraries (e.g. London > York > Edinburgh > Cardiff)
- Click here for Guides to York, Edinburgh and Cardiff
- Ideal for: Travellers exploring multiple regions of Great Britain.
- Consecutive Pass
- 2, 3,4,8, 15, 22 days, 1 month.
- Price range – £99 to £558
- Flexi-Pass options available.
- 2, 3, 4, 8 days in 1 month.
- 15 days in 2 months:
- Price range – £115 to £457
2. BritRail England Pass
- Where it’s valid: All Mainline National Rail routes within England only
- Includes Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, Stansted Express, and the Night Riviera Sleeper; however, sleeping accommodations require additional reservations and a supplement payment.
- Does NOT include Eurostar services, London Underground services, including the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Trams, Boats or buses, Tyne & Wear Metro(Newcastle), Manchester Metrolink, or Glasgow Subway – Steam trains, heritage railways, private rail lines, trams, buses or ferries
- Perfect for: London-based trips plus travel to cities like Bath, Liverpool, York, Salisbury, Brighton, Manchester, Birmingham, etc
- Ideal for: Travellers focusing solely on England
- Consecutive Pass
- 3, 4, 8, 15, 22 days, 1 month.
- Price range – £109 to £417
- Flexi-Pass options available.
- 3, 4, 8 days in 1 month.
- 15 days in 2 months:
- Price range – £130 to £348
3. BritRail London Plus Pass
- Where it’s valid: London and the surrounding areas – including day trips from London
- Valid on National Rail Services within the London Plus Pass Boundaries. Include Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, Stansted Express, valid all day, including Peak Times.
- Does NOT include Eurostar services, London Underground services, including the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Trams, Boats or buses, Tyne & Wear Metro(Newcastle), Manchester Metrolink, or Glasgow Subway – Steam trains, heritage railways, private rail lines, trams, buses or ferries, Caledonian Sleeper, Night Riviera Sleeper.
- Destinations include: Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon etc
- Ideal for: Travellers focusing on day trips by train from London.
- Consecutive – NOT AVAILABLE as Consecutive Day Pass.
- Flexi-Pass options available.
- 3, 4, 8 days in 1 month.:
- Price range – £105 to £185
4. BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass
- Where it’s valid: The National Rail network within Scotland, coach (selected routes), and ferry (20% discount on Northlink Ferries and Stena Line Services) travel across most of Scotland.
- Does NOT include Caledonian Sleeper, Glasgow Underground (Subway), Edinburgh Trams, CalMac Ferries and other non-National Rail Services, such as the Jacobite Express.
- Perfect for: Scottish Highlands, Islands, and scenic rail journeys.
- Prices:#
- 4 days in 8 days: £149
- 8 days in 15 days: £189
5. BritRail South West & South Wales Pass
- Where it’s valid: Southern England and South Wales – including GWR (Great Western Railway), SWR (South Western Railway) within the South West Pass Boundaries, & Heathrow Express
- Includes Heathrow Express and valid on the Night Riviera Sleeper Service – Note for Sleeping Accommodation an additional reservation and supplement are required.
- Does NOT include Eurostar services, London Underground and other Non-national Rail Rail services.
- Destinations include: London, Oxford, Bath, Cardiff, Exeter, Penzance. Holders can also visit Royal Windsor, plus coastal parts of Hampshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.
- Consecutive Pass
- 3, 4, 8, 15, 22 days, 1 month.
- Price range – £99 to £392
- Flexi-Pass options available.
- 3, 4, 8 days in 1 month.
- 15 days in 2 months:
- Price range – £115 to £313
➡️ Book or find out more about the BritRail pass here
How to Activate Your BritRail Pass
If you have an M-Pass
BritRail passes are available as mobile (electronic) versions – the M-Pass. These are stored on your electronic devices, meaning you don’t need a paper pass unless that is your preference. This means you do not have to pay the postage fees for this being sent to you, and possibly run the risk of the post not arriving in time for your travels.
How to Activate Your BritRail Pass
- Use the activation link that was sent to you via email.
- Follow the steps as instructed when you’re ready to start using your mobile BritRail pass via the activation link provided in the email.
- You can choose your start date at the time of purchase, or activate it later (up to 11 months after purchase).
- Consecutive Britrail Passes – Once activated, travel days run consecutively, including non-travel days.
- Select travel dates (for Flexi passes) within the Validity Period purchased.
On Arrival at the Railway Station
- Show the QR code on your phone to the onboard train staff on request.
- NOTE: Also required to show barrier staff on entry to the station platforms.
- NOTE: All passengers travelling with a Britrail Pass must carry ID to be shown upon request.
- All members of the travel party, covered by the purchased Britrail Pass, are recommended to have a copy or photo of the activated Pass to cover travel for that day.
- All travel for each individual must be covered by a validated Britrail Pass for each travel day.
If you have a Paper Pass:
- Take it to a staffed train station in the UK
- NOTE: Take to the Station ticket/booking office.
- An official will stamp the start date.
- Consecutive Britrail Passes – travel days run consecutively, including non-travel days.
- Select travel dates (for Flexi passes) within the Validity Period purchased.
- Show the QR code on your printed version to the on board train staff on request.
- NOTE: Also required to show barrier staff on entry to the station platforms.
- All Travel for each Individual MUST be covered by a VALIDATED Britrail Pass for each travel day.
- NOTE: All passengers travelling using a Britrail Pass MUST carry ID to be shown on request.
Seat Reservations
Seat reservations, though free if made at any staffed UK Railway Station, are no longer available free of charge at the time of making a Britrail Pass Purchase.
However, when purchasing a Britrail Rail Pass online, seat reservations can be made by paying a fee for each reservation. The current cost is around £3-5 per reservation at the time of purchase.
When in the UK, seat reservations can be made free of charge with an activated Britrail Pass at any National Rail Staffed Station or when showing a stamped and validated Paper Pass.
At a Glance Pros of BritRail Passes:
- No need to book individual train tickets in advance (though reservations are recommended).
- Unlimited travel on travel days, making the Britrail great for spontaneous detours.
- Mobile and paper passes are available.
- Discounts for youth, seniors, and groups.
At a Glance Cons of BritRail Passes:
- Not valid for UK residents.
- No Eurostar coverage.
- Must be purchased in advance of arrival in the UK.
- Seat reservations are not included but can be purchased for a fee when buying a Britrail (Recommended to wait until arriving in the UK, where they are free from any staffed railway station).
Detailed Pro + Cons of BritRail Passes
BritRail Pass – Pros & Cons
Covers England, Scotland, and Wales
✅ Pros
- Comprehensive coverage: Travel throughout mainland Britain’s entire Mainline National Rail network across Great Britain,
- Flexibility: Both consecutive and flexi versions are available.
- Includes airport trains: Valid on Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted Express.
- Convenience for long trips: Great value if visiting multiple regions.
- Sleeper trains covered: Base fare for Caledonian Sleeper and Night Riviera included (supplement required for berths).
❌ Cons
- Pricey for short trips: Not economical if staying in just one region or taking only a few short trips each day..
- Not valid on Eurostar or local services (e.g., London Underground, Manchester Metro, etc).
- Seat reservations not included: Must be booked separately.
- Sleeper supplements: Must pay extra and book early to secure a berth.
BritRail England Pass – Pros & Cons
Covers travel within England only
✅ Pros
- Cheaper than main Britrail (GB) Pass: If your itinerary stays in England, it’s more cost-effective.
- Good for major routes: Covers popular destinations like London, Bath, Oxford, Liverpool, and York.
- Includes airport services: Covers Heathrow Express and other airport links.
- Night Riviera sleeper included: Base fare covered (supplement required for berth).
❌ Cons
- Scotland/Wales not included: You’ll need a different pass or separate tickets.
- Still excludes local urban transport: No London Underground or trams, Manchester Trams etc.
- Only cost-effective if travelling often: Poor value for slow-paced trips, ie one short train journey each day.
BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass – Pros & Cons
For travel in Scotland only
✅ Pros
- Low price: Excellent value if you’re exploring Scotland by train using National Rail Services..
- Great scenic lines: Includes iconic routes like the West Highland Line and Far North Line.
- Includes some ferries and coaches, offering additional value for Highlands and Islands trips.
- Discounts on ferries: Northlink and Stena Line (up to 20%).
❌ Cons
- No First Class option: Standard Class only.
- Short validity periods: 4 or 8 travel days maximum.
- Caledonian Sleeper excluded: Base fare not covered; must book separately.
- Not valid on local metros or trams, such as the Glasgow Subway or Edinburgh Trams.
BritRail South West (England) and South Wales – Pros & Cons
Covers South West England and parts of South Wales
✅ Pros
- Great for exploring Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset, with beautiful scenic routes like the Riviera Line (Exeter to Paignton) and the Maritime Line (Truro to Falmouth).
- Covers Night Riviera base fare: Great for overnight travel from London to Cornwall.
- Airport access: Includes Heathrow Express.
❌ Cons
- Geographically limited: Doesn’t cover travel to or from the North of England or Scotland (*check Pass coverage/boundaries before buying)
- Best value only if staying within the region: Otherwise, you’ll need extra tickets or the main Britrail pass.
- Sleeper berth costs extra (Night Riviera Sleeper): Must pre-book and pay a supplement.
*Pass Boundaries (Selected): London Paddington, Reading, Didcot, Oxford, Banbury, Hereford, Gloucester, Bristol Parkway, Cardiff, Swansea, Bristol Temple Meads, Weston-Super-Mare, Barnstaple, Gunnislake, Newquay, St.Ives, Penzance, Falmouth Docks, Looe, Exmouth, Weymouth, Portsmouth Harbour, Basingstoke and Gatwick Airport. (from the Britrail site)
BritRail London Plus Pass – Pros & Cons
Day trip-style travel from London to nearby regions
✅ Pros
- Low cost: The most affordable pass.
- Ideal for short stays or day trips: Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Salisbury, Stratford Upon Avon, Canterbury, Ely, Weymouth and more. (*Check Pass coverage/boundaries before purchasing).
- *Pass Boundaries (Selected): Harwich, Kings Lynn, Huntingdon, Bedford, Long Buckby, Stratford upon Avon, Worcester Foregate, Bedwyn, Salisbury, Bristol Temple Meads and Weymouth. (Source Britrail site)
- Covers airport trains: Includes Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted Express.
- Peak time travel permitted: Unlike many off-peak only railcards.
❌ Cons
- Flexi pass only: No consecutive day options.
- Geographically limited: Doesn’t go beyond zones like Birmingham or Bristol.
- Not valid on the Tube or buses: You’ll need an Oyster or contactless for urban transport.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reserve a seat?
- Not usually, but on busy routes, longer-distance routes, or during peak hours, it’s recommended.
- Seat reservations are not included but can be purchased for a fee when buying a Britrail (Recommended to wait until arriving in the UK, where they are free from any staffed railway station).
Is the BritRail Pass valid on the London Underground? No – it only covers National Rail services. Use an Oyster Card or contactless payment for the London Underground.
Are discounts available? Yes, they are, they include discounts for Youths (16–25), Seniors (60+), and travel groups of 3–9 travellers.
Can children travel for free? Children under 5 travel free. One child aged 5–15 can travel free per adult with a Britrail Pass Holder.. Additional children travel at half price.
Can I get a refund or exchange? Refunds are usually possible before a Pass activation but check with the retailer’s policy from where you placed the purchase.
Can I use a Britrail pass in Northern Ireland? The Britrail does not cover Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
Can I use a Britrail pass holder to get accessibility assistance on uk trains?
- Yes, they can. BritRail Pass holders are fully entitled to accessibility assistance on UK trains, just like any other rail passenger.
- The UK rail network has robust systems in place to support disabled and less mobile travellers, regardless of the type of ticket or pass they hold.
- Best to request assistance the day before travel, though at least 2 hours in advance can be possible. (though more notice is better for complex journeys).
- How to Book Assistance.
- You can book assistance in the following ways:
- Online via Passenger Assist.
- By calling National Rail Enquiries: +44 345 748 4950
- Through the train operator you’re travelling with.
- At staffed stations, on the day of travel (if needed, though advance notice is preferred
- Accessibility at UK Stations can include Step-free access, Accessible toilets, Induction loops (hearing) and Ramps for train boarding.
- National Rail Accessibility Map.
- Note: This is not a porter service, assistance is for accessibility only.
➡️ Book or find out more about the BritRail pass here
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