UK Rail Strikes Information
LNER has announced industrial action on Saturdays and Sundays from 31st August to 10th November 2024.
As soon as we have more information on the impact this will have on LNER's timetable, we will publish it and contact affected passengers. It is expected that LNER will be running a reduced timetable.
Find more information at https://www.splitmyfare.co.uk/uk-rail-strikes-info...
Refunds, Amendments and Cancellations
All tickets are amendable, though if you are travelling with fixed/advance tickets, you can only change the date and time of departure.
If you are looking to cancel your booking, all flexible tickets are refundable, however you can only get refunds on fixed/advance tickets due to medical reasons, or if you experienced cancellations on your journey. In this case, we can process a refund if the tickets are unused; otherwise, you will need to contact the Train Operating Company you travelled with.
If you experienced any delays on your journey and are looking for compensation, you would need to contact the Train Operating Company.
Split Tickets
What does Splitting My Fare involve, and why does it mean I can get cheaper tickets?
Splitting Your Fare means that you purchase tickets for two parts instead of buying one ticket for your whole journey. For example, if you're travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh, you would purchase a ticket from Manchester Piccadilly to Chorley and then from Chorley to Edinburgh.
When we checked the cheapest standard ticket from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh was £59.90
The total cost of tickets from Manchester Piccadilly to Chorley and then from Chorley to Edinburgh was £42.90, saving £17.00.
Am I really allowed to Split My Fare?
Yes, the National Rail Conditions of Carriage allow this. Just ensure that for flexible tickets, your train calls at all the stations you have tickets for. We automatically ensure this when you purchase with us.
Can I split for Advance and Return tickets as well as Standard fares?
Yes, you can split your fare for every ticket type and will likely make savings on all of them.
Advance Tickets - When you search for your ticket following our instructions, you will see both Standard and Advance fares, where available. Advance fares have limited availability, so we would recommend buying these as early as possible.
Return Tickets - You can often save by splitting your fare with Return tickets. For example, if you were travelling from Newcastle to London Kings Cross on a return journey, we might recommend splitting your ticket at Doncaster. In this case, a return ticket from Newcastle to Doncaster and another return ticket from Doncaster to London Kings Cross may be the cheapest. Alternatively, we might split your journey into 4 single tickets to cover the same return journey.
Return Tickets
Split 1; Newcastle to Doncaster (Return)
Split 2: Doncaster to London Kings Cross (Return)
Single Tickets
Outbound Leg
Split 1: Newcastle to Doncaster
Split 2: Doncaster to London Kings Cross
Return Leg
Split 1: London Kings Cross to Doncaster
Split 2: Doncaster to Newcastle
Anything to look out for?
The only risk comes when splitting your fare at a station where you need to change Trains - The station you need to change trains at may coincide with the station you've split your ticket at. If your first train runs late, you may miss your change, and in this case, your second ticket may not be valid for the later train.
Calling Points - Your train must call at all the stations you buy tickets to and from. When booking with us, we will check this for you.
Do I have to change seats?
We try our very best to minimise seat changes for our customers. Sadly, the seat reservation systems of some operators aren't set up for split tickets, and in some circumstances, seat changes may have to be made for each ticket. If you have seat changes, you can ask the operator to change the seat reservations so you don’t have to change seats. Alternatively, inform a steward on the train when you get on, and they'll try to help by finding one that will be free for the whole journey. We are constantly working to get operators to update their seat reservation systems.
Changes to Your Journey or Details
Can I change my seat?
You can change your reservation, but only the operator has the ability to do this; no retailers have the facility to amend your seats.
While we always try to seat you next to the passengers on your booking, this may not happen automatically, depending on the operator's rules.
Can I change my ticket?
Yes, you can apply to change your ticket by clicking here.
For Advance tickets, you will need to rebook your journey for a different date or time before requesting a refund on the original booking. You must do this before the departure date of the original ticket. The stations and number of passengers travelling must be the same as those for the original booking.
For flexible tickets, you can immediately request a refund on your ticket.
What do I do if I missed my train?
If you missed your train, because you arrived late at the station, you will only be able to claim a refund on Flexible tickets by cancelling your ticket here. A refund must be requested and tickets received no later than 28 days after the date of travel.
If you missed your train due to a delay you can contact the Train Operating Company you travelled with to claim compensation through Delay Repay. If you split your ticket and the delay happened at the end of one ticket and the start of another you won't be able to claim a refund
My train was cancelled, can I get a refund?
If the train you were due to travel on was cancelled after you booked your tickets, you can claim compensation directly from the Train Operating Company.
When selling tickets, we obtain train times from the National Reservation System. If you are told the train had been cancelled before you purchased your ticket, this is because the Train Operating Company hadn't updated the National Reservation System. As such, it is their duty to provide you with a refund.
Can I upgrade to first class?
You can purchase a new first-class ticket and cancel the standard ticket click here to do so.
How do I change my personal details?
If you have an online account with us, you can change your details by logging in, clicking My Account and navigating to Personal Details.
When will the refund be processed?
Refunds are processed within 28 days from either the date of submission or, when necessary, the date our refunds team receive the tickets in the post. This is stated on the refund form and email confirmations we send out and our Terms and Conditions.
You will receive an automated email confirming the amount to be refunded and the breakdown of this.
E-Tickets
Do you do e-tickets/what are e-tickets?
E-Tickets eliminate the need to queue to collect your tickets at the station. Your E-Ticket can be downloaded at the point of purchase, and we will also send it to you with your confirmation E-Mail. Open your e-ticket on your phone and scan the QR code at any ticket barrier. The ticket inspector will also take a scan of the e-Ticket QR code.
On which routes can I use an e-ticket?
Most train operating companies allow you to use e-tickets on their routes. If e-tickets are not available on your route, you will only be given the option to collect your ticket.
Collecting Tickets
How do I collect tickets?
You can collect your tickets from a ticket machine at any train station before departure; you will need the booking reference from your ticket confirmation and any payment card.
How do I buy a ticket for someone else?
You can purchase the ticket as you would a ticket for yourself. If you have selected E-Tickets, you can forward the E-Mail to the person who is travelling. If you have opted to collect your tickets, the other person will need your booking reference and can use their payment card.
Can I have my tickets delivered?
You can collect your tickets at a train station ticket machine or download an e-ticket; we no longer send tickets by post.
Confirmation
Where is my booking confirmation?
After booking your ticket, you will receive a confirmation via E-Mail. If you have created an account with us, you can also view this by logging in.
If you have not received your confirmation, do E-Mail us at [email protected]
We also recommend customers make a note of the booking reference or take a screenshot of the confirmation page in case the email doesn't come through for various reasons.
On our Terms & Conditions, agreed by the person making a booking, we state that:
As soon as your booking is confirmed, we will automatically send a confirmation email with your reference number to the email address you entered at the time of booking. Your reference and journey details will also be shown on the screen.
(i) If you have not received your confirmation email, it is your responsibility to contact us, and we will then resend it to you.
Seat Reservations
Can I reserve a seat?
We will always try to reserve you a seat on a train where possible, according to your preferences. However, it is not always possible to reserve a seat in the following cases.
- The train journey does not offer reservations, for example, if it is a short journey.
- The train you are travelling on is full.
- Seat reservations have not yet been released by the Train Operating Company.
For more information on Seat Changes, click here.
Can I change my Seat Reservations?
We don't handle on-request seat reservations. We suggest speaking to the Train Operating Company directly or a staff member at the station, and they may be able to facilitate such requests.
Can you tell me where my seat reservations are?
After selecting your seat preferences, you will be able to view your seat reservations. This information will also be supplied on the Confirmation screen and in your email confirmation.
Journey Planner
How do I know if my train is running on time?
National Rail have live departure and arrival boards; these will advise what platform the train is leaving from or arriving at.
If you need to check if your train is running on time, or if you know your travel has been disrupted and need assistance replanning your journey, please call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
You can also see information on live train times and rail disruption by clicking here.
Booking Terms
Do you charge fees?
We charge no booking or credit card fees. Our only charge is a 15% share of any saving you make when you get a split ticket. If you don't make a Split Ticket saving there will be no fee charged.
How many passengers can I book for?
You can book for up to 9 adults and 9 children at once. If you need to book for more, you can add an additional journey to your booking.
Can I buy a Season Ticket?
We don’t currently offer a service to buy season tickets but we are looking to do so in the future.
Terms of Travel
How much luggage can I take on the train?
You can take up to 3 pieces of luggage free of charge on trains within the UK. This includes 2 large items (suitcase, rucksack, etc.) and one smaller item of hand luggage (handbag, briefcase, etc.) Luggage should be stored in the overhead luggage racks, under the seats, and in the luggage compartments throughout the train.
On some long-distance trains, it may be possible to store luggage in a separate area of the train. Speak to the staff on the platform or the train before boarding and they will assist you with this. Please be aware this will mean you will be separated from your luggage, so make sure it’s secure.
Prams/ pushchairs may be carried on trains but must be capable of folding if required.
You can only take sporting equipment on board at the discretion of the train operating company that you are travelling with.
Can I take my pet on the train?
Small pets, like dogs and cats, can travel with you on the train for free, as long as they don’t annoy other passengers, or put them in danger. You can bring a maximum of two animals per passenger, but you’ll have to keep them on a lead, or comfortable in a closed basket, cage or pet carrier that’s secure, so they can’t escape. If you’re planning on bringing more than two pets, you’ll need to check with the TOC directly.
Your pets aren’t allowed on the seats, they’re for paying passengers only and if you have to take a bus or coach to complete your journey, you’ll need to contact the company directly to check if animals are allowed on board.
Do I have enough time to transfer between trains?
If your journey involves changing trains, please don't worry, we make sure plenty of time is available for you to do so. The time we allow considers the size of stations, among other factors.
Can I book my bike on a train?
We aren’t able to offer bike reservations but some trains will carry bikes without reservations. If you contact the train operating company of the service you are travelling on they can assist you.
Why do I pay a fee?
Unlike many other train ticket retailers, we do not charge any booking or credit card fee, and if you aren’t able to find a split ticket, we also will not charge any split ticket fee. However, while we make searching for a split ticket easy for you, it is not a simple process for us, with a complex system in place to search for the best prices. This, coupled with other costs, means we do have to charge a fee. As such, when you make a successful split ticket saving, we charge 15% of this saving.
Railcard
What are the benefits of having a UK Railcard?
Railcards offer you further discounts on your tickets, on top of split ticketing. The railcards you can obtain are the: 16-25 Railcard, 26-30 Railcard, Senior Railcard, Disabled Person’s Railcard, Two Together Railcard, Family & Friends Railcard and Network Railcard. You can buy these at the Railcard Office.
If one passenger has a railcard and the other does not, how do we book tickets?
It is not possible to have a combination of passengers with railcards and passenger without railcards on one search. We recommend first to search for and add the booking for the passenger with the railcard. You can then click add another journey once you have added the first to the basket and search for a ticket for the passenger without a railcard.
Disability/ Accessibility
If I'm disabled, what assistance can be provided for me?
You can contact the Train Operating Company to help when boarding and embarking from your train. Even if you have someone else with you, they can still help.
Someone can be made available to assist with any of the following
- meeting you at the entrance to the station or any other suitable point
- assisting you around the station and take you to your train
- assisting you with getting on and off the train
- providing a ramp to make boarding and embarking easier
- assisting you with getting between connections
- carrying your bags
Lost Property
I left an item on my train. How can I retrieve it?
Any items left on a train usually end up at the last station on the line. It is worth contacting the Train Operating Company you travelled with to see if they can locate it, or checking with Network Rail directly at http://www.lostproperty.org/.
Further Information
Where can I find station information?
You can find details of station facilities here
What products do you not sell?
We do not sell the following products:
- Railcards
- Season tickets
- Carnets
- Cycle reservations
- Sleeper cabins (we sell seated sleepers)
- Tickets in exchange for warrants
- Tickets including admission
- Privilege tickets for Railway Staff
- Rail station car parking
- Cycle storage at stations
- PlusBus
- Rovers and Rangers
Who is the Retailer of my Train Tickets?
All transactions on this site are transacted by Ferries Trains Planes Limited, which is a company registered in England (with company registration number 3067728)
What are the National Rail Conditions of Carriage?
The National Rail Conditions of Carriage set out the minimum level of service you are entitled to expect, plus your rights and responsibilities when travelling on the National Rail network. You can view these in total by clicking here.
Contact Us
Support Team
Email us or search our knowledgebase and submit support questions using the help widget at the bottom of this screen.
[email protected]
Feedback Team
We welcome feedback from our customers and find our users can be best placed to suggest improvements.
[email protected]
Media Enquiries
We are always happy to provide comment and assistance for relevant media enquiries.
Please contact: [email protected]