Rail users are being warned about new ticket refund rules that have been announced today (April 1).
The major changes are part of plans to crack down on fare evasion and to "stop fraudulent claims for refunds on tickets that have been used for travel".
From today, under national changes announced by National Rail, refunds for unused tickets must be requested by 11.59pm the day before travel.
This applies to anytime, off-peak, day travelcards, rover, and ranger tickets.
The change means passengers will no longer be able to claim refunds up to 28 days after travel unless their journey was affected by disruption.
A spokesperson for National Rail said: "Refund conditions for some ticket types are changing from 1 April 2026.
"From 1 April 2026, if you have one of the above tickets and decide not to use it, you will have until 23:59 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 has stopped you from travelling.
"We will be ending the practice of accepting refund claims up to 28 days after the date of travel.
"We’re working to tackle fare evasion which costs the industry millions annually. The changes will stop fraudulent claims for refunds on tickets that have been used for travel.
"They bring our terms and conditions into line with the railways of most other countries, where most day tickets are not refundable once they become valid for travel."
Advance and season tickets are not included in the changes and will continue to follow their existing refund rules.
Tickets purchased before April 1, 2026, will remain subject to the conditions that applied at the time of purchase.
Refund policies will be consistent across all ticket retailers.
If a passenger buys the wrong ticket, National Rail advises contacting the retailer immediately.
If the mistake is found after travel has started, passengers may need to purchase a new ticket to complete their journey.
Retailers’ customer service teams may consider a refund if supporting evidence is provided.
Changes to valid tickets, such as reservation, class, and route, can still be made according to the ticket’s conditions.
If trains are delayed, cancelled, or rescheduled and the passenger chooses not to travel, a refund can still be claimed.
Exceptional circumstances, such as a serious medical emergency, will be considered for a refund.
Those unable to travel due to a disability or long-term medical condition are encouraged to include this information in their refund claim.
Train companies have a duty to treat such requests fairly.
The changes do not affect the delay repay scheme, which applies when you have used your ticket to travel but been delayed.
For more information on the updated refund rules and other ticketing conditions, passengers are advised to check the National Rail website.
