Rail fares frozen for the first time in 30 years as new refund rules kick in from April

Rail fares have been frozen for the first time in 30 years, stopping a planned 5.8% rise and saving passengers an estimated £600 million this year. The freeze covers season tickets, peak commuter returns and off‑peak returns between major cities. 

But alongside the freeze, refund rules are changing from 1 April. From that date, passengers will only be able to claim a refund before they travel, not afterwards. The government says this will help cut fare‑dodging and save the railway around £40 million a year. 

Here’s what all this means for your commute. 

Why fares are frozen 

Regulated rail fares usually rise every year, and between 2010 and 2024 they increased by around 60%. This year’s freeze stops fares rising by 5.8%, helping ease pressure on household budgets. 

Without the freeze, many season tickets and commuter fares would be noticeably more expensive today. The government says the move is designed to help with the cost of moving and bring more people back to rail.  

How much you could save due to the rail freeze  

Regular commuters using season or flexi‑season tickets stand to save the most. 

The government’s examples show yearly savings of: 

• £315 for a Milton Keynes to London commuter 

• £173 for a Woking to London commuter 

• £57 for a Bradford to Leeds commuter 

With transport making up around 14% of household spending, these savings can make a real difference. 

The freeze comes alongside the continued £3 bus fare cap, which keeps many everyday journeys cheaper too. 

Refund rules are changing from 1 April 

From 1 April, you’ll only be able to get a refund before your journey begins. 

This closes a loophole where some passengers were buying flexible tickets, travelling, and then claiming refunds afterwards. The government says this type of fraud costs around £40 million each year. 

The aim is to keep more money in the railway, which could help fund improvements for passengers. 

Frequently asked questions 

Does the fare freeze apply to all tickets? 

No, the train fare freeze does not apply to all tickets. It only applies only to regulated fares, which include:  

• Season tickets 

• Most peak commuter returns 

• Off‑peak returns between major cities 

Other tickets, like many singles or Advance fares, can still change in price. 

How long will the freeze last? 

The freeze covers the 2026/27 financial year. Any future changes will depend on government decisions. 

When do the new refund rules start? 

The new rules begin on 1 April 2026. After that, refunds will only available before travel. 

What is Great British Railways? 

GBR is a new public body being set up to run the national rail network. It will replace the current mix of operators and manage fares, timetables and tracks. 

Key takeaways 

• Rail fares are frozen for the first time in 30 years. 

• Passengers are set to save £600 million this year. 

• Many commuters will save £50–£300+ a year. 

• Refund rules change on 1 April; refunds only before travel. 

• Part of wider plans to improve the railway under Great British Railways.