TRAVELCARD

What is it?

A Travelcard allows unlimited travel on London National Rail, London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, Croydon Tramlink and most London bus services within the London fare zones.

Is it for me?

A Travelcard is a great ticket option for people travelling into and around London and wanting to use various forms of public transport. What's more, Travelcards are available as Day and Season tickets, so you can choose the validity length that suits you.

What about restrictions?

Travel is valid within the London fare zones and to/from your home station (if you live outside the London fare zones area).

When can I buy?

Day and Season Travelcards can be purchased on the day of travel.

What discounts can I get?

If you have a Railcard or Gold Card you could get up to 1/3 off your Travelcard, subject to minimum fares and the restrictions of the Railcard/Gold Card.

To find out more about Travelcards see the Travelling around London section on the National Rail website.

OYSTER CARD

What is it?

An Oyster card is a smartcard used in the Greater London area which replaces the traditional paper ticket.

Is it for me?

If you are regularly travelling around London, an Oyster card allows you to store up to £90 of credit which can be used to pay as you go on participating National Rail services, plus you can load your Travelcard Season Ticket on your card.

What about restrictions?

A Travelcard Season Ticket loaded on to your Oyster Card is valid for travel between all National Rail stations within the London Fare Zones for which the Travelcard has been issued. You can also use Oyster to pay as you go on participating National Rail services. 

When can I buy?

Oyster cards can be purchased from some National Rail tickets offices, online at www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster, by phone on 0845 330 9876, from London Underground ticket offices, shops displaying the Oyster sign and London Travel Information Centres.

What discounts can I get?

If you have a 16-25, Disabled Persons or Senior Railcard you can get your Railcard discount loaded on to your Oyster card to save 1/3 on the Off-Peak daily cap on pay as you go.

Find out more about using Oyster cards on National Rail services.

ROVER & RANGER TICKETS

What are they?

Rover and Ranger tickets allow unlimited travel throughout a specified area for a set period of time. Rover tickets can be purchased for different periods of time, such as seven consecutive days or any three days within fifteen consecutive days, while Ranger tickets are generally valid for one day.

All Line Rover tickets are also available allowing unlimited travel across the National Rail network for periods of seven or 14 days.

Is it for me?

If you are planning to travel around a particular county/region or the entire National Rail network on consecutive days, then Rover and Ranger tickets offer great value for money and flexibility.

What about restrictions?

Rover and Ranger tickets may be restricted to a defined area of the National Rail network or to a specific train company's services. Time restrictions may also apply on certain Rover and Ranger tickets.

When can I buy?

Rover & Ranger tickets can be purchased at any time, either in advance or on the day of travel.

What discounts can I get?

Railcard discounts apply to some Rover and Ranger tickets.

See the National Rail website for a full list of the Rover and Ranger tickets available on the National Rail network.

SLEEPER SERVICES

What are they?

Getting a good night's sleep when travelling isn't always easy, but with a Sleeper service you can be sure of a comfortable overnight journey.

Is it for me?

Providing accommodation and beds, these services are ideal for long distances and allow you to arrive at your destination relaxed and refreshed the next morning. They are particularly good for avoiding the dreaded early morning dash to the airport. Sleeper services link London Euston with Scotland and London Paddington with South West England.

When can I buy?

Due to high demand it is advisable to purchase Sleeper tickets in advance.

What discounts can I get?

Railcard discounts apply to tickets for Sleeper services but the discount level may vary. Check with the relevant train company for details.

Find out more about Sleeper services on the National Rail website , visit First Great Western for journeys between London and South-West England or visit Scotrail for journeys between London and Scotland.

PLUSBUS

What is it?

PLUSBUS is a discount price 'bus pass' that you buy with your train ticket. It allows you to add unlimited bus travel around your destination town or to get you to your home station for a small charge.

Is it for me?

If you want to use both train and bus services in a certain area, PLUSBUS is a great way of saving you time and money. It is available in over 265 towns across Great Britain and can be added to singles, day returns, period returns and, in some cases, even Season Tickets.

When can I buy?

Buy your PLUSBUS ticket in advance or on the day of travel.

What discounts can I get?

If you have a Railcard or Gold Card you could get up to 1/3 off your PLUSBUS ticket, subject to the restrictions of the Railcard/Gold Card.

See the PLUSBUS website for more details.

COMBINED & INCLUSIVE TICKETS

What are they?

The train ticket giving you that little bit extra. Combined or inclusive tickets can give superb value for money by offering additional features over and above your train travel. Extra services may include travel by coach or ferry, or cover meals or car parking.

Is it for me?

If you are planning to travel by train and ferry or are making a journey to a destination that doesn't have a National Rail station, then it's worth enquiring with your local train company to see if they offer combined travel tickets.

Also, if you're making a longer journey for business or just want to treat yourself, then check with your local train company to see if they offer tickets that include on board meals or car parking at the station.

Some train companies also offer discounted rail plus attraction entry tickets.

When can I buy?

Combined and inclusive tickets can be purchased at any time, either in advance or on the day of travel.

What discounts can I get?

Railcard discounts may apply to some combined and inclusive tickets.

THROUGH RAIL TICKETS TO EUROPE

What are they?

In partnership with Eurostar, certain train companies running services to London offer through tickets from National Rail stations to Paris, Lille and Brussels.

Is it for me?

Travelling by train to Europe offers a great alternative to flying and through rail tickets to Europe can help save you time and money.

When can I buy?

Due to high demand is it advisable to booking in advance.

Tickets can be booked on the Eurostar website or by calling 08705 186 186.