Railpass FAQ
Britain On Track has tried to put the most asked questions here to assist you in your BritRail pass selection. If you have any questions we haven't answered below, please feel free to contact us
| Q. | Can I use my Britrail Pass from Gatwick or Heathrow airports? |
| A. | Yes you can. Your BritRail pass is valid on the Heathrow and Gatwick Express. Please note that only the Gatwick Express can be used with the BritRail Southeast Pass. Use of these services constitute a day of use of your pass. Also available: Manchester Airport Transfer Birmingham Airport Transfer and Luton Airport Transfer. |
| Q. | What's the difference between first and second class? |
| A. | In a nutshell, First Class has larger seats, more space both for you and your baggage. First Class carriages are usually less crowded and have picture windows. On many routes First Class offer extras, including free tea and coffee. Some routes even offer free snacks and newspapers. Certain long haul routes have table or buffet service meal too. It is normally very good and comparable to airline 'first class'. |
| Q. | Why isn't the Rep. Of Ireland part of the BritRail pass? |
| A. | The Republic of Ireland is not part of the United Kingdom. Therefore the BritRail Pass is not valid there. You can however utilize the BritRail and Ireland Pass if you wish to travel to the Republic of Ireland. |
| Q. | Are there BritRail discounts for families? |
| A. | There certainly is. The BritRail Family passes are available to families traveling throughout Britain. See the BritRail Pass page for details.
Children travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult or senior. To qualify for the BritRail Family Pass, the pass type and validity must be the same as the adult or senior pass and children must be age 5-15. Additional children pay half the adult pass price. Children under 5 travel free. This special is only available for the BritRail Consecutive Pass, BritRail Flexipass, BritRail Senior Pass. |
| Q. | Are there BritRail senior discounts? |
| A. | Discounted BritRail Senior Passes are available to those over 60 years of age and are available in 1st class only.
Seniors can enjoy Britain by rail with the BritRail Consecutive Pass, BritRail Flexipass or the BritRail England Consecutive pass or BritRail England Flexipass at a discounted rate. |
| Q. | Are ferry services to Ireland included? |
| A. | Certain ferry services are included with your BritRail and Ireland Pass only. You receive free Stena Line service between Stranraer and Belfast, Hollyhead and Dublin and Fishguard and Rosslare. Use of these services will count towards a day of your pass. |
| Q. | Are BritRail passes valid on the Eurostar train? |
| A. | Unfortunately the BritRail Pass is not valid on the Eurostar. |
| Q. | What cities are covered with the BritRail London Plus Pass? |
| A. | Unfortunately there are to many to list here. You can however view the BritRail London Plus rail map. This will show you all the cities involved with the Britrail Southeast Pass. Adobe Acrobat is required. |
| Q. | How do I get to the train station from the airport? |
| A. | Most airports throughout the United Kingdom link up to the cities central station. BritRail Consecutive Pass and BritRail Flexipass holders can utilize these services.
Heathrow departure and arrival terminals are linked to the London Underground. You can make your way to central London on the Piccadilly line. Running throughout the day, this journey will be approximately 1 hour. This will not be covered with your BritRail Pass. The Heathrow Express is also available for those flying into Heathrow airport. The Heathrow Express takes passengers from the airport to Paddington station. The journey takes only 15 minutes. This will count towards a day on your pass. If you are flying into Gatwick airport, the Gatwick Express will wisk you from Gatwick airport to Victoria Station in 30 minutes. The Gatwick Express runs every 15 minutes and its platforms can be easily found from luggage claim. Just follow the signs. This will count towards a day on your pass. Also available: Manchester Airport Transfer Birmingham Airport Transfer and Luton Airport Transfer. |
| Q. | Will I need a reservation? |
| A. | Most trains in Britain do not require a reservation. They are however recommended for public holidays and other busy periods such as weekends.. |
| Q. | What are the seating arraingements like on the train? |
| A. | Classes of service come in two forms in Great Britain, First Class and 2nd Class (Standard Class).
First Class: You'll find that in 1st class, the seats will be larger and more cushioned with reclining backs. Most trains in the UK will have one seat on one side of the aisle and two on the other. 1st class is usually in a smaller area than 2nd class. Second Class: . In 2nd class you'll find two seats on one side of the aisle and two on the other. You'll also find that in 2nd class they'll be a mixture of airline type seats and seats accompanied by tables. |
| Q. | What about sleepers? |
| A. | Sleepers on Britains Trains come in two forms, 1st class or standard class.
Most sleepers (1st or 2nd class) provide you with eletrical outlets for razors etc, fresh linen, towels and morning refreshments. 1st class sleepers come in two forms, a spacious single berth or double berth with connecting door. 2nd class sleepers generally known as double sleepers. These compartments are specifically male or female so when traveling alone you will be with a person of the same sex in the compartment, but can be shared by two people reserving together regardless of sex. |
| Q. | Can I purchase my BritRail pass in the United Kingdom? |
| A. | Unfortunately you will not be able to purchase BritRail Passes in the United Kingdom. |
| Q. | Why Buy a BritRail Pass? |
| A. |
Ask yourself these questions...
Our Advice... |
| Q. | Do all trains have first class seats? |
| A. |
No. However, all principal routes have First Class accommodation. Some rural routes, like in Scotland, offer Standard Class accommodation only. First Class BritRail Pass prices do reflect the fact that not all trains have First Class. |
| Q. | Is my BritRail Pass valid on the London Underground? |
| A. | No. Your BritRail Pass is not valid on the London Underground. |
| Q. | What's the difference between a BritRail flexi and consecutive pass? |
| A. |
A BritRail consecutive day pass provides unlimited rail travel on any day or all days for the duration of the pass. For example. If you have a 15 day consecutive pass you have 15 days to complete all your rail travel. Your railpass begins on the first day of use. A BritRail flexipass is valid for a specific number of days within a longer period. For example. If you have a 15 day railpass within a 2 month period, you may choose any 15 days you wish within that two month period. Your railpass begins on the first day of use. |