National Rail
There are many different railway companies in Great Britain, collectively known as National Rail. Each company operates its own routes, mostly focusing on a specific region of the country.
Summary
- FIP 50 Tickets and FIP Coupon are valid with all railway operators integrated into National Rail
- Reservations are only required on night trains
- FIP 50 Discount mostly applies only to Anytime and Off-Peak Tickets
- The London Overground and Elizabeth Line are part of National Rail and can be used with FIP
- Some heritage railways offer FIP discounts
Validity of FIP Tickets
FIP Coupon: ✅FIP Coupon for relatives: ⛔FIP 50 Tickets: ✅
FIP Coupons and FIP 50 Tickets are valid with all listed railway companies, see Train Categories and Reservations.
Train Categories and Reservations
There are no classic train categories in Great Britain. Instead, services are operated by many different railway companies. Reservations are only required on night trains, but are sometimes recommended for long journeys. FIP is accepted by the following operators:
Ticket and Reservation Purchase
Great Britain distinguishes between different ticket categories. FIP 50 Discount is not granted on all tickets.
- Anytime Tickets:These tickets are flexible and can be used at any time of day. The price is constant and not quota-based. FIP 50 Discount applies to these tickets. There are Single (one-way) and Return (round-trip) tickets. A Return Ticket is sometimes cheaper than two Single Tickets. Break of journey is possible.
- Off-Peak Tickets:These tickets are cheaper than Anytime Tickets but can only be used at restricted times. Usually, the morning peak is excluded, but exact restrictions vary by ticket and are stated in the ticket conditions. FIP 50 Discount applies to these tickets. There are Single (one-way) and Return (round-trip) tickets. A Return Ticket is sometimes cheaper than two Single Tickets. Break of journey is not possible.
- Advance Tickets:These tickets are heavily discounted but only valid for the selected train. Tickets can be purchased up to 10 minutes before departure. FIP 50 Discount does not apply to these tickets.
- Rovers:Rovers are day or multi-day tickets valid for unlimited travel in a specific area. FIP 50 Discount applies to some Rovers. The National Rail websiteprovides an overview of available Rovers. FIP 50 Discount is only granted on request.
- Season Tickets and London Tickets:Unlimited travel between two stations for a set period or within specified London zones for a set period. FIP 50 Discount is not available.
On some routes, trains from different operators run. Different Anytime and Off-Peak Tickets are sold for these routes. These tickets are only valid on the respective operator’s trains or on all operators on the route (Any Route). BR Faresprovides an overview of available tickets per route. Advance Tickets are always tied to a specific train.
Online
Caledonian Sleeper WebsiteCaledonian Sleeper only
Reservations
On the Caledonian Sleeper website, you can purchase Room Supplements (reservations with surcharges for sleeper cars). In addition to the reservation, a valid FIP Coupon for National Rail is required for the day of arrival. When searching for connections, make sure to select the Room Supplement only option.
Caledonian Sleeper WebsiteCaledonian Sleeper only
Reservations
On the Caledonian Sleeper website, you can purchase Room Supplements (reservations with surcharges for sleeper cars). In addition to the reservation, a valid FIP Coupon for National Rail is required for the day of arrival. When searching for connections, make sure to select the Room Supplement only option.
GWR WebsiteFor all national operators (except night trains)Reservation Costs1st Class:
free2nd Class:
free
Reservations
On the GWR website, you can make free seat reservations for all national train connections where reservations are possible.
To reserve a seat, you must create a user account. After successful login, you can select a connection and reserve it via the Bookings menu using the Make a seat/bike reservation button. When choosing a ticket, you can select any ticket according to the desired class.
GWR WebsiteFor all national operators (except night trains)Reservation Costs1st Class:
free2nd Class:
free
Reservations
On the GWR website, you can make free seat reservations for all national train connections where reservations are possible.
To reserve a seat, you must create a user account. After successful login, you can select a connection and reserve it via the Bookings menu using the Make a seat/bike reservation button. When choosing a ticket, you can select any ticket according to the desired class.
On-Site
On the Train
FIP-discounted tickets are not issued on trains, except in certain rural areas where tickets are generally only issued on trains (Pay-Trains).
Discounts
Active and retired employees of SNCB/NMBS (Belgium), SNCF (France), Irish Rail (CIE), and Northern Ireland Railways (NIR), as well as their spouses and dependent children, receive a 75% discount on the ticket price upon presentation of the FIP Card (instead of the usual 50% for FIP 50 Tickets). 2
Special Tariff Conditions
Ticket Barriers
Many stations in Great Britain have ticket barriers that must be opened with a ticket. To pass the barriers with a FIP Coupon, show the FIP Coupon to the staff at the barriers. If no staff are present, the barriers are open.
Transport in London
Most transport services in London are operated by Transport for London (TfL). These generally do not offer FIP discounts, except under special conditions. The Elizabeth Line and London Overground can be used without restriction with FIP. Some regional trains such as Thameslink, which run through London, can also be used with FIP Coupons.
Heritage Railways / Historic Journeys
Some heritage railways grant FIP Card holders a discount. The reduction is 50% off the regular adult fare. This discount is based on a voluntary agreement and is granted by each railway as a courtesy. It may be withdrawn at any time without notice. 2
Heritage railways usually operate seasonal timetables and distinguish between regular running days and special events. On event days, the FIP discount may not be granted. The respective railway websites provide current timetables and information about available journeys.
Regular child tickets may be cheaper than tickets with FIP discount.
Recommendations
There are two major railway museums in Great Britain. The main site is next to York station. A second site is next to Shildon station and is called Locomotion. Both museums are free and offer a good insight into the history of railways in Great Britain. More information on the Railway Museum in Yorkand Locomotion in Shildon.
Long-distance trains in Great Britain often offer particularly good service in First Class, including snacks, meals, and (alcoholic) drinks. Notably, Avanti on the West Coast Main Line and LNER on the East Coast Main Line. Larger stations often have lounges accessible with a FIP Coupon or FIP 50 Ticket for First Class. These also offer snacks, meals, and (alcoholic) drinks depending on the operator. A First Class FIP Coupon is especially worthwhile in Great Britain.
Great Britain can also be explored by night trains:
- The Caledonian Sleeper connects London with several destinations in Scotland. Travelers can choose between seats, couchettes, and sleeping compartments. Reservation is required and can be made online.
- The Night Riviera Sleeper connects London with Penzance in southwest England. There are various compartment options with mandatory reservation. Unfortunately, online reservation is not possible.
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