Frequently asked questions

Ali Says:

Yes, you do. However, this does not apply if there is a notice saying that you can pay on the train.

Officially, you should not get on a train without a ticket even if there is a long queue. However, the general guidance is that you should not have to queue longer then five minutes in the peak and three minutes outside of the peak. If you do decide to board a train without a ticket in these circumstances it is advisable to get permission from station staff and/or seek out the conductor and explain the situation.

If you do get on the train without having bought a ticket and there were facilities to pay, or you did not get permission from station staff to get on without a ticket, you may be prosecuted for fare evasion.

Alternatively, you may be charged the full fare for the journey and not be allowed to use railcards or take advantage of any discounts on offer.

If you are in a designated Penalty Fares area you are liable to pay either twice the full single fare to the next station at which the train is due to stop, or £20, whichever is the greater. Any travel beyond that next station will be charged at the full single fare.