If you have a non-refundable train ticket and can no longer travel, the ticket is not necessarily wasted. Depending on the ticket type, you may be able to get a partial refund, exchange it, or sell it to someone who can use it.
Check whether your ticket is actually non-refundable
Before assuming the worst, check the ticket type. Anytime and Off-Peak tickets are usually refundable with a small admin fee, even after the journey date has passed in some cases. Only Advance tickets are fully non-refundable by default.
- Log in to the booking platform or app where you bought the ticket and look for a Refund or Cancel option.
- Check the fare conditions — these are shown at the time of purchase and in your booking confirmation email.
- If the ticket says Advance, it is non-refundable. All other ticket types should be checked individually.
Ask about a fee-free refund for disruption
If your train was cancelled or significantly delayed, you may be entitled to a full refund regardless of ticket type under the National Rail Conditions of Travel. Contact the operator or booking platform with your booking reference and the details of the disruption.
Sell the ticket on SaveMyFare
If the ticket is an unused Advance ticket with a future travel date, you can list it for sale on SaveMyFare. Buyers use the platform to find discounted tickets on routes they are already planning to travel, so a listing at 20 to 50 per cent below face value can sell quickly.
- The ticket must be unused and the travel date must still be in the future.
- You need to be able to share the ticket — as a PDF, e-ticket email, or collection reference.
- Any railcard requirement attached to the booking should be stated clearly in the listing.
Once a sale completes, you transfer the ticket to the buyer and receive payment after the transfer is confirmed. For full details, see our guide on how to sell a train ticket on SaveMyFare.
Exchange the ticket for a different date or time
Some operators allow Advance tickets to be exchanged for a later train on the same route for a fee, provided the change is made before the original departure time. This varies by operator. Check directly with the train company that issued the ticket — not the booking platform — as exchange policies differ.
What to avoid
- Do not simply not travel and assume the ticket expires without value — check your options first.
- Do not try to list a ticket that has already been scanned or used. This is not permitted on SaveMyFare.
- Do not leave it too late. The closer the travel date, the harder it is to sell or exchange the ticket.
Acting quickly — ideally as soon as you know your plans have changed — gives you the best chance of recovering some or all of the ticket cost.