BritRail Rail Pass Guide | 2012 Pass Basics

Traditionally British Rail travel passes weren't for everybody. Their appeal was largely limited to college-age kids with more time on their hands than cash in their pockets -- and to a select group of hearty "over thirty" types drawn to "roughing it," with hostel accommodations and noshing on the fly. These days, with gap year explorers often packing fatter wallets than their parents and "over thirty" upgraded to "over forty," the traditional appeal of a BritRail pass is stronger than ever.

For discount travel in Great Britain, BritRail rail passes are great vacation deals. BritRail passes are an easy and affordable way to explore England, Scotland, Wales... and Ireland! Rail pass holders avoid long ticket queues at the train station. Best of all, by choosing the right pass, visitors to Great Britain can save money.

BritRail rail passes are available in two formats offering consecutive days of travel or flexible travel days.

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Consecutive-day rail passes appeal to vagabond spirits and fast-paced travelers who want to see it all. Consecutive passes, valid from four days to one month, permit non-stop travel for the duration of the pass (ie: a 15-day pass is valid for 15 consecutive days of travel).

Flexi -- as in "flexible" -- passes offer a practical and thrifty alternative.

Flexi passes are designed for itineraries entailing fewer travel days with longer stays at individual destinations. Flexi passes permit a limited number of travel days over an extended period: generally, from four to 15 travel days within a one-month period.

BritRail rail passes are generally available for both First Class train travel and Standard (2nd Class) travel. BritRail Scottish Freedom Pass and London Travel Card are available for Standard Class travel only. All youth passes are for Standard Class travel.

Special passes are available at discounts. Party passes cut expenses for group travel by train. Youth Passes are a great deal for student rail travel. Likewise, older travelers can buy discount passes for senior train travel. Children under 16 years of age are eligible for significant discounts or free travel when accompanied by an adult. Kids, under age 5, generally travel at no charge.

For limited or unique itineraries, regular city-to-city (one-way or round-trip) tickets can be most economical. In some instances a combination of pass and ticket travel may be preferable (for instance, when combining a Scotltish Freedom Pass with a trip to London). Many BritRail passes entitle the holder to discounts on Eurostar high-speed service to Brussels, Paris and Disneyland.

BritRail passes must be obtained in the purchaser's country of residence as they are unavailable in the UK. Seat reservations are free but not required. Reservations are recommended at peak times and during holiday travel periods. A passport must be presented to rail staff whenever a rail pass is used. Other restrictions and fees may apply.

Bicycling is an ideal complement to British rail travel. Bikes may be transported free of charge on all trains. Conditions vary and peak hour restrictions apply in some instances. Reservations requirements vary widely. Before traveling, cyclists should contact individual railways for specific details. Alternatively, bicycles are available for rent at or near many train stations.