Britrail (& Eurail passes)
Additional Information
Britrail passes are available to those who reside outside of the UK & Europe. You can purchase these through travel agents in countries like South Africa, Australia, NZ, USA, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, UAE.
They offer unlimited travel for the specified amount of days in the specified class of travel . They do not have off peak restrictions to consider.
They are not valid on underground networks, or bus systems, but are valid on all regular train companies services, excluding charter services. You can use them on the overnight sleeper trains for a supplement. If you have a standard pass, and you would like to travel first class on one journey - you can pay the difference between the regular, local, full standard class ticket, and the full first class fare for the journey desired.
You will receive a ticket, and fill in the dates of travel as you go, and present the pass and your passport to revenue protection railway staff.
First class passes often give you meal/snack/drinks inclusions on intercity long distance trains. They also admit you to the First Class Lounges at principle stations for longer distance travel.
Whilst tickets are not valid on the London Underground, they are valid on the Heathrow and Gatwick Express. They are not valid on tram services, for example, from Edinburgh airport.
These passes are often not the cheapest way to travel . Booking a few days ahead at least for local advance purchase tickets can often be cheaper, or cheap day off peak returns, may be a lot better, but Britrail offers loads of flexibility to chop, change, and re-arrange easily.
Effective January 2019 - Eurail pass holders, can now use their passes in the UK.
For European residents, you can buy Inter-rail passes.