Railway network-wide ticket refunds are changing from 1 April – here’s what you need to know

We’re getting in touch to let you know about a change to the National Rail Conditions of Travel regarding rail ticket refund rules that comes into effect from 1 April 2026.

From that date, for Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, most Rover and Ranger tickets and Day Travelcards, if you no longer need your ticket, you must request a refund by 23:59 the day before you travel, rather than within 28 days of the day of travel as it is now.

From 1 April 2026, once the day of travel arrives – or if you buy a ticket on the day – these ticket types will be non-refundable. These changes apply across the rail industry, not just at Northern.

Some important things are not changing:
Your right to a refund or compensation if your train is delayed or cancelled will remain the same.
Advance tickets and season tickets are not included in this change - their existing refund rules will continue.
Tickets bought before 1 April 2026 will keep their existing refund conditions.

From 1 April 2026, if your plans change and you no longer need your ticket:

Check the date of travel on your ticket.
If it’s before 23:59 on the day before you’re due to travel, request your refund from the retailer you bought the ticket from – for Northern click here.

If it’s already the day of travel or later, for the ticket types listed above, refunds will no longer be available under the updated rules, unless exceptional circumstances apply, which will be reviewed by our Customer Experience Centre available on 0800 200 6060 or enquiries@northernrailway.co.uk

Find out more at northernrailway.co.uk/travel/train-ticket-refunds or nationalrail.co.uk/refundschange

You can also speak to team members at stations, or our Customer Experience Centre here and on 0800 200 6060.

Thanks for travelling with Northern.