Regulated train fares in England could increase by more than 4 per cent next year, meaning season tickets will increase by thousands of pounds.
The potential rise is based on the Office for National Statistics announcing that Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation rose to 3.2 per cent in July.
The Government has not confirmed what it will do about fare rises in 2027, but last year’s 4.6 per cent cap was one percentage point above RPI in July 2024.
If that formula is used to set next year’s increase, the cost of train travel will jump by 4.2 per cent.
That would mean an annual season ticket from Brighton to London rising by £219 to £5,423.
A flexi ticket for travel two days per week over a year from Leeds to Manchester would increase by £151.35 to £3,754.95.
Sir Keir Starmer’s government froze regulated fares this year.
Based on the potential ticket price increases, we looked at 10 examples of possible rail fare rises in England.
Figures are based on an increase of 4.2 per cent. The table compares the cost of season tickets using any valid route bought before and after such a rise.
It does not include the price paid if within-London travelcards are purchased for Tube and bus journeys in the capital.
This is how much annual season tickets on popular routes could cost under a fare increase:
About 45 per cent of fares on Britain’s railways are regulated by the Westminster, Scottish and Welsh governments.
They include season tickets on most commuter journeys, some off-peak return tickets on long-distance routes, and flexible tickets for travel around major cities.
Unregulated fares are set by operators, but rises in these are expected to be similar.
This is how much flexi tickets for travel two days per week over a year could cost under a fare increase:
What has the Department for Transport said on the potential ticket price rises?
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We are working to make transport affordable for everyone.
“The rail fares freeze is giving millions of people breathing space on their travel costs and is expected to save passengers on some of the busiest routes more than £300 a year.
“No decision has been made on fares after the freeze ends, and we are looking at all options carefully.”
