Trainline Tickets: How to Cancel or Refund

One of the most popular platforms for booking train tickets in the United Kingdom is Trainline. This digital ticketing powerhouse has revolutionised how Brits and tourists plan their rail adventures in their own backyard and beyond. We all know that sometimes plans change, something unexpected happens, or you simply change your mind about that scenic journey through the countryside. So, knowing how to cancel tickets and get refunds is essential for any traveller.

In this article, we'll talk about how to cancel or refund your Trainline ticket and explore how services like Wise, a multi currency account, can be the best friend of travellers seeking flexibility and convenience in their journeys, with hassle-free currency exchange and international payments.

What is Trainline?

Trainline¹ is the go-to online platform for booking train tickets in the UK. It works as the ticketing hub for many adventurers seeking rail journeys across the country. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive coverage of train routes and timetables, Trainline has become a trusted companion for anyone looking to navigate the UK's extensive railway network.

How to cancel the Trainline ticket

Did life throw a curveball at you, and you need to cancel your Trainline ticket? No sweat. Here's a simplified guide to modifying or cancelling your booking.²

1. Login Into Your Account: First, either sign in to your existing Trainline account or create one using the link provided in your confirmation email.

2. Locate Your Booking: Navigate to 'My Bookings' or 'My Tickets' in the Trainline app and find the specific booking you wish to modify or cancel. Scroll down until you see the 'Manage my bookings' section.

3. Modify or Cancel: Expand the 'Manage my bookings' section and select either 'Change date/time' or 'Refund tickets,' depending on your needs.

Please keep in mind that cancellation policies and associated fees can vary depending on the type of ticket and the terms and conditions set by the train company. If you have any problems or issues during the process, just give a ring to their customer service for assistance.

How to get a refund from a Trainline ticket

If you’re aiming to get a refund from a Trainline ticket, bear in mind that not all the ticket types are allowed to do so, and that the process is not exempt of fee either. So let’s check which types of tickets can guarantee you a refund, the fees, refunds for delayed or cancelled trains, and last but not least, how to request the refund online and when you will get it.

Which tickets can I refund?³

Flexible tickets such as Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets can be refunded online, if you’re willing to pay the fees. You've got a 28-day window after your ticket expires to request a refund and send it back. Mobile tickets, once activated, are not eligible for refunds.

As for Advance Single tickets, they can't be refunded but time/day of travel are changeable, if you stick to the same departure and arrival stations. For SplitSave, it's a similar story – Flexible tickets can be refunded, Advance Single tickets can only be altered, but if you have a combination of Advance and Flexible tickets, all of them can be changed.

How much are the fees?⁴

If you got your ticket through their hotline, there is a fixed fee of £10.00 for refunds. However, for tickets obtained online or through their mobile apps, the refund fee is determined by the ticket's value that you're cancelling, going from no fee to £10.00.

What if my train got delayed or cancelled?⁵

If your train gets cancelled, you can still use your existing ticket for the next available service, whether you hold an Advance Single or Flexible ticket. Just be sure to review your ticket's terms and conditions, as some may limit you to specific operators or routes. However, if you can't catch the next train or choose not to travel, you have the option to request a refund.

In case your train had some delays, but you managed to complete your journey, a refund for your ticket isn't applicable. Yet, many train operators offer compensation for such situations.

How to request a refund online?⁶

To request a refund, you need to follow similar steps as cancelling your ticket. If you have an account, just find your booking on our website by clicking to "My Bookings" or within their app under "My Tickets," then opt for "Refund my tickets." If you don't have an account, retrieve your confirmation email and click on "Manage booking." Next, follow the same steps mentioned above to initiate a refund request.

When will I get my refund?⁷

Refunds typically take an average processing time of 3–5 days. You can check the progress of your refund by checking your account.

These are the possible refund statuses and their meanings:

• Refunded/Refund Approved: You've completed all necessary steps, and your refund is en route to you; it should be arriving in your account within 5 days.

• Refund Processing/ Refund - Action Required: Before processing your refund, there might be a need for you to return your tickets.

• Refund Rejected: Unfortunately, the company cannot refund your tickets, often due to actions such as scanning your e-ticket or activating your Mobile Ticket.

Using Wise together with Trainline

If you're travelling from overseas and embark on your train adventures across the UK with the Trainline app, you have the easy option to automatically convert your currency to British pounds (GBP) when you link your Wise card to it. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, the same you see on Google. Plus, Wise offers the flexibility of a virtual card, enabling secure and hassle-free contactless payments during your travel.

After reading this article, you will know how to change, cancel or refund your Trainline ticket. Plus, by integrating with your Wise card, you can easily manage your currency conversion with minimal fees, making it the traveller's best friend, always by your side to make your train escapades even more memorable. So, hop on board, explore the beauty of Britain, and rest assured that Trainline and Wise have your travel needs covered from start to finish.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Sources used:

1. Trainline
2. Trainline - Cancelation
3. Trainline - Refund
4. Trainline - Fees
5. Trainline - Delayed or Cancelled Trains
6. Trainline - How to Request a Refund
7. Trainline - Refund Times

Sources last checked on date: 28-September-2023