A little-known railway ticket costing just 10p could help reduce your journey time, yet it cannot be used on any train. The Platform Ticket, valid at 25 rail companies, grants access to station platforms—not train travel. This can be handy for those who can cut through a station on their walk home, avoiding the need to buy an unused train ticket.
How the 10p Platform Ticket Works
The ticket is intended for accompanying someone to the platform, such as a family member or friend waiting for a train, or for railway enthusiasts watching trains. It costs 10p and is sold at station ticket offices, but not all stations offer them. National Rail advises checking with station staff.
Key Details
- Price: 10p, available year-round.
- Validity: Only at the station where issued, and you may be asked to leave by staff.
- Exemption: No charge for assisting a disabled passenger.
- Availability: Check with ticket office; many stations without barriers do not require one.
While train fares can be expensive—some returns between London and Manchester reaching £200-£300—this ticket offers a cheap alternative for platform access. Consider train splitting for actual journey savings.
For more information, visit nationalrail.co.uk.
