Regulated train fares in England could increase by more than 4% next year, potentially adding hundreds of pounds to season tickets. The potential rise is based on the Office for National Statistics announcing that Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation rose to 3.2% in July.
Fare increase formula
The Government has not confirmed plans for fare rises in 2027, but last year’s 4.6% 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%.
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.
Regulated fares and freeze
About 45% 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.
Sir Keir Starmer’s Government froze regulated fares this year.
Government response
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.”
