It’s generally best to buy your ticket as far ahead as possible – seat reservations and many of our cheapest fares become available about 12 weeks in advance. You can buy tickets before this, but they will not come with a seat reservation.
The more flexible you can be about when you travel, the wider the range of fares you will be offered. Some tickets are restricted to travel at certain times of day, so please be sure to check the validity of the ticket you buy before you travel.
Buying tickets online
You can buy train tickets online and have your tickets posted to you or collect them any time from one of our Fastticket machines.
Buying tickets on board
Tickets are available on board but, to minimise fare evasion, you will only be able to buy either First or Standard Open tickets, or First or Standard Day tickets for single or return journeys. No discounts are available on any ticket bought on board unless you have a Disabled Person's Railcard.
Self-service Fastticket machine
Using a self-service Fastticket machine is the quick and easy way to buy tickets for immediate travel to stations across the entire rail network. From the Fastticket machines you can buy all tickets for travel that day, or collect tickets booked in advance. When you collect your pre-ordered ticket from the self-service Fastticket machine, please bring the credit or debit card you used when you paid for recognition, as well as the booking reference number allocated to you when you booked.
Ensuring you have a valid ticket for your journey
If you get on a train without a valid ticket at a station where the ticket office is open, or where a self-service ticket machine that accepts cash is available and in working order, you will have to buy the full single or full return fare for your journey. In these circumstances you will not be able to use a railcard on the train, unless you have a Disabled Person's Railcard.
Where we discover fare evasion that amounts to deliberate fraud we always bring criminal proceedings. We are determined to stamp out fraudulent travel on National Express East Coast services because it is not fair on those who have paid, to safeguard both your safety and security and to ensure funding for our investment schemes.
Refunding tickets
Find out if you are eligible for a refund. Please read our Passenger's Charter for refund and compensation information.
Terms and conditions
Please read our terms and conditions for ticket sales before booking.