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 self service ticket machines.
Buying tickets on board
A limited range of tickets can be bought on board our trains where manual or automatic gates are not in operation. It is recommended that tickets are bought in advance as 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.
Automatic and manual gates are in place at a number of stations along the East Coast route. If you intend to buy your ticket on board, please allow additional time to see if gating is in operation. If gating is in operation, you will be unable to board the train without a ticket.
You must allow enough time to catch your train. Doors are locked up to 2 minutes before departure.
Self service machines
Using a self service machine is the quick and easy way to buy tickets for immediate travel to stations across the entire rail network. From the self service ticket 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 ticket 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 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.
Seat Reservations
Seats can be reserved on all East Coast services subject to availability. Reserving a seat is optional for the following ticket categories:
-Standard Anytime
-Standard Off-Peak
-Rangers and Rovers (including BritRail)
-Weekender
-Superbreak (and other Inclusive tour tickets)
-Standard Super Off-Peak
-Season tickets on East Coast services
If you are travelling on an Advance ticket or an East Coast Standard Business Package your seat reservation is included with your ticket.
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.