How to redeem and book your free train ticket
From the 9 January 2012, you will be able to book your ticket immediately after redeeming, rather than waiting for up to 3 working days.
For all free ticket redemptions made before 9 January 2012 –
Please click here to review the step by step guide for all free East Coast ticket redemptions made before 9 January 2012.
For all free ticket redemptions made from the 9 January 2012, please follow these simple steps –
Step 1 – Log into your East Coast Rewards account and select the East Coast train ticket type you would like to redeem
Step 2 - Confirm your redemption by selecting ‘Use Points’ – Your free tickets are now ready to book!
Step 3 – You can either book your ticket immediately, or return at a later date.
Step 4 - When you wish to make your booking, go to , sign in and then enter your journey details in the booking panel on the left hand side of the page. Please note, the number of adult passengers you select must match the number of passengers your free tickets are valid for.
Step 5 - If your chosen journey has availability, a £0 ticket will be presented. Please select this along with your journey times. If you also want to book child tickets, the price of these tickets will be displayed instead of £0.
Step 6 – Follow the next steps in the booking process in the usual way.
Please also take time to read the important information below prior to making your free East Coast train ticket booking.
Booking travel for children?
If you would like to book train tickets for children whilst travelling on your free tickets, simply select the number of children who will be travelling with you in your search. The costs of these East Coast tickets are £10 for a Standard return ticket and £20 for a First Class return ticket. The price will be shown in your search results and will replace the £0 value – there will be a description which confirms you are booking a free ticket plus Children(s) tickets.
Booking additional tickets
Apart from child tickets, if you need to book purchased tickets in addition to your free tickets, this must be done on a separate transaction.
Reasons why you are not able to book your free ticket
If a £0 ticket is not being presented for your chosen dates, it could be for any of the following reasons –
- There is no availability on the dates / times you have selected
- You haven’t selected a journey which can be made entirely with East Coast
- Your return journey is not within one month of your outward journey
- Your outward journey is not booked at least 7 days in advance
- You have selected more adults than your free tickets are valid for
- You have selected more than 3 child per one adult free ticket
Collecting your tickets
If you are booking your Free tickets without any additional purchases, your ticket delivery option will be TOD (Ticket on Departure). You will be able to collect your tickets from any of our stations listed.
Important information, please note:
When you have completed your booking, please keep your confirmation number safe. You will need this number when you collect your tickets.
When collecting tickets by TOD you will need your confirmation and valid debit or credit card for security purposes. If you have made additional purchases (such as London Travelcards or child tickets), the card must be the one used for payment.
Free tickets are subject to availability, free tickets can be used on any day of the week.
Booking must be made a minimum of at least seven days in advance of travel. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get your preferred travel dates and times.
Reservations are available up to 12 weeks in advance of travel.
Up to two Free tickets can be used at the same time. Child tickets can also be added at additional cost.
During busy periods such as peak journeys, Christmas and Easter we reserve the right to suspend availability of these tickets.
For full terms and conditions, please click here.
