Train ticket refunds

Ticket refunds are changing from 1 April 2026

Some ticket types will have new refund conditions. For more information please visit the National Rail website.


Apply for a refund if:

Before you apply

  • The refund process varies according to where you purchased your ticket and the type of ticket you have. Please select from the options below according to where your ticket was purchased
  • We can only process a refund if the ticket is unused and you bought your ticket from the South Western Railway website or App, an SWR station ticket office or ticket machine
  • Advance tickets are non-refundable, unless you didn't travel because your train was delayed or cancelled. You can change your ticket before the train you originally booked to travel on is due to depart, for details please visit this page.
  • You must apply for a refund withing 28 days of the tickets expiry date. From 1st April 2026 "walk-up tickets" (i.e. Anytime, Off-peak and Super Off-Peak tickets) will only be refundable up to 23:59hrs the day before they become valid for travel)
  • We'll charge a £5 administration fee for each refund application, unless your train was delayed or cancelled, or your refund is submitted before the first date of the ticket(s) validity where a full refund without administration fee will be given

If you travelled and your journey was delayed, please apply for Delay Repay compensation.

We'll normally process a refund within 28 days of submitting a claim. 

If you purchased your ticket from:

Our website / App
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A South Western Railway station
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Another train company, a travel agent or other source (such as Trainline)
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A Transport for London outlet
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