SWR eTickets

Advance train tickets

Buying your tickets in advance can save you money

Buy train tickets to any destination in Britain – no booking fee

What are Advance tickets?

Advance tickets are a great way to save money if you're able to be flexible about when you travel, and don't mind being committed to catching a specific train. We sell Advance train tickets on our quieter trains on long-distance routes, and both Standard Class and First Class tickets are available.

Advance tickets are for single journeys only, so if you're making a return trip, you'll need to make sure you buy a ticket for each direction! You can mix-and-match your advance tickets, times, and class of travel to suit your travel needs.

Advance tickets are non-refundable, unless your train is delayed or cancelled and you choose not to travel, but you can change your ticket to travel on a different train before your original service departs.

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When can I buy an Advance ticket?

We usually put advance tickets on sale up to 12 weeks ahead of time and you can buy them up until the train departs, but the earlier you book, the better the chance of getting a cheaper ticket! Remember that Advance tickets are limited in number and not available at all times, so tickets may not be available for some journeys, particularly if it's close to the departure date.

Advance tickets are currently on sale up to and including the dates below:

Route Available for booking Notes

Weymouth Route

Services passing through Eastleigh and Southampton
Until 17 May
AP available until 17 May

West of England Route

Services passing through Overton and Salisbury
Until 17 May
AP available until 17 May

Portsmouth Route

Services to/from Portsmouth
Until 17 May AP available until 17 May

Details last updated: 23/02/2024

Are there any Railcard discounts on Advance tickets?

You can save 34% extra with all railcards on Standard Class Advance fares except Network Railcards and Gold Cards. If you hold the following railcards, you’re also entitled to 34% off all First Class Advance fares.

Discounts also apply on all child Advance tickets!

Where can I buy Advance tickets?

The easiest way to buy train tickets in advance is through our website or on our app, but you can also buy your Advance tickets at any of our ticket offices.

You cannot purchase Advance tickets at our ticket machines at stations.

Find out more about ways to buy your ticket.

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Can I stop off during my journey with an Advance ticket?

Advance rail tickets don't allow you to break your journey, so you'll need to travel from your starting station to your destination without leaving the railway.

You can change between trains where this is shown on your booking itinerary.

I need to travel on a different train - can I change my ticket?

You can change your booking up to the original time of departure. An admin fee usually applies, and depending on when you bought your ticket and how far in advance you make your change to your journey, you may also need to pay the difference between the ticket price paid and the new ticket.

Please read our guide on changing your train tickets for more information.

I missed my train - can I change my ticket?

If you've been delayed by the railway (for example, if you miss your connecting service because of a delay to your train) then you can use your ticket on the next train to your destination.

If you've been delayed by something that's not within our control, then you'll need to buy a new ticket. Speak to the station team who will be able to give you more advice and help.

If a delay on one of our trains means you end up being 15 minutes late or more to your destination, you may be entitled to claim compensation under our Delay Repay scheme.

There are engineering works now and I don't want to travel. Can I get a refund?

If there's a change in journey times or mode of travel (a bus replacement service) and you no longer want to travel, you can claim a full refund on the unused tickets from your original retailer.

The timetable has changed and the train I'm booked to travel on isn't running. What can I do?

We try to confirm our timetables 12 weeks in advance, however occasionally we need to make changes due to late notice engineering works or other reasons outside our control. We suggest you check your journey again a few days before travel to ensure there have not been any changes.

If you check back and your train time has changed significantly (moved by over 15 minutes either side of your ticket), then your tickets will be valid on the service immediately before or after the one you planned to travel on. You won't need to make any changes to your ticket.

You can request a refund if you decide not to travel because the service you originally intended to travel on is cancelled, delayed or rescheduled.

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