Visitors to the UK who try to buy train tickets for the odd single journey or two have found themselves totally flummoxed by the bewildering array of rail ticket categories available in Britain. Trying to figure out the best value fare can sometimes even confuse ticketing agents in the train stations.

Not any more. A new rail fare structure sweeps away all the complicated variations replacing them with a three-tier system. One of the new ticket categories is already for sale, the other two go on sale in September. According to the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), it's the first such shake up in 40 years. The new tickets include:

• Advance - Buy in advance, use anytime. These are single (one-way) tickets, that usually represent excellent value for money. They must be purchased in advance for specific journeys. Advance tickets are already on sale.
• Off-peak - Buy anytime, use off-peak. Available in September
• Anytime - Buy anytime, use anytime. The most expensive and flexible tickets. Available in September.

Of course, when it comes to British train travel, nothing is ever that straightforward. All the new tickets will still be available as first and second class tickets and an assortment of discounts - senior, youth, military, etc - will still apply.

If you're planning a lot of train travel on your UK visit, why not save yourself all the confusion - and probably some money too - and buy a BritRail Pass

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