Which BritRail Pass Should I Buy?

Question: Which BritRail Pass Should I Buy?

I'm thinking of buying a BritRail Pass before I go to the UK. How do I choose the right one. Which one will give me the most bang for my buck?

Answer: Buy a BritRail Pass if you think you'll take at least three, one-way, train journeys across the UK. While you are weighing up value, have a look at the National Rail Enquiries website and add up the cost of your planned trips, using the cheapest standard fare as your gauge. Don't pay much attention to the very low, promotional fares that are often shown. These may be gone before you make up your mind. Look, instead for Standard Open or Saver prices. If you like to take a lot of day trips, check the off-peak, Cheap Day Return prices

Once you've got an idea of the price of conventional tickets for your travel, check out the prices of the various BritRail passes on offer at the Rail Europe BritRail website. And remember, BritRail passes are for unlimited travel so the more you use one, during the time it is valid, the more it is worth.

Which BritRail Pass

The kind of BritRail Pass you choose depends on your touring style. Although their are several variations, the two main categories are Consecutive Passes and Flexipasses. Here's how they work:

BritRail Consecutive Passes: If you like to slip on a backpack and stay on the move, or if you expect to take loads of longer day trips from a central base, you should choose a BritRail Consecutive Pass. They entitle the user to unlimited rail travel for a fixed number of days. They can be purchased for 4, 8, 15, 22 or one month of consecutive days travel on the British rail networks. They are available for first or second class travel.

BritRail Consecutive Pass Types

Check Consecutive Pass prices and buy direct

• BritRail Consecutive Pass Unlimited travel in England, Scotland and Wales. Available as a Senior pass for those over 60 and as a Youth pass, usable up to the age of 26.
• BritRail England Consecutive Pass Unlimited travel in England. Available as a Senior pass or a Youth pass.
• BritRail Party Pass A good buy for families of adults or larger groups. These allow a 50% discount over individual pass prices for the 3rd to 9th person traveling together. They are available for England alone or for England, Scotland and Wales.

BritRail Flexipasses: Travelers who like to stop for a while to explore a region before moving on, or who want the freedom to choose when they will hop on a train during their vacation, should choose a Flexipass. They allow a fixed number of days of travel during a two month period and can be purchased for 4, 8 or 15 days of travel.

BritRail Flexipass types

Check Flexipass prices and buy direct

• BritRail Flexipass Pass Unlimited travel for a fixed number of days, during a two month period, in England, Scotland and Wales. Available as a Senior pass for those over 60 and as a Youth pass, for those under 26.
• BritRail England Flexipass Unlimited travel in England for the 4, 8 or 15 days during a two month period,. Available as a Senior pass or a Youth pass.
• BritRail Party Flexipass A good buy for families of adults or larger groups. These allow a 50% discount over individual pass prices for the 3rd to 9th person traveling together. They are available for England alone or for England, Scotland and Wales.

And free travel for kids

As an added incentive for families traveling together, the Free BritRail family pass, allows one child (aged 5 to 15 ), with each adult or senior pass holder, to travel free of charge. There's no additional fee for this, just ask for it when you buy your BritRail Pass direct