Ticket types
Information about different ticket types and restrictions, and help around buying or changing a ticket.
At the moment our customers are asking us:
You can make a reservation at any time before your train arrives, but spaces are limited, so you should do this as early as you can.
You can reserve a space when you buy your ticket. If you already have a ticket and want to add a reservation, then you can do it:
- by calling us on 03457 000 125
- at your local staffed ticket office
If you need assistance with this please message us on Twitter @GWRhelp, on Facebook Messenger @GWRUK, or on WhatsApp at 07890 608043.
Find out more about travelling with your bike.You can reserve a seat when you buy your ticket. If you already have a ticket and want to add a reservation or change what you already have, then you can do it:
- by calling us on 03457 000 125
- at your local staffed ticket office
If you need assistance with this please message us on Twitter @GWRhelp, on Facebook Messenger @GWRUK, or on WhatsApp at 07890 608043.
If you have a season ticket, you can make reservations for your regular trains by sending details of your services, seat preferences, the duration of time you’d like the seat reserved for, and your photocard number to gwrreservations@gwr.com.
- If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. We need to receive your claim within 28 days of your delay.
Find out more about Delay Repay and make a claim here. - Refunds work differently depending on the type of ticket.
You can claim a refund on an unused Anytime, Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak ticket. Advance tickets are non-refundable unless you didn’t travel because your train was delayed or cancelled.
Refund terms and conditions have changed
Refund conditions changed on Wednesday 1 April 2026.
The terms that apply depend on when you bought your ticket (not your travel date).
Tickets purchased up to Tuesday 31 March 2026
If you bought your ticket on or before Tuesday 31 March 2026, the previous refund terms apply:
- You can request a refund for an unused ticket within 28 days of the ticket’s expiry date
- A £5 administration fee may apply (unless your train was cancelled or delayed)
- Advance tickets are non-refundable, unless your train was disrupted
Tickets purchased from Wednesday 1 April 2026 onwards
If you bought your ticket on or after Wednesday 1 April 2026, updated refund terms apply:
- If you choose not to travel, you must request a refund before 23:59 on the day before your ticket becomes valid
- After this point, refunds are only available if:
- your train was cancelled or delayed, or
- an exceptional circumstance prevented you from travelling
- A £5 administration fee may apply (unless your train was cancelled or delayed)
- Advance tickets remain non-refundable, except in cases of disruption
For more information, visit the National Rail website.
Find out more about unused ticket refunds and make a claim here.
Advance tickets
You can change the date and time of your ticket at any time before your scheduled departure. An admin fee of £10 may be applied. If the price of your new ticket is more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference.
Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets
You can change the date and time of your ticket up to the date of departure without having to pay an admin fee.