Ticket Options
First Great Western has a range of tickets to suit you, whether you want complete flexibility with no time restrictions or if you are going to make a specific journey at a set time. The ticket types are shown below.
Season Tickets
If you're making the same journey 3 days a week or more, a season ticket may offer better value than a daily ticket. Season tickets are valid for seven days or for any period from a month to a year. Season tickets can now be bought online.
Advance
Tickets purchased in advance can give the best value train travel in both Standard and First Class. Advance tickets are our lowest priced tickets for longer distance travel.
These tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability, so you are advised to book early if you want to get the best fare.
Find out more about Advance tickets.
Off-Peak
Off-Peak, Off-Peak Day Return and Ranger or Rover tickets are cheaper tickets that you can buy at any time before you start your journey, with some limits on the times you can travel.
Find out more about Off-Peak tickets.
Super Off-Peak
In addition to the existing Off-Peak fares, we have added a new layer of turn-up-and-go fares, called Super Off-Peak.
These fares will be available on a smaller number of trains, at quieter times of day, but will offer even better value for money than Off-Peak tickets.
Anytime
Anytime tickets offer complete flexibility with no restrictions on the times of travel.
These tickets can be bought at anytime up to the point of travel.
If you have a return ticket it is valid for up to one month from the date of the outward journey. This area includes information on the South West Rover.
Find out more about Anytime tickets.
Night Riviera Sleeper Service
Having completed a £2 million refurbishment, the Sleeper service is a fantastic way to travel to your destination.
Trains depart from Penzance at 22.00 with a scheduled arrival time in London Paddington of 5.11 the next morning. These tickets are available for booking over the telephone on 0845 678 6980 or at your nearest staffed station.
Child tickets
Children aged 5 to 15 years old pay half fare, this applies from their 5th birthday. Up to 2 children under 5 (and not occupying Sleeper Berths or reserved seats) may accompany each ticket holder free of charge.
Children under 5 travelling free may occupy a seat providing it is not required by a fare paying customer. Visit our Family Travel section.
National Rail's Simple Fares
New names for rail fares were introduced across the National Rail network in 2008.
The new names bring together commonly used Single and Return fares into the three categories of advance, Off-Peak and Anytime, making it easier for you to buy the best value ticket for your journey.
To find out more about the new fare names, visit the National Rail website about Simple Fares.
Weekend First
Upgrade from Standard to First Class on most First Great Western routes at weekends and on Bank Holidays on payment of a supplement of £5 to £25 dependant on journey length. Buy in advance at ticket offices and on board high speed services.
Find out about Weekend First here.
Oyster Pay As You Go
Oyster cards can now be used for travel from some stations served by First Great Western into London.
Find out how you can make your journey easier in London with a pay as you go Oyster card.
Buy before you board
It is important that you have a valid ticket when you are travelling on First Great Western trains. Please read our 'Buy before you board' leaflets for more information.
Read the 'Buy before you board' leaflet for the West region (167KB PDF).
Read the 'Buy before you board' leaflet for the Central region. (182KB PDF)
Read the 'Buy before you board' leaflet for the East region (189KB PDF)
Information about seat reservations
Customers who wish to make seat reservations on a First Great Western service at a time other than when they buy their tickets will be charged a £5 supplement per reservation.
This charge does not apply to customers making reservations through the Special Assistance service.
Refunds
Refunds on train tickets are dependant on the type of ticket that has been bought. If you have a ticket that has not been used please contact the Train Company that is responsible for the ticket office where it was bought, or the telesales service or website.
An administration fee may apply and in some circumstances, non-refundable tickets may be applicable for refunds.
Further details can be found in the National Conditions of Carriage or if you have bought tickets through this website find out about refunds in the My Account section of www.buytickets.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
Travelling to the UK from overseas
If you are a visitor to the UK from overseas, find out about planning and purchasing your UK train tickets and passes. Visit the BritRail website.
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