After inflation, rail fares in Great Britain were 38% higher on average in 2026 than in 1995
How much more or less rail tickets cost than in 1995, by type of ticket, after inflation, Great Britain, 1995 to 2026. Per cent.
Latest figures
| Series | Period | Value |
|---|---|---|
| All tickets | March 2026 | 38% |
| First class | March 2026 | 96% |
| Standard, price set by train companies | March 2026 | 45% |
| Standard, price rise capped by government | March 2026 | 20% |
Notes
- The rail fares index is the Office of Rail and Road's measure of how much the average price of a rail ticket has changed, weighted by how much passengers spend on each kind of ticket. It follows the price of the same tickets each year, so it doesn't show passengers switching to cheaper tickets.
- The government caps the yearly rise in regulated fares, which include most season tickets and many off-peak returns. Train companies set the price of the rest, including first class and Advance tickets.
- The ORR records each year's fare change, which came in January each year to 2020 and in March or later from 2021. Following the ORR, the lines take off inflation measured in January to 2020 and in March from 2021, from January 1995 to March 2026, using the ONS measure of rises in the cost of living (CPIH).
- The ORR's own release compares fares with the older Retail Prices Index (RPI), which the government used to cap fare rises. RPI rose faster than CPIH, so on that measure fares rose less: all tickets were 6% higher in 2026 than in 1995 after RPI inflation.
- Covers tickets sold for travel on the national rail network in Great Britain. London Underground, light rail and Eurostar are not included.
Sources
- Office of Rail and Road, Rail fares index (Table 7180)
- Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation (CPIH all items, L522)
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