UK Rail fares to be frozen from March 2026 for the first time in 30 years - 26th February 2026

Regulated rail fares in England are to be frozen from March 2026, in what the Government has described as the time in around 30 years that these fares will not increase.

The decision was announced by the Department for Transport on 23rd November 2025 as part of wider cost of living measure. It means that fares set directly by government will be held at their current levels from March 2026 to March 2027.

Regulated fares include most season tickets used by commuters, as well as a range of peak and off-peak return tickets on intercity and regional services. These fares are normally increased each year in line with inflation, with changes typically taking effect at the beginning of March.

According to the Government the move is intended to provide financial relief to regular rail users at a time of continuing pressure on household budgets. However, not all ticket prices will be affected. Unregulated fares, which are set by train operators rather than central government, may still be subject to change.

In London fares on the Underground, buses and some Travelcards are determined by Transport for London and are not automatically covered by national rail fares policy.