Guides › Train Delays › Train Penalty Fare: How to Appeal
Train Penalty Fare: How to Appeal
A rail penalty fare is £100 on top of the single fare, reduced to £50 if you pay within 21 days. If you had a genuine reason, you can appeal to an independent appeals service that is not connected to the train company. While your appeal is considered, the 21-day payment clock stops.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Penalty Fares
Department for Transport
Penalty fares are a £100 surcharge on top of the applicable single fare, reduced to £50 if paid within 21 days, from 23 January 2023. source
Appeals
People with a genuine reason can challenge a penalty fare with an independent appeals service not connected to the rail companies. Once an appeal is received, the clock stops on the 21-day deadline for paying. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 21 daysPay the reduced £50Or appeal; the clock stops while it is considered
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Keep the penalty fare notice and your ticket or railcard.
Step 2 of 5
Write down what happened, with times and stations.
Step 3 of 5
Check the notice for the appeals service and deadline.
Step 4 of 5
Appeal with evidence, such as a broken ticket machine.
Step 5 of 5
Pay within 21 days if you do not appeal.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Appeals Service on Your Notice
Independent of the train company.
Rail Ombudsman
For complaints about the train company's service.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
A penalty fare is different from prosecution for fare evasion. Get advice if you receive a court letter.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/government/consultations/rail-penalty-fare-value-reform Checked 13 October 2026
- gov.uk/government/news/new-independent-appeals-process-to-protect-passengers-issued-with-penalty-fares Checked 13 October 2026
- railombudsman.org Checked 12 October 2026