Train fares in England are expected to increase by 5.8pc in 2026, above earlier forecasts, after inflation data came in higher than anticipated.
Fare rises are typically based on July’s retail prices index (RPI) plus one percentage point. The RPI stood at 4.8pc, exceeding forecasts by 0.2 points. If ministers follow last year’s formula, regulated fares – which cover around half of all journeys, including commuter season tickets and off-peak returns – would rise by 5.8pc.
Such an increase would mean the cost of an annual season ticket from Gloucester to Birmingham climbing by £312 to £5,696, while Woking-to-London commuters would pay £4,507, up £247. Passenger groups have warned that steep rises risk pricing out travellers already facing higher food and transport costs.
The Department for Transport said it will announce changes to regulated fares later this year. Unregulated fares, set by train operators, typically move in line with regulated increases. Official data shows long-distance advance fares rose 5.9pc in the year to March 2025, compared with a 4.6pc rise in regulated fares.
The expected rise comes as Labour presses ahead with its plan to nationalise rail operators as contracts expire and to establish Great British Railways to oversee infrastructure and services.
Campaign for Better Transport has urged the government to provide greater support for passengers.
