Voucher MagpieRail fares after March 2027: July's 3.2% RPI figure is out, but no decision yet
July RPI inflation, the figure usually used to set rail fare rises, came in at 3.2%. The fares freeze in England ends in March 2027 and no decision has been announced.
On 19 August 2026 the Office for National Statistics published July's inflation figures. Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation was 3.2%. July RPI is the figure governments have traditionally used to set the yearly rise in regulated rail fares in England. Fares rose by 4.6% in March 2025.
At the moment, fares are frozen. The government announced on 23 November 2025 that regulated fares in England would be frozen for the first time in 30 years, and National Rail says the freeze lasts until March 2027. It covers Standard class season tickets, Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, including child fares.
As of 2 October 2026, the Department for Transport has not announced what will happen to fares after March 2027. It's not yet known whether there will be a rise, how big it would be, or whether July RPI will be used to set it.
What's not covered by the freeze
Advance, First Class and Standard Premium fares are not regulated and can still change. Open-access operators such as Lumo, Hull Trains and Grand Central set their own prices. Journeys entirely within Scotland or Wales are covered by separate arrangements.
Ways to save now
- Get a Railcard. If you're eligible, a Railcard cuts the price of many fares and can pay for itself after a handful of journeys.
- Try split ticketing. Buying separate tickets for different parts of the same journey can be cheaper, as long as the train stops at the stations where you split.
- Compare season tickets with flexi or pay-as-you-go. If you commute only two or three days a week, a season ticket may no longer be the cheapest option.
Sources: ONS, gov.uk (HM Treasury/DfT), National Rail
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