Rail passengers across the UK may face another sharp increase in ticket costs next year, with fares expected to rise by 5.5% in 2026.
Campaigners have criticised the potential hike, describing it as unfair, excessive, and a rip-off for commuters and travellers alike.
Train ticket increases are traditionally linked to the July Retail Prices Index (RPI), one of Britain’s key inflation measures, which is due to be published this week. In 2025, fares rose by 4.6%, already one percentage point higher than the previous July inflation rate.
Financial experts at Investec expect the July 2025 RPI to reach 4.5%. If the standard method is applied, this could mean regulated fares increase by 5.5% in 2026, a move campaigners say will discourage people from using trains.
Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson called the expected rise outrageous. He argued there is no justification for pushing fares above inflation, warning that such increases would drive passengers off trains and onto already congested roads. He added that instead of penalising passengers, the government should consider freezing fares, especially as plans to nationalise train services move forward.
Williamson also noted that while the creation of a more integrated railway under nationalisation could bring efficiency savings, he feared that any financial benefits would be absorbed by the Treasury rather than passed on to customers.
Ben Plowden, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, said high fares are discouraging people from choosing rail travel, undermining efforts to promote greener, more sustainable transport.
The government’s new body, Great British Railways, is expected to be launched next year to oversee the country’s rail network and train operators as part of wider nationalisation plans. Southwestern and c2c have already been brought under government control.
Currently, around 45% of train fares in the UK are regulated by the government. These include most commuter season tickets, certain off-peak long-distance return tickets, and flexible urban travel tickets.
The Department for Transport has said it will announce decisions on 2026 fare rises later this year. A spokesperson confirmed that restoring reliability to the railway is a key priority, but added that future prices must strike a balance between affordability for passengers and value for taxpayers.
