Penalty Fares

You need to have a valid ticket for your journey before you travel with us. If you don’t, you may be charged a penalty fare of at least £100.

Please note, Oyster or Contactless payment cards are not valid to travel on Stansted Express services to/from Stansted Airport. To avoid a penalty fare, buy your ticket on our website for the best prices.

Other ways you can be charged a Penalty Fare:

• Travel individually on a Group Offer ticket
• Don’t have a valid railcard for a discounted ticket
• Travel on a child ticket, but you’re 16 or older
• Travel further than your ticket allows.

You can find out more about penalty fares by visiting National Rail’s website.

How much is a penalty fare

A Penalty Fare is £100 plus the full single fare for your journey. But if you pay within 21 days, it’s £50 less.

How to appeal

If you think you got a Penalty Fare wrongly or unfairly, you can appeal within 21 days.

Appeal online or download an appeal form.