Passengers to benefit from simpler and more affordable journeys with expanded contactless ticketing.
Train travel in the South East is set to become simpler and more convenient as contactless ticketing rolls out to 47 additional stations on 2 February 2025, thanks to a £20 million government investment. This development aims to modernise the network, improve passenger experiences, and deliver better value fares, all while encouraging a shift back to rail travel.
Key Highlights:
- Launch Date: 2 February 2025
- Coverage: 47 new stations across key commuter routes
- Future Plans: An additional 49 stations, including London Stansted Airport, to adopt contactless ticketing by 2025
Benefits for Passengers
The introduction of tap-in tap-out technology guarantees the best value fare on the day, simplifying what has long been criticised as an overly complicated ticketing system. This change eliminates the need for pre-purchased tickets, making rail travel more accessible and cost-effective for commuters, casual travellers, and families alike.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy described the move as a “game-changer for passengers,” noting that the government is committed to modernising Britain’s railways by leveraging technology to improve accessibility and affordability.
Stations Gaining Contactless Ticketing
Starting 2 February 2025, passengers can enjoy contactless travel at popular stations such as:
- Sevenoaks, Southend Central, Windsor & Eton Riverside, and Hemel Hempstead
- Full lists available below
By the end of 2025, London Stansted Airport and additional stations in Hertfordshire, Essex, and Surrey will also benefit, creating seamless connectivity to all London airports for the first time.
How It Works
Passengers simply tap their contactless bank card, mobile device, or travel card at the start and end of their journey. The system automatically calculates and charges the lowest fare available, ensuring transparency and savings.
Passenger Experiences and Growing Popularity
Contactless ticketing launched at six Chiltern stations in 2024, including High Wycombe and Beaconsfield, and has already seen over 268,000 entries and exits in just six months. The popularity underscores the public’s enthusiasm for the convenience and simplicity of this system.
Future Expansion
As part of the government’s Plan for Change, contactless ticketing will eventually extend to other major cities like Manchester and Birmingham, fostering growth and connectivity nationwide.
List of Stations Gaining Contactless Ticketing
From 2 February 2025:
South East and Commuter Lines:
- Sevenoaks, Otford, Bat & Ball, Eynsford, Shoreham, and more
- Windsor & Eton Riverside, Staines, and Virginia Water
Essex and Thames Gateway:
- Southend Central, Leigh-on-Sea, and Basildon
Chiltern Line and Hertfordshire:
- Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, and Apsley
Future Rollout (2025):
- London Stansted Airport
- Hertfordshire: Baldock, Hitchin, Stevenage
- Surrey: Box Hill, Dorking
- East Midlands: Luton, Leagrave
Quotes from Key Figures
Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of Rail Delivery Group:
“We want our customers to travel with ease with fares that reflect travellers’ needs post-pandemic. We’re delighted that pay as you go technology is being expanded to 47 stations which will provide convenience, simplicity and flexibility, making it easier than ever for customers to pay and travel seamlessly.
“We are committed to developing a simpler and better-value fare system that not only meets our customers’ expectations but also supports the long-term growth of rail travel and enhances the overall customer experience.”
Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, TfL:
“The popularity of convenient travel via pay as you go with contactless has seen it grow and become increasingly popular across London and the surrounding areas in the ten years since it launched in London. We are delighted to be extending pay as you go with contactless to a further 47 stations on the 2 February.
“This will further help those travelling by rail outside London do so more flexibly and conveniently, avoid the need to pre-purchase tickets or paper Travelcards when heading into the capital, and support the wider UK economic recovery through easier access to rail travel.”
Practical Advice for Passengers
- Ensure Compatibility: Contactless bank cards, mobile devices, and some travel cards can be used.
- Check Your Route: Visit www.rail.uk to see if your journey is covered.
- Set Fare Alerts: Use travel apps to monitor fares and savings.
Join the Movement
The expansion of contactless ticketing represents a major step towards modernising Britain’s railways, putting passengers first by streamlining ticketing and improving affordability. With these upgrades, the government is delivering on its commitment to make rail travel an appealing, sustainable choice for millions.
For more details on stations and how to get started with contactless ticketing, visit www.rail.uk. Tickets go live 2 February 2025!
Every tap counts—simplify your journey today.
Full list
47 stations getting contactless ticketing on 2 February 2025
- Apsley – Hertfordshire
- Ashford – Surrey
- Bat & Ball – Kent
- Basildon – Essex
- Benfleet – Essex
- Berkhamsted – Hertfordshire
- Bletchley – Buckinghamshire
- Bricket Wood – Hertfordshire
- Chalkwell – Essex
- Cheddington – Buckinghamshire
- Datchet – Berkshire
- Dunton Green – Kent
- East Tilbury – Essex
- Egham – Surrey
- Eynsford – Kent
- Garston – Hertfordshire
- Hemel Hempstead – Hertfordshire
- How Wood – Hertfordshire
- Kempton Park – Surrey
- Kings Langley – Hertfordshire
- Laindon – Essex
- Leigh-on-Sea – Essex
- Leighton Buzzard – Bedfordshire
- Otford – Kent
- Park Street – Hertfordshire
- Pitsea – Essex
- Sevenoaks – Kent
- Shepperton – Surrey
- Shoeburyness – Essex
- Shoreham – Kent
- Southend Central – Essex
- Southend East – Essex
- St Albans Abbey – Hertfordshire
- Staines – Surrey
- Stanford-le-Hope – Essex
- Sunbury – Surrey
- Sunnymeads – Berkshire
- Thorpe Bay – Essex
- Tilbury Town – Essex
- Tring – Hertfordshire
- Upper Halliford – Surrey
- Virginia Water – Surrey
- Watford North – Hertfordshire
- West Horndon – Essex
- Westcliff – Essex
- Windsor & Eton Riverside – Berkshire
- Wraysbury – Berkshire
Further 49 stations getting contactless ticketing in 2025
- Ashtead – Surrey
- Aylesbury – Buckinghamshire
- Aylesbury Vale Parkway – Buckinghamshire
- Baldock – Hertfordshire
- Billericay – Essex
- Bishop’s Stortford – Hertfordshire
- Box Hill & Westhumble – Surrey
- Chelmsford – Essex
- Dormans – Surrey
- Dorking (Main) – Surrey
- East Grinstead – West Sussex
- Great Missenden – Buckinghamshire
- Harlow Mill – Essex
- Harlow Town – Essex
- Harlington – Bedfordshire
- Hatfield Peverel – Essex
- Hitchin – Hertfordshire
- Hockley – Essex
- Hurst Green – Surrey
- Ingatestone – Essex
- Knebworth – Hertfordshire
- Leagrave – Bedfordshire
- Leatherhead – Surrey
- Letchworth Garden City – Hertfordshire
- Lingfield – Surrey
Little Kimble – Buckinghamshire - Luton – Bedfordshire
- Monks Risborough – Buckinghamshire
- Oxted – Surrey
- Princes Risborough – Buckinghamshire
- Prittlewell – Essex
- Rayleigh – Essex
- Reigate – Surrey
- Rochford – Essex
- Roydon – Essex
- Saunderton – Buckinghamshire
- Sawbridgeworth – Hertfordshire
- Southend Airport – Essex
- Southend Victoria – Essex
- Stansted Airport – Essex
- Stansted Mountfitchet – Essex
- Stevenage – Hertfordshire
- Stoke Mandeville – Buckinghamshire
- Wendover – Buckinghamshire
- Welwyn North – Hertfordshire
- Wickford – Essex
- Witham – Essex
- Woldingham – Surrey
- Watton-at-Stone – Hertfordshire
