Train strikes in March and April: when are they and how to get a refund

Train strikes in March and April are part of a long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.

Members of the RMT union from 14 train operators will strike on 16, 18 and 30 March, and 1 April. This is the start of the Easter school holidays for many of us.

Travel operators have suggested that passengers should avoid rail travel on the affected days where possible, with severe delays and cancellations likely.

So when are the train strikes due to take place, and what can you do if your planned journey is affected?

When are the train strikes?

Here’s what we know about all the planned train strikes in March and April. 

While national rail strikes have been scrapped, South Western Railway (SWR) and RMT members will still take strike action on the confirmed dates. 

RMT and the Aslef Union are striking on 16, 18 and 30 March, and 1 April. This will mean limited services on selected routes on Thursday 16 March (running between 7am and 6.30pm): 

• Four trains per hour in each direction between London Waterloo and Woking 
• Four trains per hour in each direction between London Waterloo and Windsor & Eton Riverside
• Two trains per hour in each direction between London Waterloo and Southampton Central 
• Two trains per hour in each direction between London Waterloo and Basingstoke 
• One train per hour in each direction between Guildford and Woking
• One train per hour in each direction between Salisbury and Basingstoke

And limited routes on Saturday 18 March (running between 7am and 6.30pm): 

• Two trains per hour in each direction between London Waterloo and Hounslow  
• Four trains per hour in each direction between London Waterloo and Woking 
• One train per hour in each direction between Basingstoke and Southampton Central
• One train per hour in each direction between Woking and Guildford* 
• One train per hour in each direction between Basingstoke and Salisbury

Also note, trains will not stop at all stations on strike days, so if you are planning to travel, double-check your journey.  

Can I get a refund due to the train strikes?

If your service has been cancelled, delayed or rescheduled, you will be entitled to a change or refund from the original retailer of your ticket. You should not have to pay the usual admin fee (up to £10) if you are seeking a refund because of the strike action. 

You can also use your ticket with another train company or an alternative route if it is available.

Martyn James, a consumer rights expert, says: “When strikes happen, some train operators may allow you to use your ticket on their services instead. Or there may be rail replacement or emergency services offered instead. Looking at the T&Cs on some train websites, they say they will only pay out if you can’t travel or are delayed when taking these alternative services. I don’t think that’s particularly fair – so get in touch with the train operator before you choose not to travel to find out your refund rights.”

It’s also important to note that you can claim a refund for a season or flexi-season ticket should you be unable to travel.

James says: “The way this is calculated is pro-rata and is rather complex, but again, you can start the process through the train operator website.”

How do I apply for a refund via delay repay?

The process for applying for a refund through delay repay will vary depending on your operator.

In general you will need to contact the train company online or through the post, including photos of your ticket, season ticket or receipt. You’ll also need to detail the date and time of the train you were intending to catch. This process needs to be repeated for each journey you had planned which has been impacted by the industrial action.

The rules have been adapted to be more generous for season ticket holders ‒ a one-off arrangement allows them to claim delay repay refunds should they opt against travelling on dates of the strikes, even if their train is not cancelled.

Rail companies use a percentage of what season ticket holders paid for their pass to calculate a refund. So if you have an annual season ticket, you get 1/464th of the price back for every ‘single journey’ that needs to be refunded. If you have a monthly season ticket it’s 1/40th of the price while if you have a weekly season ticket it’s 1/10th.

Season ticket holders will receive the refund into their bank account, while those who have an advance ticket will receive an e-voucher to use against the cost of a future rail ticket.

If you are applying for a refund, bear in mind that there is generally a time limit of 28 days.

Can I get a refund if I miss a big event due to train strikes?

You are unlikely to get a refund from the train operator should you be unable to make any big event that you have booked as a result of the train strikes.

“You may be able to get a refund if you purchased added insurance when buying your ticket, but often, claiming on these is very difficult as they have so many conditions to meet before you qualify for a refund,” says James.

Your options really are to gift or sell on your ticket. Resale services are offered by some ticket providers, though obviously if you don’t manage to sell the ticket, you miss out entirely.

James adds: “It’s also worth noting that if you booked a hotel and you can no longer get to the event, you should be able to cancel it if there was a 48-hour cancellation policy. So, check your emails to see what you signed up for.”

Can I get a refund for additional costs incurred because of the rail strike?

You won’t be able to claim a refund for any additional costs you may face such as having to pay for a taxi as part of your overall trip or a night in a hotel if you’re unable to get home. National Rail said it won’t cover these additional costs.