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.