Ticket On Departure (TOD)

Learn how to effortlessly collect your tickets at the station, ensuring a smooth and convenient travel experience.

What is Ticket on Departure (ToD)?

A Ticket on Departure (TOD) is a service offered by some train stations in the UK that allows you to collect your pre-booked train tickets at an automated machine instead of needing to collect them in advance or queue at the ticket office upon arrival.

How to Book TOD tickets:

1. Choose a TOD Station:
Not all stations offer TOD services. Check the National Rail website (https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/) to see if your departure station provides TOD.

2. Book Your Tickets Online:
When booking your train tickets online, ensure the option for "Ticket on Departure" is selected during checkout. See the example of ToD selected on the app below.

Selecting ToD
Source: TrainSplit iOS app

Screenshot 2024 04 18 at 17.25.22
Source: TrainSplit site

3. Collect Your Tickets at the Station:
Locate the designated TOD machines at the station. These are typically self-service machines with clear instructions on the screen.

4. Enter Your Booking Reference:
The machine will ask you to enter your booking reference number, which you'll find on your confirmation email.

5. Insert a Payment Card to Unlock Your Tickets: While you won't be charged for using the TOD machine, you will need to insert a valid payment card (debit or credit) to verify your booking and unlock your tickets for printing. The card will not be charged.

6. Collect Your Tickets and Travel!
Once you've entered your booking reference, the machine will dispense your paper tickets. 
Please ensure that all tickets have been counted and received before moving away from the machine. The receipt should indicate the number of coupons printed. Remember, the receipt itself does not count as a coupon.

Now you're ready to board your train!

Important Information:

  • Plan Your Time: Allow yourself enough time! Collect your tickets at least 20 minutes before your departure time to avoid any last-minute rush. We are not responsible if you miss your train due to delays in collecting your tickets.
  • Check TOD facilities and station opening hours here. Ensure to check station opening hours, especially for early morning collections.
  • Ticket Possession: You must have your tickets with you when you board the train

Collection Options:

  • Self-service ticket machines.
  • Ticket office.

Problems and Solutions:

  • Lost, stolen, or replaced your payment card? No worries – you can still collect your tickets using a different card. Just ensure it has a magnetic strip on the back.
  • If tickets are missing from the machine, flag down station staff for immediate assistance. Follow the steps below.

    What to Do If Tickets Are Missing from the Machine

    1. Verify the number of printed coupons on the collection receipt. Remember, the receipt itself doesn't count as a coupon. Check your itinerary to identify the missing ticket.
    2. If there are missing coupons, flag down station staff without leaving the machine unattended.
    3. Reach into the machine to check if any tickets are stuck in the chute.
    4. Report any faults with the machine immediately. Note that the machines at the station are managed by the train companies, not TrainSplit.

    Lost/ Misplaced Tickets:

    If you are unable to locate a printed ticket, then you will need to purchase a new one for your journey. Printed tickets cannot be replaced, and refunds are not available for missing tickets.

    How to Book TOD on the TrainSplit App

    Check out the video below to see a step-by-step guide on how to book tickets with the TOD option selected.

    TrainSplit's Recommendation:

    Consider E-Tickets for a hassle-free experience. Print at home or download onto your smartphone, ensuring you're ready for your journey. Discover the convenience of E-Tickets with TrainSplit.

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