travel train without ticket

What Happens if You Travel on a Train Without Tickets?

Many people worldwide rely on the railway system to get where they need to go, whether they’re going on vacation or to work. Train tickets can be bought online or at a manned station. So, what happens if you travel on a train without tickets?

Traveling on a train without a ticket can result in being asked to buy a ticket on-board which will include an extra fee. You might receive a hefty fine, asked to get off at the next available station, or the police will be called to remove and possibly arrest you in some rare cases.

In this article, I’ll discuss what happens if you travel on a train without a ticket, why it’s always best to buy a train ticket in advance, train-hopping, and some more exciting train facts.

Possible Outcomes of Traveling on a Train Without a Ticket

Traveling on a train without a ticket is risky and can have various outcomes depending on the railroad and the conductor. Always apologize and be friendly towards the conductor as you are in the wrong, and being argumentative will only worsen your situation.

Here are some possible outcomes you might want to prepare yourself for:

• If you don’t have a ticket and are caught, the conductor will most likely allow you to purchase a ticket on board. Sometimes buying a ticket on-board will include a penalty fee.
• If you have no means of paying for a ticket, you may be offered the opportunity to pay later. In this instance, your information will be recorded and kept on record until paid. Don’t try to travel on a train again until your outstanding fee is paid, as you may be arrested.
• If you don’t have money or the option to buy a ticket, you’ll be asked to get off of the train at the next stop. This could be highly problematic as you might not know where you are or have any way of getting back home or your destination.
• Receiving a hefty fine is possible and can cost you between $250 and $1,000.
• There’s also a chance that the conductor will alert the authorities and that you might be arrested and even charged for “theft” of services.

Can You Get on a Train Without a Ticket?

You can get on a train and travel without a ticket to your destination, but it’s not recommended. There’s a chance that the conductor might not ask to see your ticket, and you get away with traveling for free, but there’s also a big chance that you’ll be caught.

It’s risky to travel on a train without a ticket as it’s illegal, and although some conductors and railroads might be lenient, not all will be, and you’ll have to deal with the consequences if you’re caught.

Buying Train Tickets

It’s always best to buy your train ticket in advance, whether traveling across the country or going to your job. Booking your ticket in advance will ensure that you get to choose the best time and date for your trip and will usually cost you less. 

If you didn’t know that you were going to be traveling, it’s still best to see if you can book your ticket online as this will ensure that you don’t have to pay extra fees from boarding a train without a ticket.

Different Ways To Buy Train Tickets

The best and easiest way to buy a train ticket is online or using the Amtrak app. You can pay for your booking using your credit or debit card as well as PayPal and guest reward points.

If you don’t have the option of buying your ticket online, you can buy it at an Amtrak Quik-Trak kiosk or the station before boarding the train. You can also book your ticket by phone or through a travel agent.

Train Hopping

Train hopping is illegal and dangerous, but people are still doing it worldwide. Also known as train surfing, it means that people ride on the outside of a train.

It started many years ago and became popular after the American Civil war and people used to train hop as a means to get where they were going. There are still some poor and homeless people doing it today.

Train hopping has in recent years become an exciting activity for adrenaline junkies who also jump on and off moving trains. It is extremely dangerous as there are many factors to consider, not just being caught.

Anybody riding on the outside of a train, whether on the side or on the roof, is at great risk of injury or even death. Train hoppers have to be aware of their environment at all times and watch out for bridges, tunnels, other trains, power lines, and many more dangers that can harm them.

If a train hopper comes into contact with an electrical line, they’ll be electrocuted, which is a life-threatening incident. Train surfers can also lose limbs or be fatally injured by coming into contact with another train or any objects along the way.

It’s extremely dangerous to jump on and off a moving train, and if not timed correctly, it can lead to devastating results, such as the person falling underneath the train.

If, however, you manage to survive the journey without picking up any injuries, you still have to worry about being caught as well. Train hopping is illegal, and if caught, you can be fined or even arrested.

You can watch this interesting YouTube video if you want to learn more about train surfing:

Final Thoughts on Traveling on a Train Without Tickets

Traveling on a train without a ticket is illegal and can lead to being asked to get off the train, fined, and even arrested. Buy your train ticket ahead of time to ensure that you get to your destination on time and save money.

You can buy a ticket online, with an app, or at the train station, and you can easily pay with a credit card or cash.

Traveling on a train without a ticket might look like a good option if you are out of money, but it might cost you more in the long run.

I've been everywhere, man. Crossed the deserts bare, man. I've breathed the mountain air, man. Of travel, I've had my share, man. I've been everywhere!

Major and Minor Penalties in Railway

Passengers with short distance tickets found traveling in a coach reserved for long distance passengers..

A passenger holding a ticket for a short distance, found travelling in a coach reserved for long distance passengers, will be asked to vacate the coach at the station of detection unless he pays the difference between the fare for the minimum permissible distance for travelling in that coach and the fare paid.

Passengers with short distance tickets found traveling by restricted trains.

Where the distance between the station at which the passenger entrains and the destination of the train itself is less than the minimum distance prescribed for the train, he will be liable to pay the difference between the fare paid and the fare for the minimum distance.

But a passenger who holds a ticket for a station beyond the restricted distance and detrains short of the minimum distance, travel upto which is restricted, is not to be penalized in any manner.

Persons travelling in Postal Vans.

Railway Mail Service staff are supplied with metal tokens for travelling in postal vans. Any person in a postal van who is unable to produce his token, must be treated as a passenger travelling without ticket in a first class compartment. The matter should also be reported to the Divisional Commercial Superintendent for taking up with the postal authorities.

Mendicants travelling without ticket.

Faqirs, Sadhus and other Mendicants, who travel without ticket and have no money, should be sent up for trial under section 137, and not under section 138 of the Railways Act, as they obviously intend to defraud the railway. The charge-sheets with which such persons are made over to the police, must be carefully prepared showing that prosecution is, to be undertaken under section 137 of the Railways Act.

Checking of tickets and passes of passengers travelling by Goods Trains.

Guards in charge of goods trains must check tickets and passes of passengers who travel in their brake vans to ensure that the tickets or passes are actually available for such travel. It should also be seen by the Guards that such passes/tickets are collected by the staff at destination stations.

Checking of tickets of lady passengers travelling in compartments reserved for ladies exclusively.

The checking of compartments reserved for females will ordinarily be done by Lady Ticket Collectors/Examiners. Male Ticket Collectors or Travelling Ticket Examiners must not enter "Females" compartments but may check their tickets from the platforms only.

Travelling without a pass or ticket.

Fare from the station which he has travelled or from the station which the train originally started or from the checking point with equal amount of excess charge subject to a minimum of Rs. 250/- upto the point of detection.

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How to Travel by Train Without a Ticket

Traveling by train without a ticket, also known as fare evasion, is a serious offense that can result in fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. In most countries, fare evasion is punishable by law, and train operators have a number of measures in place to prevent it. Here are some tips for avoiding fare evasion and traveling by train legally:

• Purchase a ticket: The most straightforward way to avoid fare evasion is to purchase a ticket before boarding the train. You can do this at a ticket office, through an online booking platform, or at a ticket machine. Make sure to have your ticket with you at all times during your journey and be prepared to show it to ticket inspectors if requested.
• Use a valid travel pass: If you have a valid travel pass, such as a season ticket or a railcard, you can use this to travel on the train instead of purchasing a separate ticket. Make sure to have your pass with you at all times and be prepared to show it to ticket inspectors if requested.
• Use a contactless payment card: Some train operators now accept contactless payment cards as a valid form of ticket. Simply tap your card on the reader when you board the train and you’ll be charged the appropriate fare.
• Consider alternative options: If you don’t want to purchase a ticket or use a travel pass, you may want to consider alternative modes of transport. This could include taking the bus, carpooling, or cycling.

In summary, the best way to avoid fare evasion and travel legally on the train is to purchase a ticket or use a valid travel pass. If you don’t have either of these options, you may want to consider alternative modes of transport. Remember, fare evasion is a serious offense that can result in fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record.

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Traveling by train here is how you can travel without a confirmed ticket.

If you have not been able to get a confirmed ticket due to any reason, as per Indian Railways rules, you may still travel using the waiting ticket. To use this option you have keep in mind that the waiting ticket should be obtained from the ticket window. Online unconfirmed tickets are not eligible for this option.

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What can happen if I am on a train without a valid ticket?

30 March 2015

If you do not have a valid ticket or a valid reason for not having one and you board the train, the train company has a number of options:  

The full fare can be charged for your journey

Under the  National Rail Conditions of Travel ,  you could be charged the full fare for the journey. Typical examples of being found aboard a train with an invalid ticket include:  where you have a ticket but have forgotten your Railcard; or where you have an Off-peak ticket but travel in the peak; or where you have an Advance ticket but are on the wrong train. In some instances you may be charged the full Anytime (peak hours) fare; in others, it may be the cheapest fare available for journeys made at that time.  

If staff on the train consider that your ticket is not valid and that a full fare should be charged you can pay immediately and then, if desired, complain to the train operating company to seek redress. If you do not have the means to pay immediately – or if you choose to complain/appeal before paying – the inspector can issue an Unpaid Fare Notice (UFN). This is not a fine or a penalty but an ‘invoice’ for the fare for the train you are on. An Unpaid Fares Notice is different from a Penalty Fare.  

You can be issued a Penalty Fare

Penalty fares were originally introduced to tackle ticketless travel on suburban services whose frequent stops made effective on-train ticket examination impractical. They have since been introduced to other services. They require the passenger to provide a valid reason for not having a ticket. Penalty fares are not in use on all train routes, and where they are in use signs at stations should make this clear to passengers.  

If you are in a designated Penalty Fares area and you are not able to produce a valid ticket for inspection you are liable to pay £100 plus the price of the full single fare.   If paid within 21 days the charge will be reduced to £50 plus the price of the full single fare if applicable.  If you feel that you should not have been issued a penalty fare you may appeal.  Details of the appeals procedure are shown on the penalty fare notice issued to you.

Prosecution for fare evasion

The  Railway Byelaws  make it an offence to travel without holding a valid ticket and being able to show it on request. A breach of this bylaw is a criminal offence and, if found guilty, you would be subject to a fine An operator can also prosecute for ‘intent to avoid a rail fare’ under the Regulation of Railways Act 1889, s.5 (3) and you may be fined or sentenced to imprisonment for up to three months.   

If you are being prosecuted you may wish to seek legal advice.

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How To Travel By Train Without A Confirmed Ticket, Know Rules And Regulations

Many people are not aware that they can buy tickets from the platform and travel with that ticket. you can board the train and still buy the ticket later..

New Delhi: Generally, to travel by train you have to make reservation months in advance. For reservation, there are two ways that you can book. Tickets can be booked either through the reservation window or online. But what to do if you have to travel at the very last minute?

Most people consider 'tatkal' tickets as the only option for this. However, not many are aware that you can travel by train after purchasing a ticket from the platform.

How To Travel By Platform Ticket

There is no need to panic if you don't have a reservation. You can board a train with a platform ticket and can get it easily by going to the ticket checker. The person boarding the train with the platform ticket will have to contact the TTE immediately and get a current ticket made for his destination.

Know Rules Before Travelling

Sometimes you won't get a reserved seat when there's a full reservation but you'll be still allowed to travel in the train compartment. If you don't have a reservation, you will be fined Rs 250 along with the price of the destination ticket. 

Fare Applicable From Station You Bought Platform Ticket

The platform ticket gives the passenger the right to board the train. The advantage of platform tickets is that the passenger's fare will be calculated by determining the station from where he/she has bought the platform ticket. The same station will be validated while charging the fare. The class (1AC, 2AC, 3AC etc) will also determine the total fare of the travel.

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Amtrak Booking: 14 Tips & Tricks To Know When Planning A Train Trip

• Research Amtrak routes, amenities, and prices to plan a comfortable trip and save money on tickets. Use the Amtrak Trip Map to understand the train's journey.
• Take advantage of Amtrak's everyday discounts for various groups, such as children, students, veterans, and people with disabilities. Check the "Everyday Discounts" page for eligibility.
• Look for time-sensitive deals on Amtrak's dedicated deals page. These deals offer discounts on tickets, double points, and special offers for specific destinations or times. Choose from a variety of deals to save money on ticket prices.

One of the finest ways to tour the United States is via Amtrak train. Whether seeing scenic views along the most beautiful Amtrak route or enjoying one of the many amazing Amtrak routes for foodies , passengers enjoy a greater standard of luxury than they would on a bus or some airlines.

There are a few things first-timers should be aware of with Amtrak if they are considering traveling in the United States by train. The following tips and tricks will help travelers book their Amtrak tickets in the easiest way at the most affordable price, as well as help them boost their comfort and convenience levels on their vacation. There's no better travel than via a train!

UPDATE: 2023/10/02 21:28 EST BY REENA JAIN

Four More Tips & Tricks For Amtrak Booking

Amtrak stands out as one of the more affordable modes of transportation, and there are a number of ways to save money while making reservations. In light of this, we have updated this list to include four more tips and tricks every passenger should be aware of before booking Amtrak tickets. Have fun, and enjoy the ride!

Related: California Zephyr Vs. Southwest Chief: Which Amtrak Train Route Is More Scenic?

Research For Amtrak Train Routes And Prices

Get a thorough understanding of Amtrak train routes and prices before purchasing a ticket. Discover how to take the train from the starting point to the destination by exploring the Amtrak Trip Map . Learn about the locations and cities the train will travel through. Also, acquire a full picture of the amenities and services offered at the stations, such as checked baggage, Wi-Fi, accessibility, and more, and become acquainted with them. This allows one to plan a comfortable trip while also saving money on tickets.

Check Out For Everyday Discounts

Another surefire way to save money on ticket prices is to take advantage of Amtrak's numerous discounts based on a passenger's age or for membership in different organizations. Child tickets, students, veterans, military people and their families, government employees, and Rail Passengers Association members are all eligible for discounts. People with disabilities are also eligible for discounts. People with disabilities also get discounts. So, passengers must check Amtrak's " Everyday Discounts " page before reserving their tickets to see if they are eligible for any discounts.

Look For Bargains On Dedicated Deals Page

Amtrak regularly posts time-sensitive bargains on its dedicated deals page . And, believe it or not, some of these bargains are simply superb! These deals are unquestionably the best way to save money on Amtrak ticket prices. Some of these deals include discounts on purchasing a good number of tickets; some offer double points on Amtrak Guest Rewards; and others offer discounts to a particular location or at a particular time. There are a great number of deals to choose from. Aren't these deals incredible?

Bring Own Food And Alcoholic Beverages

Many trains provide one or more onboard eating options. Plus, passengers who use their Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred MasterCard to make food and beverage purchases onboard receive a 20% discount in the form of a statement credit. Thus, enjoying the onboard food is also rewarding. But those wishing to save money must bring their own food, water, and beverages (alcoholic stock as per Amtrak guidelines). Passengers can eat their food and non-alcoholic beverages in their seats, in their personal Sleeping Cars, and in the Sightseer Lounges. Nevertheless, they can only enjoy private stock in their Sleeping Car accommodations.

Book Amtrak Tickets In Advance & Purchase In The First "Buckets"

Amtrak offers a distinctive way to purchase train tickets that works well for early-bird tourists. Amtrak offers tickets in 'buckets,' with the lowest rates going on sale first, as opposed to the dynamic pricing matrix used by the majority of airlines. The next bucket, with a higher ticket price, is opened up after the allowed number of tickets for that price in the bucket has been sold out.

It is also preferable to schedule a trip as soon as travelers can because inexpensive tickets on busy days sell out the quickest (this is especially true for the most popular and busiest Amtrak routes ). Amtrak even offers discounts for travel up to two weeks in advance. If travelers make their reservations 14 days in advance, they may still be able to save up to 25% on their Amtrak fare.

An Amtrak rail ticket can be booked up to 11 months in advance.

Opt For The Best Days Of The Week To Book An Amtrak Ticket

Amtrak Train has special offers every week ; it is recommended to check to see what sales are being offered by the company on Tuesdays and Fridays. However, according to Money Saving Expert , purchasing train tickets 12 weeks before the departure date can potentially result in further savings.

Therefore, travelers are recommended to continuously check the offers and ticket prices to get the cheapest tickets!

• Cheapest days to book Amtrak: Tuesday and Friday

Be Flexible When Buying Amtrak Tickets

Similarly to other means of travel, flexibility is necessary if travelers are looking for the lowest fares. Sometimes, buying an Amtrak ticket on a certain day can cost them additional fees than the day before or after.

Consequently, if travelers are not limited by time and can postpone or schedule their trips earlier, it is guaranteed that their flexibility will pay off and save them some money.

Related: Empire Builder: What Makes This Amtrak Route One Of The Most Scenic In The U.S.

Book Tickets On The Official Amtrak Website Or App

One of the many things to know about Amtrak is that the easiest way to buy a train ticket is online at Amtrak.com . Travelers can also use their Amtrak mobile app. If they are old school or just like speaking to real people and find it easier, they may still buy their tickets at the ticket counter at any Amtrak station.

Also, not only is it easier to buy Amtrak tickets online or via the app, but it's also cheaper since travelers normally get the best rates. In addition, passengers can sometimes avail of discounts and special deals when they use the official Amtrak website and Amtrak app. Waiting until one gets to the station typically entails paying the highest price since Amtrak tickets increase in cost as seats are booked and the departure date gets closer.

Study All Amtrak Seating Options Before Purchasing A Ticket

Travelers may choose from a variety of seating arrangements while traveling by Amtrak train. Additionally, there are several alternatives for sleeping cars. They can select a Roomette, a Bedroom, an Accessible Bedroom, a Bedroom Suite, or a Family Bedroom according to the train they are on.

Travelers may also browse images and the specifications of each seat or sleeper car on the Amtrak official website to know more about their seating options.

• Some seat types on Amtrak trains: First Class, Business, Coach, and Sleeper Cars

Book The Appropriate Trip Duration When Buying An Amtrak Ticket

When travelers buy their tickets, they have a lot of various scheduling options accessible to them. One train, for instance, may go to its final station in just ten hours and without any stops. However, there may also be a few different itineraries that take 15 to 20 hours and have layovers.

Therefore, Amtrak riders should decide on the destinations they would like to visit before booking their tickets. That way, they can make a sightseeing vacation out of their train journey. Alternatively, if they want to get straight to their destination, booking an Amtrak train with minimal stops is better.

Related: The Joy Of Train Travel: Unwind & Relax With These Top 10 Amtrak Sleeper Train Routes

Download The Amtrak App

If travelers want to make their trip more efficient, they can install the Amtrak application on their smartphones. It is a useful tool for booking an Amtrak ticket and later showing it instead of printing it, finding a station at a certain location, and checking the status of a train.

Additionally, travelers will never need to be concerned about losing out on crucial information.

• Mobile operating systems: The Amtrak app is compatible with Android, Windows, and iPhone.

Participate In The Amtrak Guest Rewards Program

A terrific method to get free class upgrades, hotel and rental car savings, and access to travel bargains is through Amtrak's free rewards program. Getting started with the program is free and just takes a few minutes.

Even if travelers do not book a trip frequently, it is a good idea to join up for Amtrak Guest Rewards since any points they earn are valid for two years as long as there is activity on their account.

Know Amtrak Baggage Limits

Before travelers get to the train station to book a ticket and board, it is crucial to be aware of how much luggage they may carry. In this manner, they steer clear of snags and unanticipated costs. There are baggage allowances of two personal items and two carry-on bags per Amtrak traveler.

Each traveler is also permitted to carry up to 4 checked baggage with them . The first two items are free with the purchase of admission. However, any extra bag after that will cost extra fees.

• Amtrak Baggage Cost: $20 per additional bag

Choose An Amtrak Sleeper Bedroom Or Roomette For The Most Comfortable Experience

Although there are several booking options, as mentioned earlier, the most comfortable way to travel on long-distance trains is to reserve an Amtrak Roomette or Bedroom (and there are differences between the two) .

Travelers should know that all dining car meals, free bottles of water, hot showers, soft drinks with ice, and hot coffee are all included in their reservations. A special sleeping car attendant will also be assigned to them.

Travelers should make sure to tip the sleeping car attendant.

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Indian Railways: Here’s how you can travel without confirmed ticket in train

As per Indian Railways rules, you can travel using the waiting ticket.

Hyderabad: Ahead of Diwali , getting a confirmed train ticket from Indian Railways can be challenging. At times, you don’t get a confirmed ticket even in the ‘tatkal’ ticket reservations system. However, there is a way you can still travel on Indian Railways trains without a confirmed ticket.

As per Indian Railways rules, you can travel using the waiting ticket. However, to avail of this option you need to get the waiting ticket offline at railway stations. Online unconfirmed tickets are not eligible for this option.

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Also, online unconfirmed ticket passengers are not allowed to travel inside the train as the ticket money is refunded to the passenger if the seat is not confirmed till the time of preparation of the departing train chart.

Once obtaining the waiting list or current booking ticket from the ticket window, the passenger can approach the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) of the train to find out whether any seat is still vacant after chart preparation.

The TTE cannot stop you from travelling by train if you have this ticket. Yet, the passenger won’t be getting a seat if the examiner says that no extra was left on the train.

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Amtrak Just Made It Easier to Book Trains with Points

Amtrak will now allow travelers to pay for tickets with a combination of points and cash.

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Amtrak will now allow travelers to pay for tickets with a combination of points and cash, making it easier to afford a trip by train.

Travelers who book with the rail company will now be presented with several different options combining cash and points to pay for their ticket, Amtrak shared with Travel + Leisure . Previously, travelers had to pay either entirely with points or entirely with cash. 

“With more redemption options and fewer points needed to redeem, it’s easier than ever for our valued Amtrak Guest Rewards customers to use their points for reward travel,” Amtrak’s  executive vice president and chief commercial officer Eliot Hamlisch said in a statement shared with T+L. “Amtrak Guest Rewards members enjoy exclusive benefits and an enhanced travel experience, and with Points & Cash, they now have a new way to redeem points earlier and more often.”

To use a combination of cash and points, customers should select the “use points” option in the search results and choose the itinerary they want to book. They will see up to four cash and points options on the payment screen.

Travelers will continue to earn both Amtrak Guest Rewards and Tier Qualifying Points on the cash portion of their ticket. 

Amtrak , which had its first-ever points sale earlier this year, rewards members of its loyalty program with two points for every dollar spent on travel, offers a 25 percent point bonus for business class travel, and a 50 percent point bonus for Acela first class travel. The program is free to sign up for. 

Travelers who receive tier status with the rail company are then eligible for bonuses like upgrades and lounge access.

Amtrak isn’t alone in recently allowing travelers to pay with a combination of cash and points. Last month, Southwest rolled out a similar option , allowing passengers to combine cash with as few as 1,000 points when booking flights.

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Why commuters are choosing to travel ticketless on locals

The western railway caught 5,274 people travelling without valid tickets in just three days of fortress checking, earning revenue of ₹13.93 lakh in fines. the railway plans to conduct surveys and speak to passenger associations to address the issue. some reasons for ticketless travel include a lack of sufficient ticket collectors and the habit of travelling without tickets developed during the pandemic. the railway is also exploring digital payment options for fines and improving monitoring of people's movement at stations..

The Western Railway (WR) has caught 5,274 people travelling without valid tickets or ticketless in just three different days of its fortress checking – where ticket collectors (TCs) would block all entry and exit points to the station and move inside the trains. This drive earned WR a revenue of ₹ 13.93 lakh which was collected as fines.

On September 30, a group of TCs found 1,647 errant commuters at Dadar station. The number jumped to 2,693 when the drive was conducted at Andheri station on October 3. Two days later, on October 5, AC locals on the Bandra-Mumbai Central route were checked between 7am and 2pm. As many as 934 people were found without tickets and were fined ₹ 2.57 lakh. The exercise involved 186 TCs who guarded each door of the train. On Friday, checks were carried out at Virar station from 2pm to 10pm.

People not wanting to buy train tickets that hardly cost anything is certainly a problem, said A V Shenoy, a transport expert and member of Mumbai Mobility Forum.

“This is more of a social issue. The railway should conduct a survey to find the reason. They should also speak to passenger associations,” he said.

A senior railway official, who did not wish to be named, said some of those who were caught without tickets said since they did not find adequate TCs posted on trains and platforms, they took the chance. “Even some reasoned that paying fines once in 15-30 days is better than buying tickets after standing in a long queue.”

Another reason, a WR official said, was that after Covid-19, it had become a habit to travel without tickets. During the pandemic there were cases when people, who were barred from travelling in public transport, used to take the local trains, he said.

“This habit seems to be continuing. They are okay to pay fines rather than standing in long queues. Even though there are options to buy tickets on UTS mobile app, the growth seems slow, yet it is steady,” the official added.

Besides, some of the ticketless commuters were insisting on paying fines digitally as they were hardly carrying cash after Covid-19 and the government was also pushing for this mode of payment, officials said. However, on-ground staff were facing difficulties on account of this, they added.

“The railway should ensure that people can pay through digital forms. At least some QR code-based device should be provided to TCs,” Kailash Verma, president of Mumbai Rail Users Cell, said.

Nandkumar Deshmukh, president of Federation of Suburban Railway Passengers Association, said the heavy crowd at ticket windows discourages many from buying tickets. “The multiple entry and exit points at railway stations is also an issue and so is controlling and monitoring people’s movement.”

Every station is mapped with drawings. But despite having designated entry and exit points, illegal ones crop up, which is a cause for concern. For instance, at stations like Dadar, Andheri and Borivali there are 13, 13 and 22 entry and exit points respectively. During the eight-hour fortress checking, all points were manned and TCs stood as human chains on foot overbridges.

In the last 10-12 days, around 200 TCs inspected railway stations daily on alternate days. On the remaining days, a group of 25 TCs spread out in eight different stations in hunt for ticketless commuters. These TCs are apart from the regular ticket-checking staff who are present at the stations.

Sources said the number of ticket-checking staff in Mumbai division of WR had dropped from 1,100 to 700-750. In the past there used to be 250-300 TCs dedicated to Mumbai’s suburban stations and local trains, which has dipped to 150. These TCs now manage both long-distance and local trains.

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If I travel without a ticket on Indian railways, what is the penalty I’ll have to pay?

A Penalty Fare works out to either or twice the full single fare to the next station at which your train stops (whichever is the greater amount). In addition, if you choose to continue on the train after paying the Penalty Fare, you may be charged the full single fare to your destination station.

Lowest penalty is Rs.250 + the ticket charges. If TC prima facie find that you are intentionally traveling without ticket then fine is around 1260 Rupees. He/She shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to 1000/- rupees, or with both.

How much is a Penalty Fare?

A Penalty Fare works out to either £20 or twice the full single fare to the next station at which your train stops (whichever is the greater amount).

In addition, if you choose to continue on the train after paying the Penalty Fare, you may be charged the full single fare to your destination station.

When can I be charged with a Penalty Fare?

You may have to pay a Penalty Fare if you:

1. travel without a valid ticket 2. are unable to produce an appropriate Railcard for a discount ticket 3. travel in First Class accommodation with a Standard ticket 4. are aged 16 or over, travelling on a child rate ticket 5. travel beyond the destination on your ticket.

Must Know These Before Traveling Without Ticket

1. This facility is available for only general/unreserved class tickets only.

2. Passengers have to give a proper reason for why they didn’t take a ticket before boarding the train.

3. If your board a train without a ticket, there is no need to pay any penalty.But you should pay for ticket price with Rs.10 of extra charge.

4. Ticket less Passengers should take a receipt from TT before their destination. If anyone caught in the station, they have to pay the penalty.

© Ravindra Kumar.

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Slow travel: Discovering the best of Brittany without a car

Jun 26, 2024 • 5 min read

Taking the train and bus around Brittany is a delightful way to see the best of this French region © Franz Aberham / Getty Images

Our slow travel series explores how you can take more mindful journeys by train, boat, bus or bike – with tips on how to reach your no-fly destination, and what to see and do along the way. Here, Rebecca Crowe explains how she explored the northern- French region of Brittany and beyond using the extensive public transport network.  

Visit Brittany , and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Colorful timbered buildings, medieval forts and worn cobblestone streets all but dare you to slow down and savor the details as you explore. 

Other than a friend who currently lives in the region, I knew next to nothing about (or no one in) Brittany. Yet as a budget traveler who loves to get away from the crowds, the region’s numerous small towns, each with its own culinary heritage and history, intrigued me. So I set off – sustainably. 

The departure 

Gateway to Brittany, the striking Gare de Rennes is where you can catch a train, city bus or metro, or long-distance coach. It’s packed with a mix of commuters striding confidently towards their destination, tourists huddled around translator apps and maps, and day trippers staring up at the departure boards. Skipping the ticket office, most travelers map their routes and buy their tickets using SCNF Connect . This invaluable app turned out to be my constant companion during my Brittany trip. 

The journey

Trains in Brittany are double-decker style, with plush seating, ambient temperatures and sometimes even a cafe car. A journey on the rails tends to be a relatively quiet and relaxing affair, with everyone absorbed in their own thing. 

By comparison, buses can feel a little like going on a school trip. The bus driver checks your tickets and throws any large baggage underneath. As you settle into your seat, the wi-fi you keep sniffing stops working as soon as you connect to it. The seat quality varies, but given how reasonable seats are compared to the train, you’ll be fine for a couple of hours – and have plenty of pastry money left over. 

Brittany abounds with intriguing destinations. On the way to popular Brest, a naval town in the far west, you might stop in charming St-Brieuc, which has colorful streets, hiker-friendly coastal trails and a fabulous art deco chapel . Alternatively, you could jump on a train or bus to Quimper, known for its majestic Gothic cathedral , stopping along the way at Lorient in coastal Morbihan, where a Celtic festival draws crowds each August. 

I opted to start in the coastal town of Vannes, whose half-timbered buildings, medieval ramparts and expansive views out onto the water are the stuff of fairy tales. I wouldn’t have been surprised to see someone emerging from one of the town’s delicious galette restaurants singing a song. 

Next, a visit to Mont St-Michel Bay. While the magical island whose famous abbey pierces the sky lies inside the boundaries of Normandy , the sweeping bay that protects it is shared with Brittany . 

Since Mont St-Michel is one of the region's biggest tourist attractions, it’s always busy – so make sure to book your bus tickets in advance. It is well worth joining the crowds and getting lost in the winding streets that spiral up and around the island. Top-tier seafood tempts, too, with mussels harvested directly from the bay in front of you. It doesn’t get fresher or more quintessentially French than this.

The arrival

Arriving in different Breton towns is always a bit of an adventure. Many have small train stations on the outskirts of the center. While they do the job, don’t expect free wi-fi and many amenities as you wait for your onward leg.

Arriving at two-platform Vannes train station, for instance, you instantly feel a small-town vibe before the 15-minute walk to the town center. Departing Vannes by bus means huddling with a crowd as you wait in a large parking lot.  

The main parking area and bus stop at Mont Saint St-Michel are almost 3km (2 miles) from the island, requiring a lengthy walk or shuttle (departures every 12 minutes). Give yourself plenty of time to get back given the thousands of visitors queuing up for the shuttle. In the end, it was quicker for me to walk back to the bus stop than to wait for the ride. 

All these logistics added to the sense of adventure. Walking into a town from its outskirts takes you past local scenes: of seniors catching up over a coffee and a pastry, and kids riding their bikes to school. When you’re dropped off in the center of a town, by contrast, you’re greeted with kitschy souvenir shops and gaggles of tour guides explaining history loudly in English, with tourists spinning around trying to get their bearings from their phones. That walk from the station is the perfect complement to slow travel: taking in the journey, truly embracing a place and tapping that thrilling sense of exploration.

How to make it happen 

Tickets from Rennes to Vannes start from €10, with routes to Mont St-Michel around €25. You can easily buy bus and train tickets through SCNF Connect or at the station. I booked the day before travel with no issue – but during peak season, book well in advance.

Food and drink

Some trains, including the TGV to Mont St-Michel, have a food and bar car – but it’s not cheap. It’s always best to pack your own food and drink for the journey, especially if you’re on the bus instead of the train.

Facilities 

You’ll find wi-fi onboard most buses and trains, but it tends to be unreliable. You’re better off relaying on an eSIM if you need to stay connected. There’s also plenty of luggage storage on both, as well as toilets – yet as you might imagine, they’re not always, um, pristine.

Anything else? 

Bus journey times are often a suggestion; some of my legs arrived about 20 minutes early, with others 10 to 15 minutes late. Give yourself plenty of time to spare at if you have activities or onward travel booked.

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Transperth is fining school kids for not having a valid ticket, despite travel being 'free'

Transperth has handed out more than 1,300 fines to school students for travelling without tickets, at the same time as offering them free public transport.

Since the start of the school year all primary and secondary students have been able to travel for free, as long as they tag on and off with a student SmartRider.

The government has pitched the program as a cost-of-living measure which could save parents up to $280 a year on public transport fares.

But figures presented to parliament show 1,353 fines have been issued between the start of February and the start of May for those who didn't tag on.

Each infringement would be worth $100.

Officers told not to fine students

The Public Transport Authority said it had "advertised comprehensively" the requirement for young people to have a valid student SmartRider and started the program with a "grace period" to allow for students to be issued with new cards.

"Accurate patronage data is essential in helping us run the network efficiently and track the effectiveness of initiatives like this," spokesman David Hynes said in a statement.

Mr Hynes said the PTA's guidance to officers was that "students travelling in uniform on school days should not receive infringements for ticket-related offences".

Despite that guidance though, he said officers could not exercise discretion when issuing ticketing infringements "in the interest of fairness and consistency".

"In a very small number of cases, where the offenders have had a history of not having a valid ticket and/or repeated misconduct on the network, such as disorderly behaviour, transit officers may issue an infringement to trigger diversionary options (such as engagement with support agencies) available under the Young Offenders Act," he said.

"The number of infringements issued since the start of the program is less than 1,400, which represents just 0.018 per cent of the more than 7.3 million student SmartRider boardings in the same period."

Green MP Brad Pettitt, whose question in parliament revealed the tally of fines – as well as 741 handed out to young people during a period of free transport during summer – said he was surprised how high the tallies were.

"You've got government talking about saving families money, around kids fares and public transport, but then you've got 2,000 families copping a $100 fine during a cost-of-living crisis," he said.

"It would have been much fairer and much more reasonable to at least give warnings, and certainly encouragement towards SmartRiders."

Fines 'counterproductive'

The PTA did not answer questions from the ABC about how many infringements had subsequently been appealed or cancelled.

"Individuals who receive infringements can lodge an appeal, and each case is assessed on its merits," Mr Hynes said.

Dr Pettitt said he hoped Transport Minister Rita Saffioti would step in to reverse the fines and refund those who had already paid them.

"This idea that you jump straight in and start fining children is deeply counterproductive," he said.

"What you want is people seeing public transport as a good, easy, friendly alternative to using cars. And unfortunately, I think this just makes public transport one of those things that you're in danger of actually children having bad experiences with [and] not using later in life."

A period of free public transport for all West Australians between the end of December and the end of January resulted in 3,971 fines being issued . 

That period was credited with increasing patronage by 40 per cent above the previous summer.

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Opal fare changes from 1 July

From Monday 1 July , Opal fares across the network will increase by an average of 3.6 per cent, in line with the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) movement.

What isn’t changing:

• Weekly travel caps. Weekly fares will still be capped at $50 for Adults and $25 for Child/Youth and Concession card holders, while Seniors and Pensioners with a Gold Opal card will not be charged more than $2.50 per day.
• Friday and weekend caps will continue to be half price.
• Transfer discounts for switching between modes within 1 hour will still apply.
• Short bus and light rail journey fares up to 3km will also remain unchanged.

Changes from July 1:

• There will be increases to most Opal fares, single trip tickets and some daily caps. The average impact of the Opal fare change will be a 3.6 per cent increase.
• Adult Opal customers will have a daily travel cap of $18.70 Monday to Thursday, and $9.35 Friday to Sunday and public holidays. Child/Youth and Concession Opal customers will have a daily cap of $9.35, and a weekend (including Fridays) and public holidays daily cap of $4.65.
• The Sydney Airport Station Access Fee set by the Airport Link Company for customers using the Domestic and International Airport train stations will increase to $17.34 for Adults and $15.50 for Child/Youth, Concessions and Senior fares. Passengers travelling regularly to airport stations can access a weekly access fee cap of $35.16 for Adults and $31.51 for Child/Youth, Concessions and Senior fare paying passengers. 

Opal fare caps from 1 July 2024

Learn more about Opal fares  and plan your trip .

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Our top picks for the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards

Comparing the best travel credit cards with no annual fee, more info on our top picks for no-annual-fee travel credit cards: editorial reviews, what is a travel credit card with no annual fee, who should get a no-annual-fee travel credit card, pros and cons of travel credit cards with no annual fee, how to choose the best travel credit card with no annual fee, how to apply for a travel credit card with no annual fee  , are no-annual-fee travel credit cards worth it, faqs: best travel credit cards with no annual fee.

Best Travel Credit Cards With No Annual Fee for 2024

• Travel credit cards make it easy to earn points, miles or cash back on your most common travel expenses.
• Several travel credit cards have no annual fees, making them even more valuable.
• Our top picks for the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards include the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card , Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card , Hilton Honors American Express Card , and Chase Freedom Unlimited® among others.
• A travel credit card with no annual fee may not be a great fit for your needs if you only travel once or twice a year.
• Cards with no annual fees may have foreign transaction fees, so check the terms of each card carefully if you plan to travel internationally.

Travel credit cards help you earn free hotel stays, airline discounts and other valuable benefits. Add in no annual fee on top of this and you can maximize the value of your travel credit card and enjoy even more benefits on your next vacation. 

Before you apply for a travel card with no annual fee, it’s important to compare your options. To make the process easier, we reviewed seven no-annual-fee travel credit cards to determine which ones pack the biggest punch in terms of interest rates, fees and other considerations.

Join us as we look at the best travel credit card with no annual fee based on the following criteria:

• Earning rates on popular travel categories
• Status matching with hotel and airline loyalty programs
• Reward redemption methods

Our top picks for the best travel credit cards with no annual fee

• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for simple rewards
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Best for Delta SkyMiles® loyalists
• Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best for loyal Hilton customers
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Best for loyal IHG customers
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for extra benefits
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for road trips in the U.S.
• United Gateway℠ Card: Best for United Airlines loyalists

Best for simple rewards

Capital one ventureone rewards credit card.

Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Card Details

More card info

• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR.
• Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
• Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• No annual fee
• Intro APR offer
• Low spending requirement for welcome offer
• Good or excellent credit recommended
• Few travel perks

Best for Delta SkyMiles® loyalists

Delta skymiles® blue american express card.

Earn 2X miles on Delta purchases, 2X miles at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), and 1X miles on all other eligible purchases.

• Pay with Miles: take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
• Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Terms Apply.
• 20% in-flight savings
• Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
• Low earning rate
• No free checked bags
• No priority boarding

Best for loyal Hilton customers

Hilton honors american express card.

Earn 7X Hilton Honors Points on eligible Hilton purchases, 5X points on eligible U.S. restaurant, U.S. supermarket, and U.S. gas station purchases, and 3X on all other eligible purchases.

• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
• Automatic Hilton Silver status
• 20% bonus points on eligible stays
• Low point redemption value
• Need good or excellent credit to qualify
• Fewer perks than some travel cards

Best for loyal IHG customers

Ihg one rewards traveler credit card.

Earn up to 17x total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 3x points on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants, and 2x points on all other purchases.

Best for extra benefits

Chase freedom unlimited®.

Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Best for road trips in the U.S.

Blue cash everyday® card from american express.

Earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year spent at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 3% back on up to $6,000/year at U.S. gas stations (then 1%), 3% back on up to $6,000/year on online retail purchases (then 1%), and 1% back on all other eligible purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months after account opening, then 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
• 0% APR on eligible purchases for 15 months
• Generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations & online shopping
• Rewards cap on spending at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases
• 2.7% foreign transaction fee
• Low rewards rate outside of bonus categories

Best for United Airlines loyalists

United gateway℠ card.

Earn 2X miles on United purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting. Earn 1X miles on all other purchases.

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has everything you need to start any journey off on the right foot. New cardholders can get 20,000 bonus miles simply for spending $500 within three months of opening an account, a great deal for a no-annual-fee card. VentureOne Rewards also gives you 1.25x miles for every dollar spent and 5x miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel.

Although VentureOne Rewards has a generous welcome offer, it has a low reward rate on non-travel purchases, so there’s no opportunity to earn extra based on your other spending habits. It’s also reserved for consumers with excellent credit, so it can be difficult to get approved.

▶︎ Read more: Capital One VentureOne review

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is the best no-annual-fee travel credit card for loyal Delta Air Lines customers, as you get to rack up SkyMiles every time you make a purchase. You can use those miles to get free or discounted airfare, cover your checked bag fees, book with Delta Vacations or make in-flight purchases. We also love that the SkyMiles® Blue card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great fit for international travelers.

If you don’t fly frequently, or you prefer to book the cheapest tickets instead of staying loyal to one airline, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card probably isn’t the best fit. Most of the redemption options are Delta-focused, so you won’t be able to use many of your perks if you don’t take at least a few Delta flights per year.

▶︎ Read more: Delta SkyMiles Blue review

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is one of the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards because it helps you earn free nights and other perks at participating Hilton properties. This makes it a great fit for anyone loyal to Hilton over other hotel chains. You earn 7 points per dollar spent on all purchases made with participating Hilton hotels and resorts, 5 miles per dollar spent on dining and 5 miles per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Hilton Honors American Express Card is that many of the benefits relate to Hilton stays. If you take a lot of day trips rather than overnight ones, you may not be able to use your Hilton Honors Points often enough to justify having the card.

▶︎ Read more: Hilton Honors Amex review

IHG owns more than a dozen hotel brands, so the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card from Chase may be a good fit if you love to stay at IHG properties when you travel. This card gives you 80,000 bonus points if you spend at least $2,000 on purchases within three months of opening an account. You also earn up to 17 points for every dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts.

Although this card has plenty of perks, it may not be the best fit for your needs if you don’t travel often, or if you prefer to book with non-IHG hotel brands. You also have to spend at least $20,000 on the card each year to qualify for Gold Status with IHG’s loyalty program.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of the best travel cards with no annual fee because it gives you 5% back on all travel booked through the Chase Travel portal and 3% on purchases made at restaurants and drugstores. We love that this card comes with tons of extra benefits, such as a three-month DashPass subscription, 5% cash back on Lyft rides and a three-month Instacart+ membership.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card may not be the best fit if you prefer to book directly with travel vendors rather than using a dedicated travel portal. You also need good or excellent credit to qualify to get approved for this card.

▶︎ Read more: Chase Freedom Unlimited review

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express comes with access to the Global Assist® Hotline and complimentary car rental loss and damage insurance. Global Assist® connects you with trained professionals who can help you make travel plans. You also earn 3% back on your first $6,000 in purchases at U.S. gas stations each year (then 1%), making this card ideal for users who prefer to drive to their destinations instead of flying or taking public transportation.

Blue Cash Everyday makes it easy to earn cash back, but it has a limited number of travel benefits, so it may not be the right fit if you want to maximize your earnings on flights, hotel stays and other travel expenses. It also has a foreign transaction fee, so it’s not ideal for overseas travel.

▶︎ Read more: Amex Blue Cash Everyday review

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/​benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

The United Gateway℠ Card from Chase gives you 2 miles per dollar spent on all United Airlines purchases, making it ideal for users who always fly with United rather than using multiple airlines. Cardholders also get 2X miles on gas station purchases and local transit/commuting expenses.

Many card benefits, such as 25% cash back on in-flight food and drinks, only apply to United purchases. If you don’t book with United very often, you may benefit more from getting a different travel credit card with no annual fee.

No annual fee means you don’t pay a fee each year just to keep your account open. You may have to meet other account requirements, but there’s no cost to maintain your card. 

Travel credit cards give you points, miles and other rewards on common travel expenses, including airfare, hotel stays and train tickets. A no-annual-fee travel credit card gives you the best of both worlds. You can earn rewards based on your travel habits without paying money to keep your account active.

How do travel credit cards with no annual fee work?

When you have a credit card with an annual fee, you have to pay the same amount of money every year no matter how much you use the card. If you have a no-annual-fee credit card , you don’t have to pay a fee to keep your account open.

This is a major benefit for budget-conscious travelers who want to earn rewards without forking over cold, hard cash. If there’s no annual fee, there’s also no need to worry about using the card often enough to break even.

The best travel credit cards with no annual fee are ideal for casual travelers, as there’s no charge to keep your account active. If you don’t travel for a year or two, you don’t have to worry about getting charged for a dormant account.

These cards may also be a good fit for students studying abroad or users who don’t have a ton of experience managing credit. If you plan to study abroad, look for a student credit card with no annual fee that also doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees.

• Opportunities to earn points, miles or cash back on your travel expenses
• Access to partner benefits, such as status upgrades within hotel and rental car loyalty programs
• Ability to transfer rewards to partner companies
• May have limited benefits due to the lack of an annual fee
• General-purpose credit cards usually offer more redemption options
• Some companies require you to book through a branded portal to take advantage of your travel benefits

Keep these factors in mind as you search for the best credit card for travel with no annual fee.

Rewards credit cards for travel typically offer points, miles or cash back on each eligible purchase. You can use these rewards to pay for hotel stays, airfare, transit expenses and other travel costs.

Flexible travel options

Some cards have no blackout dates or other restrictions when using your rewards to make travel plans. Others require you to book through a third-party website or a dedicated portal, so you may not be able to cancel your plans without forfeiting your rewards.

The higher the APR on your credit card, the more interest you’ll pay if you don’t pay your balance by the end of your billing cycle. You can get cards with 0% APR , which allows you to make purchases and/or balance transfers at a rate that’s lower than the regular APR.

When comparing travel credit cards, watch out for steep fees such as balance transfer fees, cash advance fees or fees for late payments. Opt for cards with no foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad.

It’s common for travel credit cards to come with additional benefits, such as travel insurance, rental car coverage, shopping protections and extended warranty coverage. You may even qualify for complimentary memberships or statement credits.

Compare no-annual-fee cards with annual-fee cards

If you travel frequently, you may benefit more from having a credit card with an annual fee instead of a card with no annual fee. Annual fees typically offer higher earning rates and more benefits, like a fee credit for global entry or a card with airport lounge access .

Many travel credit cards require good or excellent credit scores . When you’re ready to apply, be prepared to provide your name, address, telephone number, annual income and monthly mortgage or rent payment. You’ll also need to enter your Social Security number on the application.

To apply for a card, visit the issuer’s website and follow the instructions on the form.

How to improve your chances of getting approved for a travel credit card with no annual fee

To improve your chances of approval, apply for a card that matches your credit profile. If your score is in the good range, you’re likely to be denied if you apply for a card that requires excellent scores. 

You can also try prequalifying or applying with a cosigner. If you prequalify for a card, the issuer has already reviewed some of the information on your credit reports and determined that you may fit their approval criteria. Note that prequalification doesn’t guarantee approval; it just makes it more likely.

A cosigner promises to pay back what you borrow if you can’t afford to make your payments. If you decide to apply with a cosigner, make sure the person you choose has a strong credit profile and a steady source of income. Applying with a cosigner with poor credit won’t help you and may even hurt your credit.

No-annual-fee travel credit cards are worth it if you want to earn rewards without worrying about how much you’re earning compared to how much you’re spending to keep the card active. 

You may benefit more from a travel credit card with an annual fee if you travel frequently and want access to even more benefits. If you only travel once or twice per year, consider getting a traditional credit card. You may benefit from earning cash back or points at restaurants, grocery stores and other everyday purchases.

▶︎  Read more: Best credit cards for grocery shopping & best credit cards for restaurants

Are there travel cards with no annual fee?

Yes. Our list of the best travel credit cards with no annual fee has seven entries, so you have plenty of options when it comes to earning travel rewards without having to pay a fee every year.

Which airline credit card does not have an annual fee?

The airline credit cards with no annual fee include the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, American Airlines Aadvantage® MileUp® and JetBlue Card.

Is a travel card with annual fee worth it?

A travel card with no annual fee may be worth it if you want to earn travel rewards but don’t want to worry about how much you are spending to match the rewards to the price of an annual fee.

What is the best credit card to use while traveling?

If you always stay at the same hotel chain, the best card for your needs may be a co-branded card such as a Delta credit card , that helps you earn free nights and other hotel-related perks. 

If you’re loyal to one airline, look for a travel credit card that gives you miles or points to use on airfare and in-flight purchases.

What is the most accepted credit card for international travel?

Many overseas merchants accept Visa and Mastercard. It’s less common for merchants to accept Discover or American Express cards when you’re traveling in a foreign country. When choosing a credit card for international travel, remember to look for a card with no foreign transaction fees.

Which is the best no annual fee travel credit card?

The best travel credit card with no annual fee depends on your travel preferences and overall shopping habits. If you like to buy from the same brands, look for a card that maximizes your earnings on purchases from those brands. Otherwise, look for a card with low fees and plenty of perks.

About the Author

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

About the Reviewer

Blake Esken has over 15 years of experience in product management and has been a member of the Los Angeles Times staff for over five years.

As part of his role at the Los Angeles Times Commerce Team, Blake acts as the in-house reviewer and fact checker for LA Times Compare. He supervises all content for compliance and accuracy and puts to use skills he has honed through years of experience managing high-stakes projects for a range of industry-leading companies.

He has a strong background in data analysis, compliance, and communication, which allows him to support LA Times Compare through fact-checking in an effort to provide up-to-date and factual information across our content.

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