Serving military personnel, veterans and bereaved families will be able to travel free by rail to Services of Remembrance across Great Britain this November, under the rail industry's long-standing annual arrangement. London Northwestern Railway has confirmed its own part in the offer, covering its services to London for the commemorations, and says staff have raised more than £2,700 for the Royal British Legion through specially made pin badges worn on uniforms. The scheme aims to ensure that those who wish to pay tribute in person are not held back by the cost of getting there.

Who can travel, and when

For the Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London, serving personnel and veterans can travel free to any London terminal station on Saturday 7 or Sunday 8 November, with the return journey on Sunday 8 November only. For Remembrance services elsewhere in Great Britain, free return travel is available on Sunday 8 November only. Serving personnel and veterans attending the Submariners' Remembrance Service can travel free to any London terminal on Saturday 31 October or Sunday 1 November, returning on Sunday 1 November. Royal British Legion volunteers and collectors travelling for London Poppy Day on Thursday 29 October can travel free on that day, plus one day either side, on presentation of a collector's identity card.

A new extension for bereaved families

Eligible travellers will need proof of status if asked. Serving personnel can travel in uniform or with a current MOD90 identity card, while veterans can show a Veterans Railcard, Veterans Oyster card, Ministry of Defence-issued veterans' identity card or other appropriate proof. Bereaved family members must carry their named complimentary ticket and photographic identification. London Northwestern Railway's Jonny Wiseman said it was important to pay respects to those who served and those who continue to serve, and that the operator was proud to help military personnel, veterans and bereaved family members attend commemorative events for free.

This year the offer has been extended to one nominated next of kin of a service person who died while serving in the Armed Forces. Eligible family members who received a Bereaved Travel for Remembrance 2026 complimentary ticket can travel on the same dates as other eligible passengers. Applications for those tickets closed at midday on 16 October, so families who did not apply by then cannot use that part of the scheme this year. The railway is also supporting Scotty's Little Soldiers, which helps children and young people who have lost a parent from the British Armed Forces or reserves, with free travel to London Remembrance events.

Sources: Rail Delivery Group and The Staffordshire Signal.