New initiative. Bereaved families attending Remembrance services commemorating their loved one can obtain free train tickets to these events, especially helpful to families who find this a significant financial burden. See links for more info, inc. on eligibility and how to claim.
Offer link: dmws.org.uk/supes/ .
National Rail – plan a journey: nationalrail.co.uk/ .
Announcement: gov.uk/govend .
REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND RAIL TRAVEL FOR BEREAVED FAMILIES
The Ministry of Defence (MOD), Department for Transport (DfT) and Rail Delivery Group (RDG) are pleased to offer free rail travel to eligible bereaved family members of Service Personnel who died while serving. The scheme is intended to help bereaved families attend Remembrance Weekend events in November 2026 and honour the memory of their loved one.
We understand that remembrance is deeply personal. This scheme has been designed to make it easier for bereaved military families to attend events and commemorate the Service person they have lost.
This offer builds on the existing free rail travel scheme already available to serving military personnel and veterans.
To help us manage the scheme fairly, applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis subject to eligibility and availability. You will find the application below the following information.
Who is eligible
The offer is available to the nominated Next of Kin of a Service Person who died while serving. Only one individual per deceased Service person may apply for and receive a free travel pass under this scheme. This will normally be an immediate family member, such as a:
Spouse or partner
Parent
Child
Sibling
Travel arrangements
The free travel pass entitles the holder to one return rail journey over Remembrance Weekend.
For travel to London:
Outward travel may take place on Saturday 7 November 2026 or Sunday 8 November 2026.
Return travel must be completed by Sunday 8 November 2026.
For attendance at Remembrance Services outside London:
Both the outward and return journeys must take place on Sunday 8 November 2026.
Evidence of eligibility required
To confirm eligibility, applicants must provide evidence that they have been formally recognised by Defence following the death of a Service Person. This will be cross referenced against the Roll of Honour that lists the names of a Service Person who died while in Service after 1947 (includes Palestine 1945 1947).
You will need to provide one of the following documents:
A Valedictory Letter
A Condolence Letter
A Military Pension Statement
The document must clearly show the name of the person applying for the travel pass.
Receiving your travel pass
Travel passes will be issued by post. When completing your application, please provide the postal address where you would like your travel pass to be sent.
Identification requirements
When travelling, you must carry photographic identification, such as:
A passport
A driving licence
The name on your photo identification must match the name shown on your travel pass.
Application deadline
Applications must be received no later than 12:00 noon on Friday 16 October 2026.
