So if I go for a day out on the train

[Ghostlyglow]

Can i still buy tickets at the station, from a machine or from a counter? Honestly, I feel like I don't know how to do anything anymore.

I think they want you to buy your ticket online so it's on your phone and you aren't touching any machines

I only want
to go to the next town, for a change of scene. I don't want to do loads of planning just decide on the day. Can't I just go into a station and catch a train anymore?
I hate this.

I think you can buy a ticket from a machine and pay with contactless. Online can probably be just before you leave the house, but check.

www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/service-disruptions/covid19-travel-advice

what my local train company says

You can still buy tickets at the counter or machines.

You can also decide on the day by using your rail operator's app, or the Tramline app. Tickets are stored on your phone.

So yes, you can just go into a station.

Cash is still accepted if you really must.

You can buy tickets online any time, even when you are on the train. (Before the conductor gets to you)
It’s instant.

Pre Covid, we would do this often if it was a last minute trip.

Thank you. I haven't got a car and I've got a week off. I'm working from home and I'm just sick of my surroundings. Hopefully I will manage to do something different.

I suppose it depends on which railway network you're using.

In my experience, ticket machines are in use. Some are not accepting cash at the moment. Ticket office open. You can buy a ticket at the station no problem.

Other changes;
Face mask mandatory for travel,
Distancing measures,
Hand sanitiser advised
And travel at quiet times where possible.

So yes you can go to a station and catch a train pretty much as you would have pre covid.

@JollyAndBright

You can buy tickets online any time, even when you are on the train. (Before the conductor gets to you) It’s instant.

Pre Covid, we would do this often if it was a last minute trip.

How do you do this? I have the train line app on my phone, can I download a ticket from there?

Yes just select e-ticket when booking and you can use the mobile ticket in the app.

Buying your ticket via your phone and using the app doesn’t require “loads of planning”. You can still decide where you want to go on the day.

In fact it’s much easier and quicker than going to a ticket machine.