eTickets | Southeastern

Q: How do I use an eTicket?

Once you've received your eTicket, you can either add it to your Apple Wallet (iOS) or Google Wallet (Android) on your phone, print the ticket, or just show the ticket's QR code from your email. Scan the QR code on the reader at the gate, or allow one of our colleagues to scan the ticket upon request.

Q: Why are there some stations where eTickets are not available?

eTickets are available for journeys between all Southeastern stations, and most journeys across the UK. However, there are restrictions with some journeys that involve TfL travel. Tickets for these journeys are still available either on the Key, or on paper for collection at a station of your choice or posted out to you.

a couple holding wearing wooly hats, walking on the beach

Make your journey easy and travel with an eTicket

Dreaming of amazing autumnal adventures? A stroll at the seaside to soak up the last rays of sun before winter sets in? Or a spot of shopping for that perfect autumn jumper?

Southeastern's eTickets can take you there!

You can now buy eTickets for travel on the Southeastern network and for travel with other train companies through our website or through the Southeastern app.

eTickets are a more convenient digital alternative to paper tickets with most tickets available* as an eTicket including Advance, singles and returns. Season tickets are also available, visit our sTickets page for more information.

Don’t forget, when you book with us there is no booking fee!

*Kent Rover, Boundary Zone tickets and journeys involving London Underground are not available as Southeastern eTickets.

Buy eTickets

If you’ve got a question about eTickets, you may find the below FAQs useful.

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Step 1:

Select eTicket as your collection method when buying through our website or the Southeastern app.

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Step 2:

Your eTicket will be emailed straight to your inbox.

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Step 3:

Add your eTicket to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, print the ticket or just show the ticket from your email.

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Step 4:

Scan the barcode on the barcode reader at the gate or allow a member of staff to scan it for you. You may need to turn up the brightness on your phone screen to make it easier to scan.

What is an eTicket?

What tickets are available as eTickets?

How do I use an eTicket?

Why are there some stations where eTickets are not available?

How do I purchase an eTicket? Is it available at my local station or only available online?

How long will it take for an eTicket to be available for use after purchase?

I have purchased an eTicket, but I haven’t received a confirmation email. What do I do?

Your eTickets will arrive as a separate email from your booking confirmation email. Check your junk mail in case they've been filtered there by mistake.

You can also access your eTickets directly through your online account, from where you can print or download them.

If you paid using Paypal, your eTickets may be delivered to your Paypal email address. If you're still struggling to access your tickets, please contact us at Customer Services.

Can I buy eTickets for more than one person?

How will my eTicket be inspected?

How can I get an eTicket if I don’t have a smartphone?

My phone won’t allow me to display my eTicket. What do I do?

You must be able to present a valid ticket upon request when travelling on our services, otherwise you may be treated as travelling without a ticket and may be issued with a Penalty Fare Notice.

Make sure your phone has enough charge to be able to show your ticket otherwise you may need to purchase a new ticket before boarding the train. We're refurbishing our fleets to come with plugs and charging sockets, so this may help.

If this is a general issue, eTickets can be printed at home, to be shown to our colleagues or used at gatelines.

Can I access my eTicket if I have no signal on my phone?

Can I store my eTicket in my Google/Apple Wallet?

I have a paper ticket, but want an eTicket instead, can I exchange it?

Can I get a refund on an eTicket?

If I decide not to travel after going through the gates, can I still claim a refund?

Can railcard discounts be applied to eTickets?

What is the difference between an eTicket and a Key Card?

Both eTickets and The Key are forms of digital ticket.

An eTicket is issued as a QR code and sent to you by email, which can then either be printed onto paper or displayed on your phone to scan at a barcode reader at the station.

The Key is our contactless smartcard which can store multiple tickets for travel.

Tickets can be purchased online, ticket office or ticket vending machine and used by tapping the Key on the card reader on the gates. The ticket types available to buy as eTickets and for use on a Key card vary, but will be clearly displayed when purchasing online.

Events guide

Don't forget to check out our handy guide showcasing events and things to do across our network this autumn. All just a short hop away by train!

eTickets take you there

Now available across all Southeastern stations