22/09/2026
Defence update: Remembrance weekend - free rail travel for bereaved families
Defence and the Department for Transport have extended free rail travel across Britain over Remembrance weekend, for families of Armed Forces personnel who died while serving.
For the first time, one close family member of someone who died in Service can travel for free on National Rail services. This applies to journeys to Remembrance events between 7 and 8 November 2026.
The family member could be a spouse, partner, parent, child or sibling, who is registered as the nominated next of kin.
This offer now matches the free travel benefits available to Service Personnel and Veterans during Remembrance weekend.
Recognising bereaved families
This new offer will help families join Remembrance services and events, including the Cenotaph, without the cost of travel being a barrier to them attending.
Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said:
“Remembrance Weekend is a time for the nation to come together to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving our country.
“Bereaved families are at the heart of these commemorations, and the cost of travel should not prevent them from being there to remember their loved ones.
“Extending free rail travel to next of kin will help more families attend Remembrance events, standing alongside communities, veterans and serving members of our Armed Forces as we honour and remember those who served.”
Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey, said:
“Remembrance is an opportunity for the nation to come together in recognition of the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. For bereaved families, this is a deeply personal time.
“We must never forget that behind every name we remember is a family whose lives have been changed forever. Providing free rail travel will help bereaved relatives come together and honour their loved one without financial barriers.”
Mikki Brett is the widow of the late Chief Petty Officer Stuart Brett who served in the Weapons Engineering branch of the Royal Navy and died from cancer while serving, in April 2023.
Speaking with Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey, Mikki said:
“It's fantastic news that the in-service bereaved have been recognised for the support given to their loved ones, with free train fares to remembrance events this year.”
Mikki is already registered to come to the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday and will be one of the first to benefit from the new travel offer.
Co-CEO of Rail Delivery Group, Ola Ogun said:
"Railways have long been connected to remembrance commemorations, recognising the importance of their contribution during wartime. As an industry, we are proud to continue supporting this important national occasion by offering free travel to serving personnel and veterans.
“This year, we are especially pleased to extend that support to one next of kin of those who died while serving in the Armed Forces recognising not only the sacrifice of those who served, but also the families who continue to carry their legacy and honour their memory.”
Armed Forces Covenant in action
This new travel offer shows the Armed Forces Covenant in action.
The Covenant is the nation's promise to treat the Armed Forces community fairly, and to give extra support for those who have given the most. This includes families of those who died in service.
That promise is now being written into law by the government. For the first time, every government department, and devolved governments, must think about the Armed Forces community when making policy and providing public services.
Find out more
Guidance and the registration form are available on the DMWS: Empowering Bereaved Military Families page
https://dmws.org.uk/supporting-military-bereaved-family-members/remembrance-travel-bereaved-families/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUfkHFwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6BSlcUG92f_3xq9j-B4QAKfguo63vhRO5IGTPjPWGkB3sjMqXLypwG9DJLKg_aem_V22Zi0-PuuiOo1z_LFx72A
