Barcode Season Tickets

What is a Barcode Season ticket?

Barcode tickets are a new collection option on adult weekly, monthly and annual season tickets.

Unlike a  Smartcard or paper ticket, it appears instantly within the Northern app after purchase. As such, they make it even easier and faster to buy and travel to work by train.

Download the Northern app (on Apple on Android)

Is there any difference in price between a Barcode Season and a Smart or Paper Season?

There is no difference in price regardless of the fulfilment method, whether that be Barcode, Smartcard or paper.

Where are Barcode Season tickets currently available?

Barcode Season tickets are now available on all Northern routes.

When will Barcode Season tickets be available elsewhere?

Some routes shared with other operators are not yet available and we are working with those operators to enable by the end of the year.

Please check back for more information and subscribe to the Northern newsletter here.

What phones work with a Barcode Season ticket?

• iOS smartphone version 13.4 or later
• Android smartphone version 5.0 or later

How do I purchase a Barcode Season ticket?

You can purchase a Barcode Seasons ticket through the Northern app.

Once within the app, select “Flexi & Seasons” and input Origin, destination, Date/time of search and relevant number of passengers. When proceeding to purchase, you will be asked how you want to collect the ticket and be presented with ‘barcode’ if available in your area.

Does it need a photo?

Yes, it will now be digital. When buying your first barcode Season ticket you will be asked to upload or take a passport-style photo. 

How do I collect a Barcode Season ticket?

Tickets are then stored within the app, so you are required to have an online account with Northern and download the Northern app to access your ticket. You must download the ticket on your first trip.

Download the Northern app

How do I display my Barcode Season ticket?

Go into the Northern app and select the Season ticket in the “Mytickets” wallet area. You must download the ticket on your first trip and for each subsequent trip the app then generates a barcode coupon which is valid for 3 hours.

Is an internet connection required to download/display a Barcode Season?

Internet connection is required to download the Barcode Season ticket prior to the first journey of the day.

What do I do if I have problems with my Barcode Season ticket?

We recommend deleting and reinstalling the Northern app, turning your phone completely off and back on again.

If you still encountering an issue with your ticket please call our Customer Experience Centre on 0333 2220127. Station staff should also be on hand to help.

To help us with your enquiry please have ready:

• Times/dates 
• Any transaction references and error messages
• An image of the ticket purchased for travel
• The barcode season ticket number and booking reference (noting that a screenshot of the ticket cannot be made)

How do I change a Barcode Season ticket?

We offer our customers a refund on any additional tickets purchased on up to two occasions within a 12-month period, subject to a £10 admin fee.

In order to claim a refund, please have ready:

• An image of the ticket purchased for travel
• The barcode season ticket number and booking reference (noting that a screenshot of the ticket cannot be made)
• Can I claim under the Delay Repay Scheme? Absolutely. Your rights under Delay Repay are exactly the same.

How do I get a refund on a Barcode Season ticket?

Customers can now claim a refund through the app under the 'my tickets' section and selecting 'request refund'.

Customers can still contact our customer experience team if they have any other queries.

What should I do if can’t display my ticket (e.g. device runs out of power)?

Power sockets now exist at every seat onboard Northern trains. If you are still unable to download your ticket and you are required to purchase a new ticket for travel that day.

What are the terms & Conditions for a Barcode Season?

Terms & conditions relating to the sale of season tickets remain the same regardless of the fulfilment method.

What information will you collect and share about me?

Full details can be found in Northern's Privacy Policy. All journey data is anonymised and used to help improve the services we provide.

*Up to 33% cost saving based on an average weekly Season ticket fare versus 5x Anytime Day Return tickets. Correct as of July 2023