Barcode Season Tickets

What is a Barcode Season ticket?

• A Barcode Season ticket is a digital Season ticket that lives in the Northern app. You don’t need a Smartcard or a paper ticket.
• Purchase your weekly, monthly, or annual Season ticket and it’ll appear instantly as a barcode ticket, in the Northern app, ready for you to scan at the ticket gate.
• Download the Northern app (on Apple on Android)

Is there a difference in price between a Barcode Season ticket, a Smartcard Season ticket or a Paper Season ticket?

No, you’ll pay the same price whichever option you choose.

The only difference is how you use it:

• A Barcode Season ticket is a digital ticket on your phone
• A Smartcard is a reusable card you tap at the gate
• A Paper Season ticket is the traditional printed version

Where are Barcode Season tickets available?

Barcode Season tickets are available across all Northern routes. If you’re travelling a shared route with another train operator, sit tight — we’re working on rolling them out more widely by the end of the year.

What phones work with Barcode Season tickets?

You’ll need:

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

If your phone’s up to date, you’re good to go.

How do I buy a Barcode Season ticket?

You can buy a Barcode Season ticket through the Northern app.

Just open the app, tap on ‘Flexi  & Seasons’, then enter the stations you want to travel from and to, travel dates and number of passengers.

If Barcode tickets are available for your journey, you can select the option at the checkout.

Will I need an ID photo?

Yes, but it’s all digital.

When buying your first Barcode Season ticket, you’ll be asked to upload a passport-style photo in the app.

How do I collect a Barcode Season ticket?

Your ticket appears straight in the Northern app.

Just make sure you’re signed in to your account and download the ticket before your first journey. You’ll find  it under ‘My Tickets’ in the app.

How do I display my Barcode Season ticket?

Open the Northern app and head to the 'My Tickets' wallet. Tap on your Season ticket to view it.

Just make sure to download it before your first trip, after that, the app will generate a barcode coupon each time you travel, valid for 3 hours.

Do I need an internet connection to use a Barcode Season ticket?

You only need the internet to download your ticket before your first journey of the day. Once it’s saved in the app, you’re good to go.

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

First, try the quick fixes:

• Delete and reinstall the Northern app
• Turn your phone off and back on again

Still stuck? No worries — speak to a member of staff at the station or call our Customer Experience Centre on 0333 222 0127.

To help us sort it quickly, have these ready:

• The date and time of your issue
• Any transaction references or error messages
• Your Barcode Season ticket number and booking reference
• A photo of your ticket (screenshots won’t work – the barcode is protected)

How do I change a Barcode Season ticket?

If you've bought an extra ticket by mistake, don’t worry, we offer refunds on up to two accidental purchases within a 12-month period, with a £10 admin fee each time.

To request a refund, please have ready:

• A photo of the ticket you bought
• Your Barcode Season ticket number and booking reference (please note: screenshots of the barcode won’t work)

Can I still claim Delay Repay with a Barcode Season ticket?

Absolutely. Your rights are exactly the same — Barcode Season tickets are fully covered under the Delay Repay scheme.

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

You can now request a refund directly in the Northern app:

• Go to ‘My Tickets’
• Select the ticket
• Tap ‘Request Refund’

If you need help, our Customer Experience team is happy to assist.

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

All our trains now have power sockets at every seat, so you can charge up if needed.

If you're still unable to display your ticket and need to travel, you’ll need to buy a new ticket. Keep the receipt and contact us afterwards for support.

What are the terms & Conditions for a Barcode Season?

Terms & conditions relating to the sale of season tickets remain the same regardless of the ticket type you buy.

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