Trainline: consumer protection enforcement case
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating suspected infringements of consumer law in relation to the presentation of mandatory fees for train and coach tickets by Trainline in the UK.
Case timetable
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| August 2026 to January 2027 | Initial investigation: information and evidence gathering (next case update January 2027) |
| 18 August 2026 | Investigation opened |
Case opening
18 August 2026: The CMA has opened an investigation into compliance with consumer protection law by Trainline.com Limited (‘Trainline’).
The CMA is investigating Trainline over its presentation of mandatory fees, specifically whether these fees are included in the total price the consumer sees at the beginning of the process for purchasing train and coach tickets.
The CMA will now engage with Trainline and gather evidence to consider whether the CMA thinks Trainline has infringed consumer protection law.
At this initial stage, it should not be assumed that Trainline has infringed consumer protection law and no finding has been made.
- Press release: Trainline, Virgin Atlantic and RED Driving School investigated for drip pricing (18.8.26)
Contact
- general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk
- Fred Houwen, Project Director, Consumer Protection
- Sorcha O’Carroll, Senior Responsible Officer
Personal information
Your name and contact details are your personal data. The CMA may collect, use and share personal data for its consumer protection investigation under Part 8 the Enterprise Act 2002. This includes processing personal data for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018.
For more information about how the CMA handles personal information, please see our Personal Information Charter.