Passengers travelling across the south-east rail network are about to get a major boost, as 50 more UK train stations prepare to introduce contactless travel, making everyday journeys much smoother.
From 14 December, trippers heading to busy commuter stops, original city stations, and two major airfields will be able to tap in and out with a bank card, mobile phone or Oyster, eventually cutting out the hassle of queuing for tickets.
This expansion brings stations similar to Stansted Airport and Southend Airport in line with places like Gatwick, where pay-as-you-go technology has been standard for some time.
For anyone using Greater Anglia, South Western Railway, or popular Stansted Express services, the change should mean a hastily trip, simpler fares, and smaller last- nanosecond scrambles at ticket machines.
Government says ticketing overhaul is long overdue
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “Rail ticketing is far too complicated and long overdue for an upgrade to bring it into the 21st century.
Through the expansion of tap-in tap-out technology and shortly through GBR, we’re doing just that and making buying tickets more convenient, more accessible and more flexible, and ensuring passengers can get the best fares.
As part of our Plan for Change, we’re delivering straightforward, stress-free train travel across the south-east, supporting passengers and boosting economic growth, jobs and homes.”
With £18.7 million in Government backing, alongside backing from Transport for London (TfL), the move aims to modernise the wider National Rail system and make rail trips more flawless, especially on busy commuter routes.
TfL and airports welcome changes
TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, Alex Williams, said: “For more than 10 years, the popularity of convenient travel via pay-as-you-go with contactless has grown and become increasingly popular across London and the surrounding areas.
We are delighted to be extending pay-as-you-go with contactless to a further 50 stations from 14 December, including Stansted Airport, making it easier for those arriving at the airport to travel to London and experience all the city has to offer.”
Stansted Airport’s Managing Director, Gareth Powell, added: “The introduction of contactless travel on the Stansted Express is great news for passengers and will make rail travel between Stansted and London even more simple and convenient.
London Stansted is the third largest airport in the London system and the second biggest gateway to the capital for European visitors…
More seamless rail travel between the airport and London Liverpool Street will significantly improve our passengers’ experience and make choosing the train even more attractive.”
For both regular commuters and holidaymakers, this upgrade means fewer barriers between local stations, airport terminals and London’s wider transport network.
Full List: 50 UK Train Stations Getting Contactless Travel
Below are the stations split into two bullet groups of 25, as requested.
| Ashtead | Harlow Town | Princes Risborough |
| Aylesbury | Hatfield Peverel | Prittlewell |
| Aylesbury Vale Parkway | Hitchin | Rayleigh |
| Baldock | Hockley | Reigate |
| Beaulieu Park | Hurst Green | Rochford |
| Billericay | Ingatestone | Roydon |
| Bishop’s Stortford | Knebworth | Saunderton |
| Box Hill & Westhumble | Leagrave | Sawbridgeworth |
| Chelmsford | Leatherhead | Southend Airport |
| Dorking (Main) | Letchworth Garden City | Southend Victoria |
| Dormans | Lingfield | Stansted Airport |
| East Grinstead | Little Kimble | Stansted Mountfitchet |
| Great Missenden | Luton | Stevenage |
| Harlington | Monks Risborough | Stoke Mandeville |
| Harlow Mill | Oxted | Watton-at-Stone |
| Welwyn North | Wickford | Woldingham |
| Wendover | Witham |
Why does this matter for passengers?
Whether you’re a daily commuter, a student, an airport traveller or someone who only uses the train occasionally, this change means:
- No more paper tickets
- No more worrying about buying the wrong fare
- Automatic capping so you never overpay
- Faster travel through busy stations
- A much simpler way to move around the UK rail network
It’s a step closer to a modern, streamlined railway where contactless travel becomes the default across UK train stations.
