Paying VAT on UK Train Tickets?

You can only claim VAT back for goods that you don’t consume inside the UK (or the EU for that matter). So on goods that you export and don’t use before you export them. Since you use the train service while you’re in the UK, you can’t reclaim the VAT. The same goes for the VAT on your hotel room, but also for the VAT on the food and drinks you consume while in the UK.

VAT is not refundable, and why should it be? You're partaking of a service while in the UK, and therefore you're paying tax on it.

The UK used to have a VAT tourist refund scheme. This only applied to goods that were purchased in the UK and immediately exported. This was abolished in 2021. That perhaps may be the cause of your confusion, but it never applied to services. The EU refund scheme is separate.

In any event rail and bus travel within the UK is zero rated for VAT.

Is anyone else suspicious about the recent VAT questions from brand new forum members? This one especially stands out, because they incorrectly state that they were charged 20% VAT on their train tickets last year.
I can’t help but think that these posts are posted to test the waters. Or to set up questions to spam on in the replies, probably some shady VAT reclaim service.

Really odd, I agree.

And re train tickets, that yet another thing I wasn't aware of :)

Yes, there seems to be a definite concentrated VAT UK attack. I’m not sure what the goal is here but it’s a little weird.

Is anyone else suspicious about the recent VAT questions from brand new forum members? This one especially stands out, because they incorrectly state that they were charged 20% VAT on their train tickets last year.

The OP didn't state that they travelled by train last year, they booked an airport transfer, presumably a private hire car which is liable for VAT. I don't think there's anything suspicions about this thread.

Not sure why this generates much discussion. I view US's sale tax the same as Europe's VAT. The results is the same, it is just a different approach. The US is sneaker. You don't know the final price until you check out since sales tax rates can vary from one city block to the next. And we are adding more taxes such as a District Improvement Tax, lodging taxes on hotels, city transportation tax, ect., etc. Sales taxes are not refundable so I don't know why the VAT is expected to be refundable.

“ The OP didn't state that they travelled by train last year, they booked an airport transfer, presumably a private hire car which is liable for VAT. ”

That’s what the post says now after it’s been edited. When I read it this morning (European time) it definitely said they were charged 20% VAT on train tickets.

As far as private transfers are concerned, if the driver/supplier is registered for VAT, VAT must be charged. If not, not. (Source, Gov.UK)