CRS codes

Computer Reservation System (CRS) codes are three-letter codes used by National Rail to uniquely identify each station served by rail services. The codes were first introduced in 1979 for Sealink services, before spreading to the entirety of the British mainland rail network - and some locations beyond.

The system took advantage of early computer systems, and allowed stations and, later, travel centres to centrally book seat reservations on trains for passengers. The system has also been used to manage passenger assistance requests. CRS codes are one of the most prominent identification methods of railway locations on the network; they are used in conjunction with National Location Codes (NLC), Timing Point Locations (TIPLOCs), Station Number Names (STANME) and Station numbers (STANOX) in every day railway operations.

CRS codes were replaced in 2004 by a new National Reservation System (NRS), as part of a modernisation of ticket issuing facilities. This system was itself replaced by the Rail Availability & Reservations Service (RARS2), but the original CRS codes themselves have been carried over through each replacement.

Examples:

• HOH: Harrow-on-the-Hill
• ENF: Enfield Town
• UTT: Uttoxeter
• IBM: IBM

For a full list of CRS codes, see the National Rail website.