Have you ever been surprised by a letter from PO Box 23972, Edinburgh, EH3 5DA, and wondered who it’s from? You’re not alone. Many people across the UK receive mail from this PO Box, often in connection with train travel, refunds, or data protection matters.
Whether it’s a refund confirmation, a cheque, or a data privacy response, this address plays an important role in how several UK train companies and services handle customer communications.
In this blog, we explore who uses this PO Box, why you might hear from them, and what you should do if you receive unexpected correspondence.
Who Uses PO Box 23972 Edinburgh?

PO Box 23972, Edinburgh, is used by several major transport companies operating in the UK. Most notably, it is connected to train ticket retailers and train operating companies that manage thousands of journeys and customer transactions every day.
These companies rely on a centralised address for handling physical correspondence like refund requests, unused tickets, cover letters, and data protection forms.
It allows them to efficiently organise incoming and outgoing mail from across the country. This includes customers who bought tickets online and need to post them back for refunds or who want to exercise their data rights.
In practice, this PO Box handles correspondence related to cancelled journeys, unused travel cards, refund claims, data access requests, or general account matters.
It’s a critical part of the operations, making sure customer requests are processed securely and efficiently. Understanding that this address is tied to legitimate services helps you trust the communication you receive from it.
Why Do You Receive Mail from PO Box 23972 Edinburgh?
If you’ve received a letter from PO Box 23972, there are several possible reasons. Let’s break them down to help you understand the context.
Refund Confirmations
You may have submitted a refund request for an unused or delayed ticket. The letter could be a confirmation that your refund is being processed or, in some cases, includes a physical cheque.
Data Protection Responses
If you’ve contacted the company to request data access, corrections, or deletion under data protection laws, the reply will often come through this PO Box.
Service Updates or Notices
Sometimes, companies send notices related to account updates, policy changes, or service interruptions. These are typically informational and require no action.
General Enquiries or Account Matters
If you have reached out with a customer service query or complaint, the response may come from this Edinburgh address.
Understanding the reason behind the mail helps you take the right next steps, whether that’s banking a refund cheque, following privacy instructions, or simply noting the update.
Is PO Box 23972 Linked to Trainline or East Midlands Railway?

Yes, PO Box 23972, Edinburgh, is closely linked to both online ticketing platforms and major UK rail companies. It serves as the official address for managing customer requests like ticket refunds, exchanges, and privacy matters.
While many people associate it specifically with Trainline, it’s also used by other rail operators, including East Midlands Railway, Northern Trains, ScotRail, and London Northwestern Railway.
These companies use the address as part of their centralised mail handling system, allowing customer documents to be processed securely.
For example, if you return unused tickets or submit a refund form, it will typically be directed to this PO Box, where teams process it alongside thousands of other customer requests.
The same goes for data protection concerns where customers wish to exercise their rights under UK laws. So, if you see this address linked to your account or correspondence, you can be confident it’s part of the formal process.
What Types of Letters or Refunds Come from PO Box 23972 Edinburgh?
Several types of communication come from PO Box 23972, depending on your interaction with the company.
Here’s what you might receive:
- Refund Approvals: Letters confirming your refund has been approved, including details on when and how it will be processed.
- Refund Cheques: In some cases, especially if no electronic refund option is set, you may receive a physical cheque.
- Refund Denials or Queries: If there’s an issue with your request (for example, missing documents), you may get a letter explaining next steps.
- Data Protection Responses: If you’ve requested access, correction, or deletion of your personal data, you will receive formal communication regarding your case.
- General Customer Communication: This can include service updates, promotional information, or replies to customer complaints or questions.
Such letters are designed to provide clarity and formal records of your interactions with the companies. Always read these letters carefully and keep them for your records, especially if they relate to refunds or personal data.
How Can You Contact Trainline or East Midlands Railway Regarding PO Box 23972?

If you need to contact these companies about a matter related to PO Box 23972, you have several reliable options. Start by identifying which company your issue is with, for example, if you booked tickets via a specific retailer or travelled with a particular train operator. Next, use one of the following channels:
- Postal Mail: Send letters directly to PO Box 23972 with all relevant details, including reference numbers.
- Online Contact Forms: Use the official customer service or refund web forms provided on the company’s website.
- Customer Support Phone Lines: Call their helplines to speak with an agent directly.
| Contact Option | How to Use It |
| Postal Mail | Addressed to PO Box 23972, Edinburgh, EH3 5DA |
| Online Form Submission | Visit the company’s official website and submit the correct form |
| Phone Customer Support | Find the helpline number on the official site for live help |
Using the right contact method ensures your inquiry is routed to the right department, avoiding unnecessary delays.
What Should You Do if You Get Unexpected Mail from PO Box 23972?
Receiving unexpected mail from PO Box 23972 can be surprising, but staying calm and taking the right steps can help you handle the situation with confidence.
This type of mail may come from a legitimate source, such as a train company or service provider, so it’s important to review it carefully before taking action.
Check the Details Carefully
Begin by reading the entire letter. Look for your full name, customer or account references, and the sender’s official logo or contact details.
Identify the Subject
Try to understand what the letter is about, whether it concerns a refund, a payment, or an update on a service. This helps determine if it relates to a recent interaction or account.
Take Appropriate Action
If it’s a legitimate letter (for example, a refund cheque), follow the instructions provided. If the message is unclear, reach out to customer service.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you suspect the letter is fraudulent or you don’t recognise any details, contact the company through an official channel before acting.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can safely handle any unexpected mail from PO Box 23972 without unnecessary stress.
Why Do Train Companies Use PO Box Addresses Instead of Physical Offices?

Many organisations, including train companies, use PO Box addresses instead of physical office locations. This approach offers practical benefits for both business and customer.
- Centralised Processing: A PO Box allows for efficient mail handling from customers across the UK, ensuring everything goes to one location.
- Enhanced Security: Sensitive documents like refund requests, cheques, and data forms are securely collected at a central point.
- Operational Efficiency: Instead of managing mail at multiple office locations, companies streamline processes through a single postal address.
- Cost Savings: Maintaining a PO Box is more economical than staffing customer-facing physical locations.
Using a PO Box benefits both the company and the customer, reducing delays, preventing lost mail, and simplifying operations.
Customers can feel confident that their correspondence is handled professionally and reaches the right department efficiently.
Conclusion
PO Box 23972, Edinburgh, may look like just another mailing address, but it serves an important purpose in the UK’s transport and ticketing landscape.
Whether you’re dealing with a train ticket refund, a data privacy request, or general customer service matters, knowing the role of this PO Box helps you handle correspondence confidently.
By understanding why you might receive mail from this address, how to contact the right people, and what to do with unexpected letters, you’re well equipped to manage your interactions smoothly. Always stay alert, follow official procedures, and reach out through secure channels.
FAQs About PO Box 23972 Edinburgh
What is the typical refund process for Trainline customers?
You submit unused tickets and a refund form, and the refund is processed within a few weeks after internal verification and approval steps.
How can you track a refund request sent to East Midlands Railway?
You can track it online through their customer portal or by calling their helpline with your reference or claim number.
Are there any scams linked to PO Box 23972 Edinburgh?
There are no verified scams, but it’s smart to verify any unexpected or suspicious mail by contacting the official sender directly.
Can businesses use the same PO Box address as major companies?
No, PO Boxes are assigned to and used exclusively by the registered companies and cannot be shared by others.
How secure are postal communications to PO Box addresses?
They are secure and commonly used for handling sensitive customer and payment documents through locked boxes and monitored sorting.
What alternative contact methods are available besides postal mail?
You can use online forms, customer service emails, or helpline numbers for support depending on the company’s preferred method.
How does PO Box mail forwarding work for corporate addresses?
Mail is collected at the PO Box and sorted internally to the right departments for timely processing and appropriate handling.