Rail fares have increased by an average of 3.1% in England and Wales - and almost 3% in Scotland - despite a raft of issues on the network in 2018.
The rail industry says 98p of every pound spent on a ticket is invested back into the network.
But Wednesday's price hike was called "yet another kick in the wallet" by campaign group Railfuture.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said the government had made a "record investment" in rail.
He also announced that a new railcard extending child fares to 16 and 17-year-olds in full-time education or training will be available by September.
A discount railcard for 26 to 30-year-olds will go on sale from 12:00 GMT. Like the existing card for 16 to 25-year-olds, it costs £30 and reduces fares by a third.
Fares in London will stay the same after a decision by Mayor Sadiq Khan to freeze Transport for London prices.
Protests against rises elsewhere are expected outside stations across the country from rail unions, politicians and campaigners.
The rise in England and Wales - the highest since January 2013 - will see the price of some annual season tickets go up by more than £100.
Source: BBC News