16 - 25 Railcard
Looking for a youth discount on CrossCountry trains? The 16-25 Railcard is open to anybody aged between 16 and 25, or for anyone in full time education over the age of 26. At just £35 a year or £80 for three years, and saving you up to a 1/3 on your train fares, this could be your ticket to exploring the UK for less.

A 16-25 Railcard gives you the flexibility to save any day of the week. The only restriction is a £12 minimum fare when travelling at peak times (between 04.30 and 09.59 Monday to Friday, from September to June).

It’s a great option, but if you are under 18, the 16-17 Saver might offer additional savings for you. You can even apply it to your Season Ticket.
What is 16 - 25 Railcard
The 16-25 Railcard gives you 1/3 off Standard and First Class rail fares throughout Great Britain. It’s available to anyone aged between 16 and 25, or full-time students ages 26 and over.

With your Railcard, you can save money on travel to work, university or just exploring new destinations across the country.
Top Tip
Your 16-25 Railcard can pay for itself in just a few journeys. A return trip from Birmingham to London could save you over £30!
How to Get a 16-25 Railcard?
On average, buying a 16-25 Railcard will save you almost £200 on your train fares annually and it’s super easy to get started.
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Buy a 1-year Railcard in-person by visiting any staffed train station ticket office.
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Apply for a 16-25 Railcard on their website (linked below) or using the Railcard App.
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Receive a physical Railcard by post, or a digital version can be added to the Railcard.
What will you need?
- A valid debit or credit card
- A valid passport, UK driving licence or EEA National Identity card number.
- A passport-style photo.
- If you are a mature student, you’ll also need to provide a Student Railcard application form that has been stamped by your place of study and your university/college photo ID.
How to Use a 16-25 Railcard
- When you’re buying a ticket online or on the CrossCountry app, select the 16-25 Railcard option to compare savings instantly.
- When you’re buying a ticket at the station, follow the same steps on the ticket machine or ask an attendant to apply your Railcard savings.
- You must be able to show your Railcard throughout your journey. This means that your mobile device must be adequately charged if you have a mobile Railcard, or risk being issued a Penalty Fare.
How to Use a 16-25 Railcard
- When you’re buying a ticket online or on the CrossCountry app, select the 16-25 Railcard option to compare savings instantly.
- When you’re buying a ticket at the station, follow the same steps on the ticket machine or ask an attendant to apply your Railcard savings.
- You must be able to show your Railcard throughout your journey. This means that your mobile device must be adequately charged if you have a mobile Railcard, or risk being issued a Penalty Fare.
How to Use a 16-25 Railcard
- When you’re buying a ticket online or on the CrossCountry app, select the 16-25 Railcard option to compare savings instantly.
- When you’re buying a ticket at the station, follow the same steps on the ticket machine or ask an attendant to apply your Railcard savings.
- You must be able to show your Railcard throughout your journey. This means that your mobile device must be adequately charged if you have a mobile Railcard, or risk being issued a Penalty Fare.
Advance booking dates
Due engineering work we are currently running a reduced advance booking window.
Whilst tickets can be bought up to three months prior to travel, seat reservations are not available until closer to the journey date. The table below provides the latest date that you can reserve seat reservations on our services. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, please check back for updates.
Popular Routes
Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Edinburgh - Plymouth
10 October 2025
4 October 2025
10 October 2025
Newcastle - Reading
10 October 2025
10 October 2025
10 October 2025
Manchester Piccadilly - Bournemouth
8 October 2025
10 October 2025
12 October 2025
Manchester Piccadilly - Bristol TM
10 October 2025
10 October 2025
4 October 2025
Nottingham - Cardiff Central
4 October 2025
14 October 2025
4 October 2025
(Last Updated:Tuesday 17 February 2026)
Other Railcard Options
