Finding affordable ways to travel is really important to most of us, and Railcards are one of the simplest ways to access train travel discounts. Offering great savings to rail travellers, Railcard holders are entitled to a third off the price of most train tickets.
Over the course of a year, travellers can save hundreds of pounds - and the Railcards usually only cost £35! Start saving money when booking train tickets with a Railcard, and make the most of the rail.
Benefits of a Railcard
- Railcards give discounts of 1/3 off the price of most adult Standard and First Class rail fares. These savings can be applied to most rail fares, meaning that you can save a lot on train travel over the course of a year.
- Family & Friends Railcards also save you money on child fares, allowing the family to travel for even less.
- There are plenty of options to choose from, meaning that more of us can access savings than ever before.
- As an added bonus, Railcard holders get access to a whole host of discounts, helping you to save money on overnight stays, restaurants, days out, and much more!
Purchasing and Using Your Railcard
Buying a Railcard is easy following these simple steps:
- Once you have found out which Railcard you are eligible for, visit the Railcard website to find the relevant page.
- Create an account with your Railcard provider.
- Enter your details, including your age and a photograph.
- Follow the steps to prove your eligibility.
- Review your details and make the payment.
- Download the Railcard app to use your Digital Railcard, or wait for a physical copy in the post.
Railcards usually cost £35 for a whole year, though some are priced differently. For example, the Disabled Persons Railcard costs only £20. With savings of at least 1/3 off eligible train fares, you make your money back in no time! Some Railcards offer even greater savings, with a three-year option priced at £80 that helps you to save on travel for longer.
The type of ticket you can use your Railcard for depends on the Railcard you have, as some are only valid during Peak times. However, generally you can save money on Advance, Off-Peak, Standard, and First Class tickets.
This means you can make great savings on your journey, wherever you’re travelling. Check out our route finder below to see how much money you can save with a Railcard.
Whether you own a digital or physical railcard, the process for applying the discount to your fare is the same.
When purchasing train tickets, let your attendant know that you have a Railcard or click 'Railcard' to select your Railcard type and apply your discount. When you are travelling, make sure to have your Railcard with you to show to ticket inspectors and rail staff.
If you are using a Digital Railcard, ensure that your phone is adequately charged before travelling so you can show your Railcard when asked.
