Railcards
Save 1/3 on most rail fares
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Railcards give discounts of 1/3 on the price of most train tickets. A Railcard usually costs £30 a year and can pay for itself in just one rail journey! It's a great way to save money on train tickets.
How railcards work
- Railcards are annual discount cards for particular groups of people.
- To see what type of railcard you qualify for, read the summaries below.
- The cost is far lower than the savings you can make on the cost of your train tickets over a year!
Savings and benefits of a railcard
- Railcards give discounts of 1/3 on most adult Standard and First Class rail fares.
- The Family & Friends Railcard also saves 60% on child fares.
- As a bonus, Railcard holders can save money on accommodation, restaurants, days out and much more!
Find out more about Railcards here.
What are the different types of Railcard?
There are nine types of Railcard available in the UK, including:
16-17 Saver
Children aged 16-17 can get 50% discount on most tickets with a 16-17 Railcard, making it perfect for school and college students.
16-25 Railcard
Anyone aged 16-25 is valid for a 16-25 Railcard, giving them 1/3 off most train fares across the UK. It's ideal for teenagers, graduates, students, or young professionals. A 3-year option is available to save even more.
26-30 Railcard
The 26-30 Railcard is great for graduates and young professionals looking to save 1/3 off their train tickets across the UK.
Family & Friends Railcard
The Family & Friends Railcard is valid for up to four adults and four children (aged 5-15). Adults get 1/3 off while children get a 60% discount. This can only be used if at least one adult and one child travel together.
Two Together Railcard
Perfect for friends, couples, and colleagues, the Two Together Railcard gives 1/3 off train travel for you and a friend, providing you travel together.
Senior Railcard
The Senior Railcard can be purchased and used by people over the age of 60, making it great for seniors, grandparents and retirees.
Disabled Persons Railcard
The Disabled Persons Railcard is ideal for people with a disability that makes train travel difficult. If you're travelling with another adult, they'll also receive 1/3 off their fare.
Veterans Railcard
UK Veterans and Merchant Mariners can benefit from 1/3 off the train fare with a Veterans Railcard. A named adult can also get 1/3 off, while children receive a discount of 60%.
Network Railcard
For travellers in the South-East of England, this Railcard is perfect for commuters and Londoners. A Network Railcard is valid for up to four adults and four children aged 5-15, with children getting 60% off their fare.
How to buy a Railcard
Buying a Railcard is easy following these simple steps:
- Take a look at the options above and decide which Railcard you’re eligible for.
- Once you’ve found the right Railcard for you, click the link that takes you to the respective Railcard page.
- Create an account with your Railcard provider.
- Enter your details, including your age and a photograph.
- Prove your eligibility. For example, you'll need to prove you're between the ages of 26-30 if you're to receive discount from a 26-30 Railcard.
- Review your details and secure the payment.
- Download your discount card to your phone within minutes or receive a physical copy in the post within a few days.
How much is a Railcard?
All new Railcards usually cost £30 for a whole year – the Disabled Persons Railcard is cheaper at just £20 for the year. You can purchase some Railcards for three years at £70, giving you even bigger savings. Once you have your Railcard, you can benefit 1/3 off most fares, making it a great way to save on travel all-year round.
Which tickets can you use a Railcard for?
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.
How to use your railcard
Whether you own a digital or physical railcard, the process for applying the discount to your fare is the same.
- If you purchase your tickets online, click on 'Railcard', find and click on your Railcard type, and the discount will be automatically applied if your journey is eligible.
- If you purchase your tickets at a machine, follow the same process as you would online.
- If you purchase your tickets at a ticket booth, let the person know you have a Railcard and they will apply the discount. You may be asked to show your Railcard to prove your eligibility.
- When you're asked to show your tickets during your journey, you will be asked to show your Railcard to ensure you're eligible for the discount.
For digital Railcards, make sure you have enough battery on your phone to be able to show staff your Railcard when asked to. If you own a physical Railcard, make sure you have it with you when you purchase your tickets and board the train.
Where to go with your Railcard
The UK is bursting with things to do and places to see, and with a Railcard you can do it for even cheaper. Take a look at some of our travel inspiration blog posts and discover a new place to visit.
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