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Railcard
Save An Additional 1/3rd Or More On Your Train Tickets

A railcard used to be seen as the prerogative of students and no one else really, but now that has changed. They offer value for money if you travel by rail regularly anywhere in the United Kingdom, saving you at least 1/3 on certain rail fares.

Oh. You don't only save on the cost of your rail travel, but also get discounts with Railcard's partners on days out, restaurants, hotels and more.

There are several card plans available for different groups.

Are you retired? Traveling with family? Disabled? member of HM Forces? Or looking to travel in certain regions of the UK only? You may be suitable for a discount rail card.

The average Railcard costs about £30 per year or advance payment of £70 for three years. This means that even if you only commute on just one £90 commute, with the railcard you still come out ahead from a cost perspective. Below is a list of some of the railcards that commuters can sign up for and the associated costs.

Types of Railcards

16 -25 Railcard

  • Cost: £30 per year or £70 per 3 years
  • What you get: Car holders receive 1/3 off rail tickets for Off-Peak, Standard Anytime, Standard Advanced and First Class Advanced fares 
  • Qualification: For commuters who are under 25 OR full-time students regardless of age 
  • How to get it: Buy online 
  • Contact Number: 0345 3000 250 
  • Advice: If you are approaching 26 it is cheaper to buy a 3 year card just before you turn 23 as opposed to buying yearly railcards until you do turn 25. You save an extra £20 this way.  

Family And Friends Railcard

  • Cost: £30 per year or £70 per 3 years 
  • What you get: 1/3 off ticket fares and fares for children are 60% off  
  • Qualification: Only valid for up to 4 adults who are commuting with up to 4 children. Children have to be between the ages of 5 and 15 How to get it: 
  • Buy online
  •  Contact Number: 0345 3000 250  

Two Together Railcard

  • Cost: £30 per year  
  • What you get: 1/3 off tickets for First Class and Standard Anytime, Advance and Off Peak fares 
  • Qualification: Valid for any two people who are over 16 years and are travelling together. Not applicable when traveling without the other person  
  • How to get it: Buy online 
  • Contact Number: 0345 3000 250  

Senior Railcard 

  • Cost: £30 per year or £70 per 3 years 
  • What you get: 1/3 off tickets for Standard and First Class Anytime, Advance and Off Peak fares 
  • Qualification: Valid for any senior who is over 60 years How to get it: 
  • Buy online 
  • Contact Number: 0345 3000 250 
  • Advice: Seniors can get additional discounts on the cost of the card from their local councils. Use the local council finder to find where to direct questions.   

Disabled Persons Railcard

  • Cost: £20 per year or £54 per 3 years 
  • What you get: 1/3 off tickets on most rail fares for the holder and a friend 
  • Qualification: Individuals, who receive disability benefits, are registered as deaf or who use a hearing aid, visually impaired or have epilepsy. Also includes individuals Personal Independence Payment recipients and any individuals on this eligibility list 
  • How to get it: Apply online

Network Railcard 

  • Cost: £30 per year 
  • What you get: 1/3 off tickets on most rail fares for trips within the Network Railcard area. Also covers trips around London
  • Qualification: Any adult who commutes within that Network Area How to get it: Complete the Network Railcard application form then submit it at your local National Rail station ticket office that is within the Network Railcard area 
  • Contact Number: 0345 605 0525 
  • Advice: The card also gives 1/3 discounts for up to three adults who are traveling with the card holder and 60% for up to four children who are between 5 and 15 years of age. 

HM Forces Railcard

  • Cost: £15 per year 
  • What you get: 1/3 off on all fares anywhere in the UK and 60% off on fares for kids 
  • Qualification: Only for members of the regular armed forces or volunteer reserves and their spouse / civil partner. Anyone also listed on the eligibility page can also apply for the card 
  • How to get it: Eligible people can apply through their Unit’s HR or admin office. War widows and their dependents can apply through the Royal British Legion. 
  • Contact Number: no direct phone number but general questions can be directed to lee.grainger@atoc.org 

Freedom Pass For Older People 

  • Cost: Free 
  • What you get: free unlimited travel on the Docklands Light Railway, Tube, London Tramlink and certain National Rail services. There may be some restrictions on the National Rail so check the Freedom Pass map before traveling 
  • Qualification: Valid for older people who pass the age eligibility and residency check here 
  • How to get it: Apply online or through the local post office with your ID documents and photo 
  • Contact Number: 0300 330 1433 helpline for the Freedom Pass 

Freedom Pass For the Disabled 

  • Cost: Free 
  • What you get: Free unlimited travel on the Docklands Light Railway, Tube, London Tramlink and certain National Rail services. There may be some restrictions on the National Rail so check the Freedom Pass map before traveling 
  • Qualification: Valid for Londoners whose primary or only residence is in London and have any disabilities that are stipulated in the Transport act 2000. 
  • How to get it: Eligible commuters should contact their local boroughs to apply 
  • Contact Number: 0300 330 1433 helpline for the Freedom Pass 

60+ Oyster pass / photocard

  • Cost: Free 
  • What you get: Free unlimited travel on the Docklands Light Railway, Tube, London Overground and most National Rail services in London only. There may be some restrictions on the National Rail so check the Freedom Pass map before traveling
  • Qualification: Valid for older people aged 60 and over who don’t meet the eligibility check for the Freedom Pass but are London residents 
  • How to get it: Apply online to TfL or download the form to mail in a paper application 
  • Contact Number: 0343 222 1234

Commuters can also save by checking if their train companies have their own railcards. In addition to that, some local and regional railcards are also available through train company websites and local train stations.

To find out more about each card or if one is even available, check at your local train station.

Some examples of railcards are as follows:

  • Cambrian Railcard 
  • Cotswold Line Railcard 
  • Dales Railcard 
  • Devon & Cornwall Railcard 
  • Esk Valley Railcard 
  • Thameslink and Great Northern Student 16/18 Connect Card 
  • Heart of Wales Line Railcard 
  • Highland Railcard 
  • Network Railcard 
  • Pembrokeshire Railcard 
  • Valleys Senior Railcard

So, with all these different types of discount cards on offer, there are only a few people who won't actually qualify for a railcard.

If you use the train on a regular basis, the savings can soon add up. Why spends so much when you can save that much.

You can buy a railcard here.

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