Sammie Ellard-King
I’m Sammie, a money expert and business owner passionate about helping you take control of your wallet. My mission with Up the Gains is to create a safe space to help improve your finances, cut your costs and make you feel good while doing it.
Most people are eligible for at least one type of railcard, which can save you a third or even 60% on train tickets.
Here’s the complete guide to every railcard available in the UK.
A railcard is a discount card that allows you to save money on eligible train tickets.
They’re available for either one year or three years, depending on the type.
16-17 Saver Railcard
Cost: £35 a year
Discount: 50% off fares
Who’s eligible: All 16 and 17-year-olds regardless of nationality
The card is valid for one year or until your 18th birthday, whichever comes first.
It cannot be used for ScotRail, Eurostar or Caledonian Sleeper services, or with certain Oyster tickets and Travelcards for travel in London.
Latest news:
16-25 Railcard
Cost: £35 for one year, or £80 for three years
Discount: A third off adult fares
Who’s eligible: Anyone under 26 or full-time students of any age (mature students only qualify for the one-year card)
For travel between 4.30am and 10am Monday to Friday, you’ll need to buy a ticket costing at least £12 to use your railcard and get the discount.
26-30 Railcard
Cost: £35 for one year
Discount: A third off adult fares
Who’s eligible: Anyone aged 26-30
You can buy a 26-30 Railcard any time before your 31st birthday and keep using it for a whole year until its expiry date. Sadly, a three-year card isn’t available.
You’ll need to spend at least £12 to use your discount on journeys between 4.30am and 10am, Monday to Friday.
Disabled Person's Railcard
Cost: £20 for one year, or £54 for three years
Discount: A third off for you and an adult companion
Who’s eligible: Anyone who receives disability-related benefits and/or has certain disabilities
Your companion doesn’t need to be a carer to qualify.
Family & Friends Railcard
Cost: £35 for one year, or £80 for three years
Discount: A third off for adults and 60% for children on most rail fares
Who’s eligible: Up to four adults (aged 16+) when travelling with up to four children (aged 5-15)
Two adults can be named on the card, but they don’t need to travel together to use it. You do need to be travelling with at least one child.
It cannot be used on weekday mornings at peak time between London and South East area stations.
HM Forces Railcard
Cost: £21 for one year
Discount: A third off for adults and 60% off for a maximum of four children on most rail fares
Who’s eligible: All members of regular forces and volunteer reserve, as well as non-regular permanent staff
You can use the discount on all journeys, but you’ll need a minimum £12 fare for journeys 4.30am to 10am, Monday to Friday (except July, August and public holidays).
The card is issued directly to HM Forces Personnel by their corresponding Ministry of Defence service unit.
Latest news:
Network Railcard
Cost: £35 for one year
Discount: A third off most adult fares and 60% off child fares in London and the South East
Who’s eligible: Anyone, but it only works in the London and South East area
You can take up to three adults with you, and they also get up to a third off their fare. You can also take up to four children aged 5-15, who get 60% off.
It’s not valid before 10am on weekdays, except for some services. There’s a £13 minimum fare per adult Monday to Friday, and a £1 minimum fare per child at all times.
Senior Railcard
Cost: £35 for one year, or £80 for three years (some local councils offer this slightly cheaper)
Discount: A third off adult fares
Who’s eligible: Anyone aged 60 and over
It’s not valid on weekday mornings at peak time between London and stations in the South East.
Two Together Railcard
Cost: £35 for one year
Discount: A third off
Who’s eligible: Two named people aged 16+ travelling together
It’s intended to help people save with the person they travel with most – a couple, friend or colleague.
It’s not valid from 4.30am to 9.30am on weekdays, and both named people must purchase tickets together and start and finish their journeys together.
Veterans Railcard
Cost: £35 for one year or £80 for three years
Discount: A third off adult fares and 60% off for up to four children on most rail fares
Who’s eligible: Anyone who served one day or more in HM Armed Forces (regular or reserve), plus merchant mariners who served on legally defined military operations
How Do I Apply for a Railcard?
You can apply online with National Rail for a digital or physical card. You can also buy them in person at a staffed station ticket office for a physical card.
For certain types of railcards, you’ll need to provide proof of identity. Forms of ID accepted are:
- Passport
- Driving Licence (excluding Northern Ireland)
- EEA National Identity Card
Which Railcard Should You Get?
Most people will be eligible for at least one type based on their age and who they normally travel with.
If you’re under 26, get the 16-25 Railcard. If you’re 26-30, get that railcard. If you’re 60 or over, get the Senior Railcard.
If you travel regularly with the same person, the Two Together Railcard could save you both money. If you have kids, the Family & Friends Railcard offers 60% off for children.
If you only travel in London and the South East, the Network Railcard might be your best bet, especially since you can bring up to three other adults who also get the discount.
The three-year options work out cheaper than buying three one-year cards, so if you know you’ll be using it regularly, go for the longer option.
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Disclaimer: Content on this page is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making a financially related decision.
