Get a third off every time you travel with 16-25, Senior, Family & Friends, Two Together, Disabled Persons Railcard.
Travelling by train across the network and the rest of the UK doesn't have to break the bank. Whether you are a daily commuter, a student, or a senior, railcards are the ultimate way to reduce your travel costs.
- Who it’s for: Various age groups, travel habits, and personal circumstances.
- The discount: Save 1/3 off most rail fares, with some younger passenger cards offering up to 50% or 60% discounts.
- The cost: Most national railcards cost £35 for one year or £80 for three years.
Key benefits
- Quick payback: For many travellers, a railcard pays for itself in just a couple of trips.
- Long-term savings: Buying a 3-year railcard for £80 saves you £25 compared to buying three separate annual cards.
- Digital convenience: Most cards can be downloaded as a digital railcard to your smartphone for instant use via the Railcard app.
- Partner rewards: Gain access to exclusive discounts on dining, hotels, and attractions through national partners.
Essential requirements & restrictions
Travel validity can differ based on what railcard you have. Generally, all railcards can be used during Off-Peak times, weekends and bank holidays. The 16-25 and 26-30 railcards also have a £12 minimum fare for journeys made between 04:30 and 10:00, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays and Advance tickets).
- Eligibility: You must meet the specific criteria for your chosen card, such as being aged 60+ for a Senior Railcard.
- Peak commuting: Only the 16-17 Saver and Disabled Persons Railcards are generally valid for use at any time of day, including peak morning commutes.
- Network railcard: This card is specific to the South East area and has a £13 minimum fare on weekdays.
- Presence: You must carry your valid railcard (digital or physical) throughout your entire journey to validate your ticket.
How to buy
- Online: Purchase your card through the National Railcard website or official railcard apps for the easiest experience.
- At the station: Many 1-year railcards can be purchased at a staffed ticket office with a valid ID; however, the 26-30 Railcard is digital-only and cannot be bought at stations.
- Digital version: Digital railcards are available to use immediately upon purchase and can be stored on up to two devices.
How to use
- Booking: When searching for tickets in the journey planner, select your specific railcard from the dropdown menu to see discounted prices.
- At the station: If using a ticket machine, ensure you add the railcard discount before completing your payment.
- On the train: You must present your valid railcard (phone app or physical card) to the conductor alongside your ticket whenever requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Train railcards are annual discount passes. They are highly recommended for anyone spending more than £90 a year on rail travel, as the 1/3 discount quickly offsets the £35 purchase price.
While you can’t buy a Railcard directly through the London Northwestern Railway website or app, getting one is simple. National Railcards are retailed by National Rail.
You can purchase your Railcard in two ways:
- Online: Visit the official National Railcards website to apply for a digital or physical card.
- In-Person: You can buy most Railcards at any staffed National Rail station ticket office.
Note: If you choose a digital Railcard, you can store it on your phone immediately. If you prefer a physical card, it will be sent to you by post.
Most are valid for either one year or three years. We recommend the 3-year option for maximum savings if you fall into an eligibility bracket that won't change soon (like the Senior or Disabled Persons cards).
If you are over 30 and under 60, your best option for solo travel is the Disabled Persons Railcard (if eligible) or the Network Railcard (for travel within the South East). Otherwise, the Two Together Railcard is a great way for adults to save when travelling with a consistent partner.
Yes! On longer LNR routes, such as London to Liverpool or Birmingham, the savings on a single Anytime or Advance return ticket can often pay for the entire annual cost of the railcard.