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Am I eligible for a Railcard?

Check your eligibility and find the right Railcard for you.

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Don’t miss out on easy travel savings

You might think that Railcards are only for students or daily commuters. But Railcards are designed for a much wider range of travellers across the UK, including families, couples, veterans, young adults, seniors and eligible disabled passengers.

Whether you travel regularly for work, visit family on weekends or plan a few leisure trips each year, there may already be a Railcard that fits your age, lifestyle or travel habits.

The average annual saving for a Railcard holder is £173 a year (excluding the cost of the Railcard).

For frequent travellers, annual savings can often exceed the cost of the Railcard several times over.

We help millions of people save on train travel every year. If you’ve ever wondered whether you qualify for a Railcard, this guide will help you quickly identify your eligibility and find the right option for you.

Terms and conditions apply to all Railcards.

Quick Railcard eligibility guide

Not sure where to start? This quick guide can help you identify which Railcard you may qualify for.

If you are:

You may qualify for:

Aged 16 or 17

16–17 Saver

Aged 16 to 25

16-25 Railcard

Aged 26 to 30

26–30 Railcard

Travelling with children

Family & Friends Railcard

Travelling regularly as a pair

Two Together Railcard

Living in London or the South East

Network Railcard

A veteran

Veterans Railcard

Aged 60 or over

Senior Railcard

An eligible disabled passenger

Disabled Persons Railcard

Many travellers are surprised to discover they already qualify for at least 1 Railcard.

Common myths about Railcard eligiblity

Many people miss out on Railcard savings because of common misconceptions like these.

“Railcards are only for students”

While student Railcards are popular, there are also Railcards for families, couples, veterans, seniors, young adults and disabled passengers.

“I don’t travel enough”

Even occasional travel can lead to worthwhile savings. A few long-distance journeys or family trips each year may easily offset the cost of a Railcard.

“I’m too old or outside the age limits”

There are Railcards available for travellers in many different age groups and situations.

“Railcards only work on certain trains”

Railcards are valid across most rail services in Great Britain, although some minimum fare or time restrictions may apply depending on the Railcard and journey.

Which Railcard is right for me?

The best Railcard usually depends on:

  • your age

  • how often you travel

  • who you travel with

  • your lifestyle or eligibility category

Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular options.

Railcards for students and young people

16-17 Saver

The 16–17 Saver is designed specifically for teenagers aged 16 and 17.

Main benefit

  • 50% off most rail fares

Ideal for

  • school and college commuting

  • educational travel

  • visiting friends and family

  • independent travel

For families supporting teenagers through sixth form or college, the savings can add up quickly.

16-25 Railcard

The 16–25 Railcard is one of the most widely used Railcards in the UK.

Who it’s for

  • people aged 16 to 25

  • mature students studying full time

Main benefit

  • 1/3 off most rail fares

Ideal for

  • university travel

  • commuting to college

  • travelling home during holidays

  • social and weekend trips

Many students use their Railcard regularly throughout the academic year, especially when travelling between university and home.

Railcards for young adults

26–30 Railcard

The 26–30 Railcard is designed for travellers aged between 26 and 30.

Main benefit

  • 1/3 off most rail fares

Ideal for

  • commuting

  • city breaks

  • visiting family and friends

  • flexible hybrid working travel

Many people assume Railcard eligibility ends at 25, but this Railcard helps younger adults continue saving during their late 20s.

Railcards for families and shared travel

Family & Friends Railcard

The Family & Friends Railcard helps families save when travelling together.

Main benefit

  • discounts for adults and children travelling together

Ideal for

  • family holidays

  • weekend days out

  • school holiday travel

  • visiting relatives

For families travelling regularly by train, even a handful of trips each year could lead to worthwhile savings.

Two Together Railcard

The Two Together Railcard is designed for 2 named adults who travel together.

Main benefit

  • 1/3 off eligible rail fares when travelling together

Ideal for

  • couples

  • friends travelling regularly together

  • leisure trips

  • weekends away

  • visiting family and friends

For people who regularly travel as a pair, shared savings throughout the year can quickly add up. And the cost of the Railcard itself is for both people together, not each!

Railcards for regional travel

Network Railcard

The Network Railcard is designed for travellers in London and the South East of England.

Main benefit

  • 1/3 off rail fares across the Network Railcard area

Ideal for

  • commuting

  • leisure travel

  • day trips

  • occasional travel across the South East

It can be particularly useful for people making regular off-peak journeys within the region.

Railcards for veterans

Veterans Railcard

The Veterans Railcard helps eligible veterans save on rail travel across Great Britain.

Main benefit

  • 1/3 off most rail fares

Ideal for

  • leisure travel

  • visiting family and friends

  • regular rail journeys

  • supporting affordable travel after service

Eligible cardholders can also receive discounts for a named companion travelling with them.

Railcards for seniors

Senior Railcard

The Senior Railcard is available to eligible travellers aged 60 and over.

Main benefit

  • 1/3 off most rail fares

Ideal for

  • leisure travel

  • visiting family

  • holidays and day trips

  • off-peak journeys

 

Many retirees use Railcards to make regular rail travel more affordable and flexible.

Railcards for eligible disabled passengers

Disabled Persons Railcard

The Disabled Persons Railcard is designed for eligible disabled travellers.

Main benefits

  • 1/3 off most rail fares

  • discounts for an accompanying adult where eligible

Ideal for

  • regular journeys

  • visiting family and friends

  • independent travel

 

Eligibility criteria apply, so travellers should check the requirements before applying.

Still need help choosing your Railcard?

Or take our quiz to find the right Railcard for you.

Frequently asked questions

In some cases, travellers may qualify for multiple Railcards, although only 1 Railcard discount can usually be applied to a ticket at a time.

If you no longer qualify for 1 age-based Railcard, you may still qualify for another option depending on your circumstances.

Yes, especially for longer-distance journeys or leisure travel throughout the year.

Railcards are valid on most rail services across Great Britain, although some restrictions may apply.

Most digital Railcards can be used shortly after approval and activation.

Physical Railcards ordered online will usually be delivered within 10 days.

Physical Railcards applied for in person at a staffed station ticket office will usually be available to use straight away.