Can I buy a Railcard at the station UK?


Can I buy a Railcard at the station UK? Yes. You can buy a 1-year Senior Railcard over the counter at all staffed stations ticket offices.


Do Trainline railcards work on all trains?

Yes, your Railcard is accepted by all the Train Companies who operate Passenger Railway Services within England, Scotland and Wales. Railcards do not give discounts on Eurostar services, Charter services, and Heritage Railways unless state otherwise.


Are railcards only digital now?

Most Railcards can be purchased online with the option to download as a digital Railcard to your smartphone or device with our Railcard App. Some 1-year Railcards can also be purchased at any National Rail staffed ticket office.


Is buying a Railcard instant?

If you have purchased a digital 16-25 Railcard, in most cases it will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. Mature students will have to wait a little longer as these applications are checked manually.


Do you have to have a Railcard at the time of booking?

It's perfectly acceptable to buy the tickets online first and buy the railcard later - just as long as you have it when boarding the train. All I have to say is that you must have the railcard with you when you travel as the rail ticket without the railcard will then be invalid.


Can I buy a Railcard that is not digital?

Unfortunately, you can only have one version of your Railcard – either plastic or digital.


How do I get a physical Railcard?

You can also apply for your Railcard by visiting any staffed station ticket office and get your Railcard on the same day! Just be sure to allow yourself plenty of time between purchasing your Railcard and when you need to depart for your journey.


Is it better to get a digital or physical Railcard?

Digital Railcards are stored within the Railcard app on your smart phone or tablet, meaning there's no need to carry the physical card around with you. They can be stored on up to two devices and used quicker than plastic Railcards as they do not need to be sent in the post.


Does Trainline automatically apply Railcard?

We'll automatically apply your Railcard savings and show you the discounted price. Book your train tickets as a digital ticket, or to be collected at the station. Bring the device your digital Railcard and train tickets are stored on to show to a ticket inspector if asked.


How long does it take to get a Railcard?

Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed. Once approved, a download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your digital 16-25 Railcard.


Can I buy a Railcard and use it straight away?

If you have purchased a digital 16-25 Railcard, it will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. You cannot travel on discounted tickets until you have received your Railcard.


How can I travel without a Railcard?

If you are travelling by train on a ticket with a Railcard discount, you must travel with your valid Railcard. If you forget your Railcard you will either be required to buy a new ticket or you may on certain services be liable for a Penalty Fare.


Do trains check if you have a Railcard?

Yes. You must show your valid Railcard when you buy your ticket. You also need to have your Railcard with you on each journey and present it to staff when your ticket is checked aboard the train.


What happens if you buy a train ticket without a Railcard?

If you forget your Railcard you will either be required to buy a new ticket or you may on certain services be liable for a Penalty Fare.