Do you need a physical Railcard?


Do you need a 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.


Can tourists apply for Railcard?

Can visitors to Britain buy a Railcard online? A: Yes, you can. Simply click 'Buy Now on the website homepage to get started.


Do all railcards need a photo?

Under 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like' you can select if you want a 'Digital' or a 'Plastic' Railcard. You will be asked to provide a digital passport-style photo if you select 'Digital'. You do not need a photo if you have ordered a 'Plastic' Network Railcard.


Can you use a Railcard without the card?

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.


Can I buy a Railcard online and use it straight away?

If you have purchased a digital 16-25 Railcard, in most cases it will be available to use straight away.


Where can I get a physical Railcard?

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


Can you make a physical Railcard digital?

You cannot swap a plastic Railcard to a digital Railcard. However, when the time comes to renew your Railcard you can do this online and choose to have a digital Railcard. Click here for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.


Is a Railcard an actual card?

Railcards are cards that you can purchase annually to get discounted train fares.


Are railcards digital only?

Railcards can be renewed within 30 days of expiry, to either a digital or a plastic Railcard. Just log into your account and select 'Digital' when completing the application process.


How do physical railcards work?

If you bought your physical Railcard at a rail station, you must carry your separate 16-25 Photocard that was issued at the time of purchase (or where appropriate a 'Permit to travel without Photocard') and you must present this in any circumstance where you present your physical Railcard (i.e. when buying tickets and ...


How important is a Railcard?

Railcards allow you to save up to 33% off most rail fares, including discounts on Advance Purchase tickets. There are eight different railcards available.


How long does it take to get a physical Railcard?

Physical Railcard: we aim to dispatch your Railcard within one working day of you ordering it, but it's probably best to allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard to arrive.


Do you need proof of Railcard?

You will need to provide proof of your Railcard and either the original and additional tickets that you have purchased, or if you have not yet paid, details of the notice to pay or notice of Penalty Fare.


Is digital or plastic Railcard better?

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.