How does a railcard work?


How does a railcard work? You can use your Railcard to buy tickets online, at a ticket office, from a ticket machine, and over the phone. When you enter a journey into our Journey Planner, you can add the number and type of Railcards you wish to use. It is possible to add multiple Railcards for different people who are travelling.


What are the benefits of having 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. There are also a number of Regional Railcards - for more information please see the below links; 16-25 Railcard (previously Young persons Railcard)


How does UK Railcard work?

You can use your Railcard to buy tickets online, at a ticket office, from a ticket machine, and over the phone. When you enter a journey into our Journey Planner, you can add the number and type of Railcards you wish to use. It is possible to add multiple Railcards for different people who are travelling.


How many tickets can you buy with a railcard?

You can purchase tickets for yourself and up to three adults travelling with you and they will also get up to 1/3 off their rail fare. Plus, you can take up to four children (aged 5 to 15 years) with you and save 60% on each child fare.


What happens if I travel without 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.


Does it matter where I buy my Railcard?

Some 1-year Railcards can also be purchased at any National Rail staffed ticket office. You can book your train tickets online or in person, but in order to qualify for a reduced rate ticket you must be able to present your Railcard during your journey. Failing to do this will invalidate your train ticket.


Can you use a Railcard at any time?

You can buy Network Railcard discounted tickets for travel any time on weekends and public holidays or from 10:00am Monday to Friday.


Is it cheaper to use a Railcard?

About National Railcards We offer 9 main National Railcards, which give you savings of 1/3 off train fares. Most are available to buy online or at stations. You must carry your Railcard with you on your journey to qualify for the discount.


Do railcards work on the tube?

Your National Railcard gives you discounts on the Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and National Rail services.


Do I need to show my Railcard on the train?

A: Yes. You must show your valid Network Railcard (digital or plastic) when you buy your ticket and travel on the train.


Can you use a Railcard on any train?

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.


Do I need a physical copy of my Railcard?

Using your Railcard You can get your Railcard in a digital format to be stored in the National Rail Railcard app on your phone or tablet, or as a physical card. You can use your Railcard to buy tickets online, at a ticket office, from a ticket machine, and over the phone.


Can non UK citizens get a Railcard?

Yes, you can. Simply click 'Buy Now on the website homepage and follow the instructions on the screen. Please note that you will need to provide a valid passport or UK driving licence or EEA National Identity Card number to prove your date of birth and a digital passport-style photo.


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 many times can I use my Railcard?

And because there's no limit to the number of times you can use your Railcard, the potential for family adventures is huge.


Can you use a Railcard at the station?

Only if there is no ticket office, or the ticket office is closed and there is no ticket machine available to buy your discounted ticket at the station at which you began your journey.