Is it better to have a digital Railcard or plastic?


Is it better to have a digital Railcard or plastic? 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 show train tickets on my phone?

eTicketing is available on nearly all Amtrak train routes and Thruway connecting bus services throughout the nation. You'll receive your eTicket as a PDF attachment to your emailed receipt. You can even retrieve your eTicket in the app. Open the eTicket PDF on your mobile device.


Do I need a photo for a plastic Railcard?

You do not need a photo if you have ordered a 'Plastic' Network Railcard.


What happens if I lose my plastic Railcard?

If you bought it at a station, provided you can produce the completed Receipt portion of your original application form, then you can apply for your lost or damaged Railcard to be replaced at any staffed station ticket office.


How long does it take to get a plastic Railcard?

Once your online payment has been successful you will receive an email confirmation and acknowledgement of your application number (this confirmation cannot be used to buy discounted tickets). If you have ordered a plastic Railcard, please allow 5 working days for delivery.


Is it better to get a physical or digital 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 I take a screenshot of my Railcard?

Digital railcards must be shown in the app, screenshots are not acceptable - so the fact it's a fake will be easily spotted.


Do they scan railcards on trains?

I'm just wondering if the barcode gets scanned by the train conductor, will he know that the original ticket had a railcard? Yes, they will.


How do I display my digital Railcard?

To view your Railcard in the app, you'll need to first log in to your account with the same email address you purchased with. After logging in, navigate to the Account tab and tap on Your Railcards to bring up the list of Railcards you've purchased. Then tap on Download Railcard to download it to your device.


Can I get a digital Railcard if I already have a physical one?

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.


Does Trainline Digital Railcard work?

Yes. Although your Railcard will live in your Trainline App, it can still be used with tickets bought elsewhere.


Can I replace my plastic Railcard with a digital one?

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.


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.


How strict are Railcard photos?

Your head and shoulders should be in close-up, with your face clearly visible and filling approximately 70% of the frame (in the same way it would for a passport or driving licence). The image must be in sharp focus. Please make sure that your face is not obscured by hats or hair.


Are railcards worth it?

While railcards might seem like an expensive investment for those who don't regularly travel by train, do not underestimate their worth. Most railcards mean you could save up to 1/3 on train fares.


Do you get digital Railcard immediately?

In most cases, your digital Network Railcard 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 digital Network Railcard.


How long does it take to get a digital Railcard?

Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed and approved. Once approved, your Disabled Persons Railcard will be available to use straight away.