A simple guide to UK railcards

Travelling by train across the UK offers stunning views and convenience, but fares can sometimes add up. Fortunately, there's a fantastic way to cut down on costs: a railcard. A railcard is a discount card that saves you money on most train tickets, and with several different types available, there's likely one that's perfect for you.

Often called the "Young Person's Railcard," this is an essential item for students and young adults looking to save money. If you're aged between 16 and 25, you are eligible to apply. It's also available to mature students over the age of 25 who are in full-time education. The purple benefit is a significant 1/3 off most rail fares, which can lead to substantial savings over a year.

It's important to be aware of the time restrictions. A minimum fare of £12 applies to journeys made between 4:30 am and 10:00 am on weekdays. However, this restriction is lifted on public holidays and throughout the months of July and August, making it perfect for summer adventures and bank holiday trips.

For those who have just moved out of the 16-25 age bracket, the 26-30 Railcard ensures the savings can continue. As the name suggests, it's for anyone aged 26 to 30 and provides the same great 1/3 discount on most rail fares across Great Britain. It's often dubbed the "Millennial Railcard" and bridges the gap before other railcards might become applicable.

This railcard shares the same weekday morning restriction as its younger counterpart, with a £12 minimum fare before 10:00 am. A key difference is that the 26-30 Railcard is digital-only, meaning you must have a smartphone with the Railcard app installed to purchase and use it. This adds a layer of convenience, as your railcard is always with you on your phone.

Ideal for couples, friends, or family members who frequently travel together, the Two Together Railcard offers 1/3 off rail fares for two named individuals. The card is unique in that the discount only applies when both people are travelling together for the entire journey. You can't use the card to travel alone.

The main condition is that the card is not valid for journeys made during the morning peak, specifically before 9:30 am on weekdays. This makes it perfectly suited for weekend getaways, evening outings, and off-peak travel, where it can offer excellent value for money on joint trips.

This railcard is a game-changer for family days out and holidays. It allows up to four adults and four children (aged 5-15) to travel together on a single card, with the adults receiving 1/3 off their fares and the children getting an impressive 60% discount. To be valid, the group must include at least one named cardholder and at least one child.

Similar to the Two Together Railcard, there's a time restriction preventing its use before 9:30 am on weekdays. However, for weekend trips to the seaside, half-term holidays, or visiting relatives, the savings can be very significant, making family train travel much more affordable.

Available to everyone aged 60 and over, the Senior Railcard is one of the most popular and straightforward railcards. It provides a 1/3 discount on a wide range of tickets, including Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak, and Advance fares. It's a fantastic way for seniors to enjoy their freedom and explore the country.

One of the biggest advantages of the Senior Railcard is its flexibility. Unlike many other railcards, there are no time restrictions on when you can travel, meaning you can get a discount even during peak morning hours. This makes it perfect for any journey, whether it's a spontaneous trip or a long-planned holiday.

This is a geographically specific railcard designed for people who travel regularly within London and the South East of England. The card gives you 1/3 off most rail fares within the designated Network Railcard area. It's a great option for commuters and leisure travellers who stick to this region.

The benefits extend beyond just the cardholder. You can take up to three other adults with you, who will also receive a 1/3 discount, and up to four children (aged 5-15) who get 60% off their fares. Be aware that a minimum fare of £13 applies on weekdays (excluding public holidays), but there is no minimum fare on weekends.

The Disabled Persons Railcard provides vital support for travellers with disabilities. It offers a 1/3 discount on most train tickets for the cardholder and one adult companion travelling with them. This means you can save money for both yourself and a friend, family member, or carer on your journey.

A key feature is that there are absolutely no time restrictions, so you can use it for discounted travel at any time of the day, any day of the week. Eligibility is not limited to those registered as disabled; it extends to individuals who receive specific disability benefits or are registered as deaf or visually impaired, making it accessible to a wide range of people.

Introduced to thank former members of the armed forces for their service, the Veterans Railcard is available to anyone who has served at least one day in the UK Armed Forces. It provides a 1/3 discount on most rail fares for the cardholder, offering a valuable saving on their travel.

The discount isn't just for the veteran. A named companion travelling with the cardholder can also get 1/3 off their fare, and up to four children travelling in the group can get 60% off. This makes it a fantastic option for veterans and their families to enjoy affordable days out and explore the country by train.

Choosing the right railcard can unlock significant savings and make train travel much more affordable. Most railcards cost around £35 for a year, a fee you'll likely make back in just one or two long journeys. Most railcards also offer three-year variants at a higher price, but it works out to be cheaper than three one-year railcards.

While we don't sell tickets or railcards ourselves, you can buy them via your train operator or the Railcard website. To avoid any extra fees, we recommend avoiding third party retailers.