Loading Page...

Can you buy a Railcard instantly?

How quickly will I get my new digital Railcard? In most cases, you should get your digital Railcard instantly after following the steps in the 'How do I add a digital Railcard to my device' section below.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

You don't need to live in Britain or be a UK citizen to be eligible. However, they can only be posted to UK addresses. Buy in person at a staffed railway station (each railcard is different, so it is best to check beforehand with Railcard Help to see if there are any documents that you will need to bring with you).

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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. However, a train company will normally allow you to claim back this extra expense on the first occasion in each year where this happens.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The simple answer is that not every Railcard is valid all of the time. Some of them are only valid in some parts of the country and others are only accepted at certain times of day. If you're travelling in First Class, then you might only be able to buy certain kinds of ticket.

MORE DETAILS

Yes. You can buy a 1-year Family & Friends Railcard over the counter at all staffed station ticket offices.

MORE DETAILS

This depends on the type of railcard some railcards are only valid on Off-peak fares such as the 26-30 railcard, others are available to use all day such as the Senior railcard.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Is Trainline more expensive than National Rail? The trainline is a reseller/agent so although the fares are usually the same, you may other charges such as booking fees/credit card fees and delivery fees and may miss any special promotional fares. There is no point in booking through them.

MORE DETAILS

You don't need to live in Britain or be a UK citizen to be eligible. However, they can only be posted to UK addresses. Buy in person at a staffed railway station (each railcard is different, so it is best to check beforehand with Railcard Help to see if there are any documents that you will need to bring with you).

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

You don't need to live in Britain or be a UK citizen to be eligible. However, they can only be posted to UK addresses. Buy in person at a staffed railway station (each railcard is different, so it is best to check beforehand with Railcard Help to see if there are any documents that you will need to bring with you).

MORE DETAILS