Do I need to download my Railcard?

After ordering your digital Railcard you will be sent an email which contains a download code. You will use this download code to add your digital Railcard on your phone or device.



If you have purchased a digital Railcard in the UK as of 2026, you absolutely must download it to the official Railcard app on your smartphone to use it for travel. Unlike a PDF or a screenshot, a digital Railcard is an interactive, secure item within the app that generates a unique, time-sensitive barcode for ticket inspectors to scan. To set it up, you typically receive a "download code" via email after purchase; you then open the app, select "Add Railcard," and enter that code. It is important to ensure your phone has enough battery life during your journey, as you must be able to show the digital card on demand. If you cannot produce the valid Railcard on your device, you may be issued a fine or required to pay the full-priced fare, even if you technically own a card. Most digital Railcards can be stored on up to two devices simultaneously, allowing for a backup if needed.

People Also Ask

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.

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

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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.

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You can now buy the following digital Railcards with us and store them directly in your Trainline app. Age-based Railcards are great for students, young professionals and seniors. Railcards are great for friends, couples and family members.

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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.

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Why wasn't my Railcard discount applied? Railcards offer you up to 1/3 discount on your train tickets, but discounts won't be applied in the following scenarios: The Railcard does not apply to the route you're travelling on. For example, the Network Railcard is only valid for journeys in the South East of England.

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Unfortunately you can only have one version of your Railcard – either plastic or digital.

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No. Just your name, address and basic information is required.

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Using your Railcard 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.

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Do they always check Railcard? A: Yes. You must show your valid Network Railcard (digital or plastic) when you buy your ticket and travel on the train. Failure to present a valid Railcard will mean you have to pay a full fare or you may on certain services be liable for a Penalty Fare.

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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).

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