In the UK, the 16-25 Railcard gives 1/3 off most fares. Railcard holders can add the railcard to their search on Rail Europe to find and book discounted fares.
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.
National railcardsThey cost £30 (£20 for the Disabled Persons card). Not just for Brits! 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.
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).
16-17 Saver gives 50% off Standard Anytime, Standard Off-Peak, Standard Advance and Season tickets for travel at any time of the day. The 16-25 Railcard is aimed at leisure travel and gives 1/3 off Standard Anytime and Standard Off-Peak tickets, as well as Standard and First Class Advance tickets.
An Interrail Pass is a good option if you are looking to travel across different countries. It allows you to travel on almost all trains in Europe with access to 40 railway and ferry companies in 33 countries. The rail pass is available to both European residents and non-Europeans who are legal residents.
At Trainline, we sell international rail passes for many countries and continents across the globe including Europe, Great Britain and Japan. Keep scrolling to see which passes you can buy with us, tap the blue button to book your pass straight away or tap find out more to read your dedicated guides to each pass.
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.
If you are aged 26-30 years old and still in full-time education, you can choose whether to buy a 26-30 Railcard, or buy a 16-25 Railcard as a mature student. Mature students who are over the age of 30, can only choose the 16-25 Railcard option and apply as a mature student.
The 26–30 has a minimum fare of £12 between 04:30 and 10:00 on weekdays. The 16–25 has the same restriction, but the minimum does not apply to Advance fares, and it does not apply during July and August. Also you can use the 16–25 Railcard on the Caledonian Sleeper, but not 26–30.
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.
How much does a Eurail Pass cost? In 2023, the cost of a Eurail Global Pass purchased directly through Eurail starts at $276 for second-class fares and $351 for first-class seats for the four-days-in-one-month pass for adults. A 15-day unlimited pass for adults currently ranges from $498 to $631.
A railcard and an Oyster card are not alternatives: they have totally different purposes. If the requirement is travel only in London for four days then an oyster is the answer, but trying to sort this in advance is more hassle than help.
Digital Railcard can be bought online only. Please click on 'Buy Now' on the website homepage to get started. When you get to the question 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like', select 'Digital' and follow the instructions on the screen to continue with your purchase.
With an Oyster card, you can get your Railcard discount loaded onto your Oyster card to save 1/3 on single off-peak pay as you go fares on London Underground and Docklands Light Railway services in London. You will need to have registered your Oyster in your name to do this.