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.
People Also Ask
Can visitors to Britain buy a Railcard online? A: Yes, you can.
Get 1/3 off your train tickets with a Railcard! From children to seniors, there is a Railcard to suit everyone – and you get at least 1/3 off your tickets.
Railcards allow you to save up to 33% off most rail fares, including discounts on Advance Purchase tickets. There are eight different railcards available. There are also a number of Regional Railcards - for more information please see the below links; 16-25 Railcard (previously Young persons Railcard)
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.
If you have purchased a digital 16-25 Railcard, it 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 Railcard. You cannot travel on discounted tickets until you have received your Railcard.
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.
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.
You will be required to provide your passport or UK driving licence or birth certificate or EEA National Identity card as proof of your date of birth and a passport-style photo.
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.
Some 1-year Railcards can also be purchased at any National Rail staffed ticket office. You can book your train tickets online or in person, but in order to qualify for a reduced rate ticket you must be able to present your Railcard during your journey. Failing to do this will invalidate your train ticket.
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.