Loading Page...

Is it better to get a plastic or digital Railcard?

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.



People Also Ask

You cannot swap a plastic Railcard to a digital Railcard. However, when the time comes to renew your Railcard you can do this online and choose to have a digital Railcard.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

A: Yes, you can. Simply click '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 complete your purchase.

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

Yes. You can buy a 1-year 16-25 Railcard over the counter at all staffed station ticket offices.

MORE DETAILS

Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed and approved. Once approved, your Disabled Persons Railcard will be available to use straight away.

MORE DETAILS

If you bought it at a station, provided you can produce the completed Receipt portion of your original application form, then you can apply for your lost or damaged Railcard to be replaced at any staffed station ticket office.

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

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

You cannot swap a plastic Railcard to a digital Railcard. However, when the time comes to renew your Railcard you can do this online and choose to have a digital Railcard. Click here for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

MORE DETAILS

Once your online payment has been successful you will receive an email confirmation and acknowledgement of your application number (this confirmation cannot be used to buy discounted tickets). If you have ordered a plastic Railcard, please allow 5 working days for delivery.

MORE DETAILS

You will need to provide a valid passport or UK driving licence or EEA National Identity Card number to prove your date of birth and a digital passport-style photo.

MORE DETAILS

A: 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.

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 will need to provide proof of your Railcard and either the original and additional tickets that you have purchased, or if you have not yet paid, details of the notice to pay or notice of Penalty Fare.

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