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Save 1/3 of most fares with a Railcard!

Latest News:  Railcards may now be used for discounts on Advance Tickets!

From the 18th May 2008 the rules for Advance tickets have changed.  Regardless of rail company Railcards may now be used on these tickets.  Advance is the name for tickets purchased in advance for travel on specific trains.  As these are the cheapest tickets, Railcards discounts were previously not valid on these tickets.  If you have until now not bought a Railcard because you use these fares now is the time to buy one to get a further 30% off! 

While everyone can benefit from discounted rail fares they will have restrictions, including advance purchase, not being able to change travel plans or break your journey for example.  However, if you fit into some of the groups mentioned here you will qualify for everyday discounted fares for almost any journey.  As railcards (except local cards) are national they are valid throughout the country with almost every train operating company.  The exceptions are Heathrow Express and certain other special train operators. The cost of most railcards will be offset against even your first longer journey so they represent good value for money.  

Young Persons Railcard / Student Railcard.  For anyone aged 16 - 25 or 26+ in full time education, this railcard will get you 1/3 off most rail tickets.  Its valid for one year and costs £24.  The card can be used for long and short trips.  There is a time restriction during the busy commuter times (before 10 Mon - Fri) but you can use it any time on Weekends, Bank Holidays and during the summer months of July and August.  There are also other offers and discounts with non rail services with the card.  You can purchase one from any staffed station or online here. 

Family Railcard.  These are valid for up to four adults and four children travelling together, and you don't have to be related.  Discounts of 1/3 for the adults and up to 60% for children are offered.  The card costs £24 per year.  If however you know how to use your card you can really make some amazing savings.  For example, if your child is under 5 the child will travel free.  However still get the card.  Even if the child is travelling free, you may still get 1/3 off as parents with the card!  Another useful feature of the card is that you may use it all day, even at peek periods - except for journeys wholly within the London and Southeast region.  However if you can travel outside the morning peek you get even greater savings as you can buy cheaper tickets to start with such as cheap day returns.  Finally, keep in mind that the children's 60% discount is off the child rail fare (not the adult fare) so that means you are taking a saving of 60% off a fare which is already 50% discounted!  Get this card if you can!  They can be purchased at any staffed station or online here. 

Senior Railcard.  For anyone aged 60+, this card will save around 1/3 of most rail fares.  Unlike other railcards the discounts on this card apply to both standard and first class tickets!  The card costs £24.  Again like the Family card there are no time restrictions unless you travel entirely within the London and Southeast region.  As with all cards they last for a full twelve months giving lots of opportunities for savings.  Remember to always take your card with you because they can be used on almost every journey including your short ones.  They are available from any staffed station or online here.  The senior railcard provides discounts for the holder only, not any accompanying adults or children. 

Network Railcard.  For leisure travel in the Southeast of England this card costing £20 for one year offers up to 1/3 off most rail tickets.  The card is valid on almost all off peak trains and is ideal for days out.  The holder and up to three accompanying adults get the 1/3 off fares while up to four children will receive 60% off child fares.  The card may only be purchased in person at any staffed station within the eligible area.  Click here for a map of where you may use the card. 

Disabled Persons Railcard.  For just £18 per year disabled people may be eligible for this card offering savings off around 1/3 off most standard and first class rail tickets. 

To find out more about railcards, visit www.railcard.co.uk and click on the card of your choice. 

Other cards

The Highland Railcard.  For residents of the areas surrounding the Far North, Kyle and West Highland Lines, this card offers fantastic discounts of up to 50% of fares on these routes.  The card is available from the following stations - Kyle of Lochalsh, Wick, Thurso, Dingwall, Inverness, Mallaig, Fort William, Oban and Glasgow.  The discounts only apply to scheduled First Scotrail services on these routes.  Tickets must be purchased at ticket offices, but for non staffed stations the card may be used on the train, although they are not sold on board services.