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London , London Travel Tips & Inspiration , Moving to London Advice & Resources · August 14, 2023

What is a Railcard? Your Ultimate 2024 Railcard Guide + FAQ

Table of Contents

Wondering if you should get a Railcard ? (or what it is in the first place ? ). Look no further. Here’s everything you need about Railcards in the UK — from a London travel blogger.

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Living in one of the most expensive cities in the world tends to make you think of ways you can save a pretty penny or two. Cue Railcards .

Over the past seven years, using Railcards has saved me hundreds of pounds in transport in the UK, allowing me to get the cheapest fares on trains, the Tube, DLR, London Overground, National Rail, and even the Elizabeth Line.

But what is this magical card, you ask?

In this post, I’ll be answering ‘what is a Railcard?’, ‘what does a Railcard do?’, how to decide if you need a Railcard, what types of Railcards are there, how to get a Railcard, and some quick final tips to help with your Railcard journey (no pun intended). Let’s get into it!

If you definitely know you want a Railcard already, you can purchase your Railcard here .

If you definitely know you want a Railcard already, just skip down to the section ‘How Do I Get a Railcard?’ for a step-by-guide on how to get it set up or purchase your Railcard here .

What is a Railcard? Your Ultimate Railcard Guide + FAQ

What is a Railcard?

Before you think about getting a Railcard, you should probably know what it is.

A Railcard is a card issued by the National Rail network in Britain that allows passengers to get discounted fares when they use certain types of trains and other methods of transportation.

It’s available for adults and children alike, so everyone can benefit from discounted fares!

What Does a Railcard Do?

It makes it rain! In discounts that is.

When you purchase a Railcard , you’ll receive up to 1/3 off most train tickets. You can also get discounts on other services such as the Tube, DLR, London Overground, and the Elizabeth Line if you’re in London.

Each Railcard has different and very specific eligibility criteria and offers different types of discounts, so it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the one that best suits your needs.

How Much Is a Railcard?

As of 2023, Railcards start from £20 – £30 for a 1-year Railcard or £54 – £70 for a 3-year Railcard .

What you pay will depend greatly on what type of Railcard you’re applying for. To figure that out, have a look at the chart below!

How to Decide If You Need a Railcard

Deciding if you need a Railcard comes down to one thing — how long you’ll be in London.

Travelling to London:

As you’ll need to pay for a Railcard yearly, I don’t think it’s worth going through the process of getting a Railcard and utilizing the discounts if you’ll only be here for a week or two.

Since the price is £30 for 1-year or £70 for 3-years, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting an ROI on your savings (i.e – saving more than £30 a year/£70 in 3-years through the discount), which can only really happen if you’re here for an extended amount of time.

With that said, if you’re travelling loads by train during your London trip — it may be worth calculating if the savings would be worth it.

Short-term stays, Living in or Moving to London:

On the other hand, if any of the above applies to you the answer is YES, you should definitely get a Railcard .

Whether you’re a short or long-term Londoner — living in the city is synonymous with a lifestyle of constant travel on public transport, so why not save 1/3 off travel when you can?

What Types of Railcards Are There?

There’s currently nine types of Railcards , each offering various discounts for a certain demographic. These include:

• 16 – 17 Saver – 50% off Rail travel
• 16-25 Railcard – 1/3 off Rail and certain travel fares
• 26 – 30 Railcard -1/3 off off-peak Rails and certain travel fares
• Disabled Persons Railcard – 1/3 off Rail and certain travel fares for you and a friend or travel buddy
• Family & Friends Railcard – 1/3 off off-peak Rails and certain travel fares for four adults and four children who’ll get 60% off (must be aged 5-15)
• Network Rail – 1/3 off Rail fares in South East England, including up to 3 adults and 4 children
• Senior Railcard – 1/3 off all off-peak journies
• Two Together Railcard – 1/3 off off-peak Rail travel for you and your travel buddy (doesn’t need to be a couple)
• Veterans Railcard – 1/3 off Rail travel

P.S – Click here to learn more about which Railcard you’re eligible for

How Do I Get a Railcard?

Once you’ve decided whether or not a Railcard is right for you, you’ll need to get one. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1️⃣ IMPORTANT : Have a valid passport, UK licence, or EEA national identity card and a digital passport-style photo (or a really good selfie!) saved to your computer ready — you’ll need this to verify your identity and get your Railcard set up.

2️⃣ Head to Trainline and select ‘I know the right railcard for me’ or fill in the questionnaire about your age and travel habits to get the right option for you

3️⃣ Follow the steps and make sure you’ve downloaded the Railcard app to your phone to activate your pass

4️⃣ Go to your nearest Underground station and ask the TfL staff to connect your Oyster to your Railcard (you can do it on your phone as well, but I’ve found this way to be quicker/easier)

5️⃣ Start using your glorious Railcard discount!

Final Tips on Getting a Railcard: Railcard FAQ

• You can only connect your Oyster card to your Railcard. So if you’re currently using your contactless card, you’ll need to switch over to be able to take advantage of your Railcard discount ( Read More: Oyster Card vs Contactless: Which Should I Use? )
• Remember the 1/3 off pay-as-you-go Oyster travel is for off-peak fares only, so the discount won’t be applied when you’re travelling in peak times (Monday to Friday, except public holidays, between 06:30 and 09:30, and 16:00 and 19:00)
• Railcard discounts don’t work on buses (but buses are the cheapest out of all London transport options, so you’ll still save loads)
• Despite popular belief, Railcards are not just for British residents! So if you’re travelling here for an extended time and taking a lot of trains/public transport, it may be worth calculating if getting a Railcard would be worth the 1/3 discount during your stay (at £30 a year)
• Don’t hesitate to get your Railcard! Every day you don’t have it, you’re missing out on amazing transport deals in London & the UK — thank me later!

Thanks for reading my ‘What is a Railcard?’ Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on  Instagram !

Check out more london guides:.

• How to Get Around London: Your Ultimate Transport Guide
• Oyster Card vs Contactless: Which Should I Use?
• 5 Best Short-Term Accommodation Options in London
• Moving to London
• London Neighbourhood Guides

Happy Londoning,

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• Renew my Railcard
• Manage my Railcard

Travel times & tickets

Get 1/3 off standard and first class anytime, off-peak and advance fares when you travel together from 09:30am monday to friday*, or anytime at weekends and public holidays with your two together railcard.  .

* If a train is scheduled to depart at 09:30am a Two Together Railcard discounted ticket will be valid.

**These tickets need to be booked before you travel.

Remember, some tickets are subject to availability, time or restrictions - so it's always best to check before booking and be sure to read the full terms and conditions for using your Railcard .  You can plan your next trip and book tickets at nationalrail.co.uk .

Your Two Together Railcard discount WON'T apply to:

• Season tickets, including Travelcard Season tickets
• Oyster pay as you go fares in London
• Eurostar tickets
• Tickets for special excursions or Charter trains and some coach/bus links, including Railair services
• Rail/sea journeys to Calais, Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man
• Most London Underground and Docklands Light Railway tickets
• Most Train Company, Community Rail Partnership and Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) specific tickets

***Discount is only available on tickets as part of a journey from/to a National Rail station and on combined rail/sea journeys from/to Ryde Hoverport.

Here you can buy a Railcard for you or someone else, update your details and report your Railcard as lost/stolen.

Time Restrictions

The only time you can't use your Two Together Railcard is at morning peak times, ie before 0930 Monday to Friday.

Remember, on weekends and public holidays this restriction doesn't apply, so you can get out and start having adventures whatever time you like.

• Renew my Railcard
• Manage my Railcard

Where and when can I use my Railcard?

Your 26-30 Railcard gets you 1/3 off most off-peak rail fares to travel across Great Britain. There are tickets, time restrictions and minimum fares, so check below to help you plan:

*These tickets need to be booked before you travel.

**Discount is only available on tickets as part of a journey from/to a National Rail station and on combined rail/sea journeys from/to Ryde Hoverport.

Remember, not every ticket type is available for every journey that you might want to make, so it’s always best to check before booking. And be sure to read the full terms and conditions for using your Railcard.

Time Restrictions

A minimum fare of £12 applies to all journeys made before 10:00 Monday to Friday, excluding Advance fares.

The minimum fare does not apply on public holidays.

Tell a friend about the savings they could make with a 26-30 Railcard

Browse Help by Category

Digital railcards, buying a digital railcard, types of digital railcard with trainline.

You can now buy the following digital Railcards with us and store them directly in your Trainline app.

Railcards by age

Age-based Railcards are great for students, young professionals and seniors.

• 16-17 Saver
• 16-25 Railcard
• 26-30 Railcard
• Senior Railcard (60+)

Railcards by Group

Railcards are great for friends, couples and family members. You don't need to be related or in a relationship to use them. They're a good option for anyone aged 31-59 who doesn't qualify for an age-based Railcard and also offer discounts on child fares.

• Family & Friends Railcard
• Two Together Railcard

Railcard by region

Lets you explore the Network Railcard area — 16 counties across the South East, including London — for 1/3 less.

• Network Railcard

Please note that the Disabled Persons Railcard and Veterans Railcard are not available to buy digitally with us. We are currently working on the ability to verify eligibility.  If you already have this type of Railcard you can still buy discounted train tickets through trainline. 

Make sure you have a compatible device

Can i buy more than one railcard.

You can have more than one Railcard, but for now you’ll have to buy them in separate transactions.

I no longer want the Digital Railcard

Railcards can be refunded within 14 days of purchase as long as they haven’t been used to buy discounted tickets. Please contact us to request a refund. 

Viewing Digital Railcard in app

Can one railcard be shown on multiple devices.

The Railcard is associated to only the email address it was purchased under and so it can be shown on any trainline app that is logged in with that email address - you can log into more than one device with the same email address. Two Together Railcard and Family & Friends Railcard both have more than one cardholder, however the Railcard is still associated to only the purchasing email address and so can only viewed through that one login.

I bought a Railcard on Trainline, but now I can’t find it in the app.

To view your Railcard in the app, you'll need to first log in to your account with the same email address you purchased with. After logging in, navigate to the Account tab and tap on "Your Railcards" to bring up the list of Railcards you've purchased. Then tap on "Download Railcard" to download it to your device.

I bought a Railcard for someone else

The Digital Railcard photo must be that of the persons who are going to use it for travel. The Railcard will only show in the app if logged in with the same email address as purchased. To move the Railcard to a different email address entirely then please contact us . 

Using the Digital Railcard for travel

Can i buy a railcard and apply the discount within the same booking.

Not at the moment, but we’re working on it. For now, you can buy your Railcard in one transaction and then book your train tickets straight afterwards in a separate transaction. To apply the discount, select the Railcard manually from the search screen.

Can I apply more than one Railcard to my booking?

Yes, but only up to the same number of passengers on the booking. You can use any Railcards in combination with each other. Whether the discount is applied or not depends on the ticket type you select.

Some Railcards will offer discounts for the people you’re travelling with too, so you may only need one Railcard between you.

How do I apply a Railcard discount?

• Select where you’re travelling from and to and the date and time you'd like to travel.
• Add your passengers and their relevant Railcards.
• Select ‘Get times & tickets’. If you're eligible for a discount, it will automatically be applied to your search results.

Why wasn’t my Railcard discount applied?

• For example, the Network Railcard is only valid for journeys in the South East of England.
• Railcards are not valid on European journeys (including Eurostar).
• If your Railcard discount only applies to Off-Peak travel, but you’re searching for journey that departs during peak times.
• The Network Railcard doesn’t offer discount on Advance tickets.

To see the full list of ticket types where a Railcard discount is not valid, click here.

Can I apply a Railcard discount retrospectively?

No. Please double check your Railcard discount has been applied before booking your tickets.

Related Articles

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• Renew my Railcard
• Manage my Railcard

 When can I use my Railcard?

Your Family & Friends Railcard gets you 1/3 off Standard Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance adult fares, and 60% off for kids’ fares too. And because there’s no limit to the number of times you can use your Railcard, the potential for family adventures is huge.

*Discount is only available on tickets as part of a journey from/to a National Rail station and on combined rail/sea journeys from/to Ryde Hoverport.

Easements in Time Restrictions

Discounts are allowed on trains departing from the stations at the times shown in the table below. Discounts are only applied to the ticket types which are normally valid on the train service shown.

See how much you'll save with your Railcard.

Revolutionising Rail Travel with Digital Railcards

24 Nov 2023 · 8 min read

In the fast-paced world of digital advancements, Trainsplit is excited to introduce a revolutionary solution to enhance your train travel experience – Digital Railcards . Say goodbye to the hassle of physical cards and embrace the convenience of having your railcard at your fingertips.

Trainsplit: Your All-in-One Rail Travel Companion

Set out on a journey of savings and convenience with Trainsplit, your one-stop shop for affordable and hassle-free rail travel. Trainsplit revolutionises the way you travel by offering a unique combination of split ticketing and digital railcards, empowering you to make the most of your rail adventures.

What is Trainsplit?

Trainsplit is a split ticketing website and app that helps users find the cheapest fares by splitting their train journeys across multiple tickets. It's a great resource for travellers looking to save money on their rail journeys. 

Split Ticketing: Uncover Hidden Savings

Trainsplit's clever split ticketing algorithm meticulously analyses various ticket combinations to uncover hidden savings, often leading to significant discounts compared to direct ticket fares. This innovative approach allows you to split your journey into multiple tickets, taking advantage of different fare types and timings to maximise your savings.

Railcard Roundup: Choosing the Right Railcard for Your Travel Needs

Are you a regular rail traveller? If so, a railcard could save you a lot of money on your fares. However, with a variety of railcards available, choosing the right one can be tricky.

16-25 Railcard

The 16-25 Railcard is the most popular railcard, and for good reason. It offers a 1/3 discount on Off-Peak rail travel for all ages 16 to 25. This means that you can save up to 1/3 off the price of your rail fares, making rail travel a more affordable option.

26-30 Railcard

The 26-30 Railcard is similar to the 16-25 Railcard, but it is available for people aged 26 to 30. It also offers a 1/3 discount on Off-Peak rail travel.

Senior Railcard

The Senior Railcard is available for people aged 60 and over. It offers a 1/3 discount on Off-Peak rail travel, as well as a 50% discount during weekdays before 9: 30am and after 5pm.

Family & Friends Railcard

The Family & Friends Railcard is available for groups of up to four adults and up to four children (aged 5 to 15). It offers a 1/3 discount for up to four adults and up to 60% off for up to four children (aged 5 to 15).

Two Together Railcard

The Two Together Railcard is available for two adults who travel together frequently. It offers a 1/3 discount on Off-Peak rail travel.

Network Railcard

The Network Railcard is available for people who live in or work in certain areas of the UK. It offers a 1/3 discount on Off-Peak rail travel.

Digital Railcards: Seamless Convenience at Your Fingertips

With Trainsplit, you can:

• Purchase a variety of railcards, including 16-25 Railcards, Senior Railcards, Young Persons Railcards, and Family & Friends Railcards
• Manage your railcard via the app
• Set up automatic renewals so you never miss a renewal date

Trainsplit's introduction of digital railcards will bring even more convenience and value to users. With digital railcards, users can purchase, manage, and renew their railcards directly through the Trainsplit app or website , eliminating the need for physical cards.  

A Comprehensive Rail Travel Solution

Trainsplit caters to all your rail travel needs, providing everything from split ticketing and digital railcards to journey alerts, travel tips, and customer support. With Trainsplit, you can navigate the world of rail travel with confidence and ease.

Here are some of the benefits of digital railcards on Trainsplit:

• Convenient purchase and management: Users can easily purchase, manage, and renew their railcards directly through the Trainsplit platform or app.
• Easy Access Anytime, Anywhere: Discover the freedom of accessing your railcard digitally. No more fumbling through wallets or purses – your digital railcard is just a tap away on your smartphone.
• Environmentally friendly: Join us in contributing to a greener planet by opting for a digital railcard. Reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainable travel practices with this environmentally friendly alternative.
• Instant activation: Digital railcards can be activated instantly upon purchase, allowing users to start saving immediately.
• Enhanced Security and Peace of Mind: Bid farewell to the worry of losing or forgetting your physical railcard. The digital version is securely stored on your device, offering peace of mind and eliminating the risk of misplacement. Trainsplit's secure platform ensures that user information and railcard details are protected.
• Real-time updates: Stay informed with real-time updates and notifications related to your railcard. Receive alerts about upcoming renewals, promotions, and any changes in your railcard status directly on your device.
• Offline availability: Digital railcards can be accessed even when offline, ensuring seamless travel experiences.

Why use Trainsplit?

There are many benefits to using Trainsplit, including:

• Convenience: Purchase and manage your railcards online from the comfort of your own home
• Savings: Save up to 1/3 on your rail fares with a railcard
• Flexibility: Choose from a variety of railcards to suit your needs
• Peace of mind: Set up automatic renewals so you never miss a renewal date

How to use Trainsplit 

To use Trainsplit, simply follow these steps:

• Create an account on the Trainsplit website
• Choose the railcard that suits you
• Purchase your railcard online
• Start saving money on your train journeys!

Here are some additional tips for using Trainsplit:

• Purchase your railcard in advance to get the best possible discount
• Use your railcard for all of your rail journeys, not just long-distance journeys
• Make sure your railcard is eligible for sharing. Not all railcards are eligible for sharing. For example, the 16-25 Railcard and the Senior Railcard are not shareable.
• Share your railcard with people you trust. Only share your railcard with people you know and trust. This will help prevent your railcard from being misused.
• Be aware of the terms and conditions of your railcard. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your railcard before you share it with anyone. This will help you avoid any problems later on.

If you're thinking about sharing your railcard, here are two great options to consider:

Two Together Railcard: This railcard is ideal for two adults who travel together frequently. It offers a 1/3 discount on Off-Peak rail travel.

Family & Friends Railcard: This railcard is a great option for families and groups of friends. It offers a 1/3 discount for up to four adults and 60% off for up to four children (aged 5 to 15).  

By sharing your railcard, you can help your friends and family save money on their train journeys. It's a great way to make rail travel even more affordable for everyone.

• Sign up for the Trainsplit newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest rail deals and discounts

Trainsplit is the future of rail travel. With its convenient, affordable, and flexible digital railcards, Trainsplit is making it easier than ever to save money on your train journeys. 

Here are some additional tips for saving money on rail travel:

• Book your tickets in advance. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get a good deal.
• Be flexible with your travel dates and times. If you're flexible with your travel dates and times, you may be able to find cheaper fares.
• Consider traveling Off-Peak. Off-Peak fares are typically cheaper than Anytime fares.

Join the Rail Savings Revolution

Join thousands of savvy travellers who have discovered the power of Trainsplit. Download the Trainsplit app and purchase your railcard today to start saving on your rail journeys.

Q: What sort of device do I need, to use a digital Railcard?

A: We support both iOS and Android. You'll need to be able to run iOS 15+ or Android 8+, but you can use any phone or a tablet.

Q: What do I need to buy a railcard?

A: For the age-based railcards you'll need a (UK) driving licence or (any machine-readable, international) passport to be able to prove your age. You'll also need to be able to upload a passport-style photograph of yourself to be displayed on your digital Railcard.

Q: What payment methods do you accept?

A: You can pay with a MasterCard, Visa or American Express debit/credit card. We'll never charge any card fees.

Q: Are there any railcards you can't sell?

A: We can only sell national railcards that can be fulfilled digitally. We're sorry, but we're also not permitted to sell the Veterans Railcard or the Disabled Persons Railcard.

Q: I'm attempting to obtain a download code for the Railcard app, but I can't seem to find it!

A: Two important points here. First, our website doesn't indicate compatibility with RDG's Railcard app, and we're unable to facilitate such integration. These systems operate independently, and RDG's app doesn't support an import mechanism. In simpler terms, you can't add your Railcard to the Railcard app; it's accessible only through the Trainsplit app . To access your Railcard from Trainsplit, sign in with the account used for the purchase (using the same email), and activate it directly from the app.

Q: I can't locate the Railcard in my app. Is it an outdated version?

A: Ensure you've installed the Trainsplit app and logged in with the account used for the Railcard purchase. If the Railcard isn't visible, try force closing and reopening the app. The drawer item's visibility is tied to your login status.

Q: I purchased a Railcard for someone else. How can I transfer it to their account?

A: Yes! Send us an email with the recipient's email address, and we'll handle the transfer to their account. They'll need to install the  app , create an account, and then we can move the Railcard accordingly.

Q: How can I add my railcard to a completely different app?

A: Similar to the question above, it's not possible to add and access your Railcard through a different app other than Trainsplit.

Q: I've purchased my railcard elsewhere. Can I add it to the Trainsplit app?

A: No, if you've bought your Railcard from another source, it can't be added to the Trainsplit app. Likewise, if you've got your Railcard via Trainsplit, it can't be added to another app.

Take your journeys with you    

So what are you waiting for? Get started by buying your railcard on Trainsplit today!

Help and FAQs:

• Help and FAQs

Ticket Information:

• Ticket types explained
• Split tickets explained
• Advance tickets
• Cheap Train Tickets
• Cheapest vs flexible tickets

Booking and Travel Guides:

• Demystifying the booking process
• Travel Assistance
• Download the apps

Terms and Conditions:

• Trainsplit terms & conditions
• National Rail Conditions of Travel

Information and Services:

• Live Running Information
• Buy digital railcards
• Introducing Digital Railcards
• Delay Repay
• Rail Strikes
• Refund form

Journey Planner

• Renew my Railcard
• Manage my Railcard

Frequently Asked Questions?

Most frequently asked questions

Railcards can be used for rail discounts in the area known as Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). They cannot be used for rail travel in either in Northern Ireland nor the Republic of Ireland.

If you live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland you can buy a Railcard to use for travelling in Scotland, Wales or England. 

The download code allows you to add a purchased digital Railcard to the Railcard app on your device. It is found within the email confirmation you would have received after we have approved your Railcard application.

If you have purchased your Railcard from the Railcard website you will need to click 'Manage my Railcard' on the website or homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, please click ‘Get a new download code’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Railcard to a new device.

If you are asked to remove 1 device, click the Bin icon next to the device you want to remove your Railcard from and then click 'Remove'. The system will generate a new download code for you which can now be used to add your Railcard to your device.

Click here for more information on download code and managing your Railcard.

Please note that the Railcard app is available to download from the Apple Store and the Google Play store.

Check your mailbox (including your junk mail) for an email from our Railcard team.

If you still can’t find it, you will need to click 'Manage my Railcard' on the website or homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, please click ‘Get a new download code’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Railcard to a new device.

Click here for more information on download codes and managing your Railcard.

If your download code isn’t working, it is likely that it has expired or has been used to activate your Railcard on too many devices. You can only store your digital Network Railcard on a maximum of 2 devices, so you may need to remove it from an existing device to add it to a new one. 

If the problem persists, please contact the customer services team on 0345 3000 250.

Click here for the step by step guide on how to generate a new download code.

You can buy your Senior Railcard online or at a staffed station Ticket Office.

To buy online, simply click ‘’Buy Now’’ on the website homepage and follow the instructions on the screen. 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 if you have selected 'Digital' under 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like' section.

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 purchased a plastic Senior Railcard, please allow 5 working days for delivery. You can choose to pay for ‘Special Delivery’, but you will have to place your order before 15:45pm to guarantee that your Railcard is delivered within two days (Monday to Thursday) or three days (Friday to Sunday).

If you are unable to wait for your Senior Railcard to be delivered to you, you can also download and complete an online application form and go to any staffed station Ticket Office to apply in person. You will need to provide a valid passport or UK driving licence or EEA National Identity Card number to prove your date of birth.

If you have purchased a digital Senior Railcard, a download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. 

You will not be able to travel on discounted tickets until you have your Railcard.

The Railcard App is available to download from the Apple Store and the Google Play store.

The App is only compatible with devices that have the following software: Apple iOS 14.0 and above and Android 5.0 and above.

The Railcard app is  not  compatible with Windows Phones.

In the first instance please contact Railcard Customer Services who will endeavour to resolve any issues that you have. 

We're open from 07:00am to 22:00pm everyday of the year except for Christmas day.  You can:

Email us:         [email protected]

Call us on:       0345 3000 250

Write to:           

National Railcards

PO box 8626

SWADLINCOTE

If you are not satisfied with the resolution we give, you are entitled to contact:

www.transportfocus.org.uk/help/rail-complaints

http://ec.europa.eu/odr/

Yes. You must show your valid Senior 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.

A train company will normally allow you to claim back this extra expense on the first occasion in each year where this happens providing you can show that you owned a Railcard before you started your journey.

Each train company will have their own process for doing this. 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. Where you have already paid for additional tickets you should contact the relevant train company’s customer services department; in the case of a notice to pay or notice of Penalty Fare, you should follow the instructions included on how to challenge or appeal the charge.

Yes. You can buy a 1-year Senior Railcard over the counter at all staffed stations ticket offices. 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.

Railcards issued at stations cannot be renewed online. You will need to create an account and purchase a new Railcard.

To buy a new Senior Railcard, please go to the website homepage, click ‘Buy Now’ and follow the instructions on the screen. You will be asked to provide either a passport or driving licence number or EEA National Identity Card and you will also need to provide a digital passport-style photo if you have selected 'Digital' under 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like' section.

Not if you already hold a Senior Railcard that was issued by our online service. Please note that Railcard issued at a station cannot be renewed online. You will need to create an account and purchase a new Railcard.

To buy a new Railcard, please go to the website homepage, click ‘Buy Now’ and follow the instructions on the screen. You will be asked to provide either a passport or driving licence or EEA National Identity Card number and you will also need a digital passport-style photo if you have selected ‘Digital’ under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section.

Please click ‘’Buy Now’’ on the website homepage and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to provide a valid passport or UK driving licence or EEA National Identity Card number to verify your date of birth online and a digital passport-style photo if you have selected ‘Digital’ under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section.

If you have ordered a plastic Senior Railcard, please allow 5 working days for delivery. You can choose to pay for ‘Special Delivery’, but you will have to place your order before 15:45pm to guarantee that your Railcard is delivered within two days (Monday to Thursday) or three days (Friday to Sunday).

If you have ordered a digital Railcard, a download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. 

If you have ordered a plastic Senior Railcard online, please allow 5 working days for delivery. If you paid for Special Delivery and placed your order before 15:45pm, your Railcard will be delivered within two days (Monday to Thursday) or three days (Friday to Sunday).

If you have purchased a digital 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.

You will need to wait 7 working days, then go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the Senior Railcard website homepage to log in to your account and apply for a replacement. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active Senior Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’. Select ‘lost’, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen. Please check that your address is correct before you order.

You will be sent a free replacement provided you do this within 30 days of your application date. If 30 days has passed from your date of purchase you can still request a replacement card, but you will have to pay a £10 replacement fee.

Your Railcard is not valid during the morning peak period when travelling between two stations in the  Network Railcard area  of validity.  Check locally to confirm morning peak times as these do differ.  This restriction does not apply on public holidays.

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.

Click here for more information on managing your Railcard

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.

You can also buy a Railcard at Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport rail stations, Luton Airport Parkway and Manchester Airport – but NOT at London Heathrow Airport.

No. You must carry your Railcard with you on any journey where you have bought discounted tickets with the Railcard.

Therefore, if you buy discounted Railcard tickets before you receive your Railcard, you do this at your own risk.

No. You will not be able to travel with your discounted tickets if your Senior Railcard has expired. Discounted tickets are only valid if you are using them with a valid Railcard. You will need to renew your Senior Railcard before you begin and complete your journey.

Click here for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

If you have selected 'Digital' under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section, your digital Senior 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 Railcard. 

Please click on https://www.senior-railcard.co.uk/help/railcard-terms-conditions/ for important terms and conditions that you need to understand before you use your Railcard.

Yes. You can use it with the 2FOR1 Days Out Guide promotions and most offers given by train companies. Please note that your Railcard may get you the full 1/3 discount on some Train Company special offers, but many offers include a smaller discount or no discount at all. It's best to ask at your local station for details of a specific offer, or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.

Alternatively, you can visit www.nationalrail.co.uk .

The Railcard discount does not cover charges on various articles or animals.

For details about which items carry a charge, and details of the charges, please call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.

Only if there is no ticket office, or the ticket office is closed and there is no ticket machine available to buy your discounted ticket at the station at which you began your journey. If this is the case you can buy your discounted ticket from ontrain staff.

Otherwise, if ticket facilities were available at the station you could be charged the full price Standard Single fare.

No. The Railcard is for your use only, and provides discounts only on tickets bought for your own use. It does not cover anyone accompanying you.

Yes, providing that there are reservations available on the service on which you are travelling. Many train companies will allow you to reserve a seat free of charge on longer distance journeys.

Please check with the local ticket office staff before buying tickets.

Please click ‘Renew my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to account. Once logged in, click ‘Renew’ under your expired or soon to expired Railcard, select 'Digital' or ‘Plastic’ under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section and follow the instruction on the screen to complete your purchase.

Click  here  for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

If you bought your Railcard online, please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account and apply for a replacement. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active Senior Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’. Select lost or damaged, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen. You will also have to pay a £10 administration fee.

Please note that you can only apply for a replacement Railcard 5 days after the date of original purchase and only one replacement may be issued in a 12-month period.

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. You will also have to pay a £10 administration fee.

To replace a stolen Railcard you bought online, please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’. Select ‘stolen’, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen. You will have to provide a crime reference number, or a document given to you by the Police for a free replacement. You can also call our Helpline on 0345 3000 250.

To replace a stolen Railcard you bought at a station, please go to a station with your crime reference number/documentation given to you by the police and some form of identification to be issued with a free replacement Railcard.

Yes. Please visit the ‘Offers & Competitions’ page for more details.

If you have already purchased a digital Senior Railcard, you should have received an email which contains a download code. You will use this download code to add your digital Senior Railcard on your phone or device.

First, you will need to download the Railcard app from the Apple Store or the Google Play store. Once downloaded, open the app and tap on the ‘+’ symbol on the ‘Your Railcards’ screen. The ‘Add Railcard’ screen will then show, and you will need to tap on the ‘+’ symbol under ‘Add an existing Railcard’ to enter your download code and add your Senior Railcard.

Click here for the step by step guide on how to add a digital Railcard to your phone.

Digital Railcard can be bought online only. Please 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 continue with your purchase.

In most cases, your digital 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 Railcard. 

If you lose the device where your digital Senior Railcard was downloaded, you will need to log in to account and remove it from the lost device.

Simply click ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Senior Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’ and select the device you want to remove.  Once you have removed one device on your account, please click ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your digital Senior Railcard to a new device.

Please note that you can only store your digital Railcard on a maximum of 2 devices.

In most cases, your digital Senior 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 Senior Railcard.

Please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Senior Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’ and select the device you want to remove.  Once you have removed one device on your account, please click ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your digital Senior Railcard to a new device.

Yes! You can renew your digital Railcard within 30 days of its expiry to a digital Railcard.

Simply click ‘Renew my Railcard’ on the homepage, enter your log in details, click on ‘Renew’ under your expired or soon to expired Railcard, select 'Digital' under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section and follow the instruction on the screen to complete your purchase.

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.

You can store your digital Railcard on up to two devices at a time.

If you want to add it to a third, you will need to remove it from one of your existing devices through your account.

Simply go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Senior Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’ and select the device you want to remove. Once you have removed one device on your account, please click ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Senior Railcard to a new device.

You will need to contact our customer support team on 0345 3000 250 so that we can better understand the activity that has caused your Railcard to be blocked.

If appropriate, they will be able to help you get back online with your Railcard.

If we detect suspicious activity on your Railcard, it will be blocked until we have had the chance to speak to you.

During this period, your Railcard will no longer be valid for travel.

If your Railcard has been blocked, you will need to contact our customer support team on 0345 3000 250.

**Excessive device changing can result in a Railcard being blocked**

If you don’t have any battery life, or have forgotten your device, it won't be possible to check that your Railcard discount is valid.

You could be asked to buy a single ticket for your journey, or be issued with a Penalty Fare.

If you do get caught out while travelling, you can make one claim a year to be refunded for any extra fare or penalty you incur.

For a list of train companies in Great Britain, and their details, click  here .

Unfortunately, you can only have one version of your Railcard – either plastic or digital. Once you have purchased your Railcard you cannot change the type of Railcard you have.

Please go to "Manage my Railcard" on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, on the top right of your account summary page, please click on your ‘Menu Profile’ and select ‘Personal Details’. You will be given the option to update or change your personal details, including your address.

Or you can also click on https://secure.railcard.co.uk/account/personal-details , enter your log in details and the ‘Manage Personal Details’ page will show. You can now change or update your personal details including your address.

If you are using a driving licence to apply, please make sure that the name you use to apply for your Railcard is typed into your application in exactly the same format in which it is shown on your driving licence.

This means that if an apostrophe or hyphen in your name has been left out of your name on your driving licence you need to leave it out of the name you use for your Railcard.

For example, if your name is “O’brian” and it is shown as “Obrian” (without the apostrophe) on your driving licence, then you should type it as “Obrian” in your Railcard application.

We accept machine readable passport codes from all countries except for those issued in the Philippines and Bangladesh prior to 2010. So, if you have a valid passport your passport code should work.

When inputting your passport details into the system please ensure you are entering all characters including each chevron “<” where it appears on your passport. You will need to input:

• 10 digits or characters into the first box
• three letters in the second box identifying your nationality
• seven digits in the third box
• an F or M identifying your gender in the fourth box
• seven digits in the fifth box
• the last two digits of your passport code in the sixth box. If you only have one digit in this section, please add a 0 in front of it. 

If all the above information is correct and the system says that your number is still invalid, please c heck that the information you have supplied on the Cardholder Details page is correct. You must:

• use your full name as it is shown on your passport. Do not use any shortened version of your name (for example, “Bob” when you are “Robert” on your passport)
• put your personal name in the “Your First Name” field and your family name in the “Your Surname” field
• make sure that your gender is as it is shown on your passport

If you opt for a digital Railcard, you must provide a photograph. The photo should have been taken with nothing covering the outline of eyes, nose or mouth. The rail industry applies the same rules as the DVLA and Passport Agency, so photos with a person wearing a full facial burka / niqab (a veil that covers the face) are not acceptable. If a member of rail staff is unable to validate that the person on your Railcard is you, the Train Companies reserve the right to charge you the full price Standard Single fare for your journey as if no ticket was purchased before starting the journey and in some cases a Penalty Fare.

We accept online payment via credit and debit cards. The cards accepted are: Visa, Visa Debit, Visa Electron, MasterCard, MasterCard Debit, Maestro and Solo. We cannot accept American Express or Diner's Club.

Please check that you have read each character of the code correctly. We do try to use codes that are easy to read, but occasionally applicants might confuse,

• the letter “I” with the number “1”
• the letter “O” with the number “0”(zero)
• the letter “S” with the number “5”.

If any of these characters appear in your code, please try their alternatives. If this does not work please, call us on 0345 3000 250 and we will be able to check the status of the code you have.

You can renew your Senior Railcard bought online within 30 days of its expiry to a digital or a plastic Railcard.

Railcard are available offline for a period of up to 72 hours. The Railcard app on your device will continue to show your digital Railcard as long as your mobile device has connected to the internet at some point within the last 72 hours. However, you will need an internet connection to buy your digital Railcard or add it to a new device.

No. Unfortunately, once a Railcard has been issued it is non-refundable.

Travelling on a Sleeper Train usually requires two payments: one for the rail ticket and one for the berth. The Railcard will give you a discount on the rail ticket element, but not on the berth fee. From time to time, the different Train Companies providing sleeper services may advertise special offers for Railcard holders.

Due to the pandemic far fewer people have been travelling by train. This means that the government is offering additional financial backing to the rail industry so that services keep running to support the economy.

If you order online then yes, you can order one up to 14 days in advance of your 60th birthday. Please note that you cannot buy Railcards in advance of your 60th birthday from rail stations.

Due to the pandemic fewer people have been travelling by train. Funding is currently being used to keep services running to support the economy. 

You can use your Railcard on all franchised train operating companies that provide services within England, Scotland and Wales. Railcards do not give discounts on Eurostar services, Charter services, and Heritage Railways unless state otherwise.

Railcards issued at stations are printed on paper. On rare occasions, the way that the surface of the Railcard interacts with the plastic in some ticket wallets destabilises the print and makes it fade. If this has happened to your Railcard you can take it into a staffed rail station and they will replace it free of charge. Most stations will be able to check the validity of the Railcards by running it through the ticket–issuing machine to check when it was originally issued.

The “Internal Server Error” message is a generic error message which relates to issues to do with the way your browser is interfacing with the Railcard website. Sometimes this problem can occur if you are using compatibility mode in Internet Explorer (versions IE10 and lower).  

In Internet Explorer 10 you can click the compatibility mode button to switch it on or off. 

In Internet Explorer 11 there is no compatibility mode button so to access the Compatibility settings you will need to click on the Settings icon. In the menu that is subsequently displayed you will find “Compatibility View Settings” – click this. In the Settings panel that displays, make sure that railcard.co.uk is not the box entitled, “Websites you’ve added to compatibility view”.  If it is please click on the entry and click the remove button, then click to close it.

• Can I use a provisional driving licence to apply online? A: Yes. Provisional driving licences can be used to demonstrate your age to our online system
• Can I get a discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards with a Railcard? A: No, we’re sorry but the Railcard gives no discount on these types of ticket.

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. However, a train company will normally allow you to claim back this extra expense on the first occasion in each year where this happens.

Each train company will have their own process for doing this. 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. Where you have already paid for additional tickets you should contact the relevant train company’s customer services department; in the case of a notice to pay of notice of Penalty Fare, you should follow the instructions included on how to challenge or appeal the charge.

Buy online in a few easy steps

• Renew my Railcard
• Manage my Railcard

The official retailer of Railcards by National Rail

Get 1/3 off rail fares in London and the South East with a Network Railcard. Nice.

Buy now renew my railcard.

How much can I save?

People with a Network Railcard save on average £122 per year** , or  £4.91 per journey^ . If you’re travelling here’s an example of some of the savings you can make on train tickets:

* * Average saving is based on the average savings made Network Railcard holders between April 2022 and March 2023, excluding price of Railcard.

^ Average saving per journey is based on the average savings made by Network Railcard holders between April 2022 and March 2023.

Railcard price

Get special offers and rewards from our partners

Free Luxury Sleep Set (Worth £31)

Virgin Wines offers

£50 to spend at Virgin Wines plus FREE delivery & FREE Stemless Wine Glasses!

As a Railcard holder treat yourself to a 3‐month tastecard membership for free today!

How does using a Railcard work?

Get your Railcard

Buy your discounted train tickets

Have your Railcard with you when you travel

Eligibility and terms of use

• Buy a Railcard and keep it with you when you travel (on your phone or wallet)
• Save on most Standard fares
• £13 minimum fare applies Monday to Friday

Read full eligibility and usage terms

Need help getting or using your Railcard?

Need help? Can't figure out what card to buy? Or just have a question?

Where can I buy tickets with my Network Railcard?

You can buy your Network Railcard discounted tickets online or at any National Rail station (ticket machine or ticket office) within the Network Railcard area .

How quickly will I get my new digital Railcard?

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.

What happens if I have no battery life or can’t show my Railcard?

If you don’t have any battery life, or have forgotten your device, it won't be possible to check that your Railcard discount is valid.

You could be asked to buy a single ticket for your journey, or be issued with a Penalty Fare.

If you do get caught out while travelling, you can make one claim a year to be refunded for any extra fare or penalty you incur.

For a list of train companies in Great Britain, and their details, click  here

Can I use my Network Railcard for tickets for travel on the London Underground?

You cannot buy Network Railcard discounted tickets for journeys wholly on the London Underground and Docklands Light Railway. However discounted tickets bought for cross-London rail journeys which involve travel on the London Underground are permitted.

Can I use my Network Railcard at any time of day?

You can buy Network Railcard discounted tickets for travel any time on weekends and public holidays or from 10:00am Monday to Friday. You may be able to start your journey a little earlier than 10:00am, see the time restriction easements  section for details or check at your local station. 

The 10:00am Monday to Friday time restriction applies to all types of tickets. 

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The trains and stations of the Moscow Metro

2 Comments · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Cities , Travel , Video

The Moscow Metro is the third most intensive subway system in the world after Tokyo and Seoul subways. The first line was opened on May 15, 1935. Since 1955, the metro has the name of V.I. Lenin.

The system consists of 12 lines with a total length of 305.7 km. Forty four stations are recognized cultural heritage. The largest passenger traffic is in rush hours from 8:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 19:00.

Cellular communication is available on most of the stations of the Moscow Metro. In March 2012, a free Wi-Fi appeared in the Circle Line train. The Moscow Metro is open to passengers from 5:20 to 01:00. The average interval between trains is 2.5 minutes.

The fare is paid by using contactless tickets and contactless smart cards, the passes to the stations are controlled by automatic turnstiles. Ticket offices and ticket vending machines can be found in station vestibules.

Tags:  Moscow city

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The bridge over Zolotoy Rog Bay in Vladivostok

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Tomás · August 27, 2012 at 11:34 pm

The Moscow metro stations are the best That I know, cars do not.

Alberto Calvo · September 25, 2016 at 8:57 pm

Great videos! Moscow Metro is just spectacular. I actually visited Moscow myself quite recently and wrote a post about my top 7 stations, please check it out and let me know what you think! :)

http://www.arwtravels.com/blog/moscow-metro-top-7-stations-you-cant-miss

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1/3 off rail fares

For everyone aged 60 and over., senior railcard, what is the senior railcard.

The Senior Railcard is a Railcard specifically for senior citizens. It gives people aged 60 and over 1/3 off train fares throughout Great Britain.

Where can I buy the Senior Railcard?

You can buy the Senior Railcard here online, at any staffed station ticket office or National Rail-licensed Travel Agent.

How much can I save with the Senior Railcard?

The Senior Railcard costs just £30 so after just a few trips, the card will have paid for itself (the equivalent of paying £2.50 a month, if you buy annually). Alternatively, you can get a 3-year Railcard for just £70, saving you £20 on the price of three 1-year Railcards.

Where and when can I use the Senior Railcard?

The Senior Railcard gets you 1/3 off Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares. There’s no limit to the number of times you use it so the potential for adventure is huge. Please visit https://www.senior-railcard.co.uk/using-your-railcard/travel-times-tickets/ to find out more.

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