How to Get a Railcard? The Best Ways to Take Advantage of a Discount 🎟️

If you are looking for how to get a Railcard, you are already aware of this discount card that can be used on public transportation in the United Kingdom. They’re essentially like transit passes, but they come in different denominations and can be used on any mode of transportation, including buses, trams, and trains. 

Getting a Railcard is a great way to save money on your transportation expenses, so it might be worth checking out if one is right for you. To find out more about railcards and how to get a railcard on your hands, please continue reading.

If you like taking the train, then you know how valuable railcards can be. These cards are essentially discounted passes that allow you to use the railway system at a reduced cost. If you’re wondering how much a railcard costs and where to buy them, read on for all the details! Railcards are an extremely convenient way to travel, so it’s important to get one if you use the railway often.

Up To £23 Off Digital Railcards Discount Code For Renewals And New Customers On Trainline
DISCOUNT CODE
Up to £23 off digital Railcards discount code for renewals and new customers on Trainline

There’s a good reason why the railcard is one of the most popular forms of transport in the UK. We cover some common questions about railcards in our article, which you can read to learn more about them, whether you’re unfamiliar with them or just want to learn more. And, if you’re interested in how to get a Railcard, here’s everything you need to know.

What is a Railcard?

Brighton Train Station 
Brighton Train Station – Photo Timbigger On Pixabay

Railcard is a plastic or digital card that allows rail passengers to save on their travel expenses. You can buy them online as a Digital Railcard as well in seconds. The Railcard can be used by all regulated railway operators in the UK. Prices for tickets vary depending on the distance travelled but are usually cheaper than buying tickets separately.

There are several benefits to buying a Railcard, including discounted rail travel and free or discounted entry to railway stations and attractions. If you’re looking to hop on a train in the UK and explore the country’s stunning countryside, a railcard may be exactly what you need. So it’s worth checking out what options are available to you.

How much is a Railcard?

London Brentwood Station
London Brentwood Station – Photo By Eddie Bugajewski On Unsplash

The cost of a railcard depends on the length of the period for which it is valid, and the type of railcard that is purchased. The cheapest railcard (3-month card) costs £30, and the most expensive (£450 for a year-long card). The cards are also available with various discounts for students or seniors, or with child tickets. Railcards can be used on all standard UK trains, including long-distance services.

To purchase a Railcard, first, find out your eligibility. You must be a resident of the UK to purchase a card. Once you’ve bought your Railcard, bring it with you when you travel and use it to reduce the cost of your train tickets.

What are Railcard types?

London Walthamstow Queen'S Road 
London Walthamstow Queen’S Road – Photo By Fas Khan On Unsplash

There are a few different types of Railcards, all with their own benefits. The most common type is the 16-25 Railcard is available to those between the ages of 16 and 25. You can save 1/3 on rail fares for family and friends’ events, days out, and even festivals! This is also a popular Student Railcard for students.

Two Together Railcard provides two individuals with the option to travel together to multiple destinations. For two named people travelling together, you’ll save an average of £129 per year as well as get special partner discounts.

The 26-30 Railcard is valid for those aged 26-30. It costs £30 and allows you to save 1/3 of most rail fares for a year when travelling throughout Britain on the rails!

Using the Family and Friends Railcard, children aged 5-15 can enjoy a 60% discount on kids’ fares! One Friends and family railcard can be used by up to four adults and four children.

If you are a South East resident, between the ages of 16 and 25, and you travel on trains in the region, then you can save an average of £191 per year with Network Railcard.

The 16-17 Saver Railcard provides special savings for those ages 16 and 17 on standard tickets for any time, off-peak, advance, and season sittings for just £30 a year.

The Senior Railcard reduces rail fares by 1/3 for excursions, holidays, family celebrations and theatre tickets for those 55 and older.

There is a Veterans Railcard for veterans of the British Armed Forces and a Railcard for Disabled Persons for people with disabilities who find rail travel challenging.

How to get a Railcard?

London King'S Cross Train Station 
London King’S Cross Train Station – Photo By Bds.photo On Unsplash

The railcard can be purchased at most major railway stations, or online. In order to purchase Railcard online, you have several options. The most popular option to get a Railcard is probably the official Railcard website, which offers payment methods such as credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal. However, it may be the most expensive.

For those of you who are interested in buying a Railcard for a discounted rate, you may want to consider checking out official providers such as Trainline Railcard or Trip.com. You can buy it much cheaper with the railcard discount code we offer you on Trainline.

Up To £23 Off Digital Railcards Discount Code For Renewals And New Customers On Trainline
DISCOUNT CODE
Up to £23 off digital Railcards discount code for renewals and new customers on Trainline

It is possible to purchase a Railcard over the phone from both British Transport Police (BTP) and Network Rail. A few train stations may offer direct Railcard sales if you can’t find what you’re looking for on the Railcard website or over the telephone.

How to pair Railcard with an Oyster Card?

London Sloane Square Underground Station
London Sloane Square Underground Station – Photo By Tomas Anton Escobar On Unsplash

It is most likely that most people are not aware of this fact, but Railcards can be paired with Oyster Cards in London in order to get discounted travel on both the London Underground and the National Rail Services.

The only thing you need to do is go to one of the nearest Tube, London Overground, or Elizabeth Line stations with your Railcard and tell the station staff that you want to pair your National Railcard with your Oyster Card.

Please note that if you are renewing your National Railcard, you will need to add the discount to your Oyster card again. Also, you should carry your National Railcard with you at all times so that nobody can use it except yourself.

Get 34% Off On Uk Railcards At Trip.com
DEAL
Get 34% off on UK Railcards at Trip.com

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our how to get a Railcard guide! We picked everything you need to know about getting a Railcard here, including where to buy it and how much it costs. Don’t forget to use the railcard promo code to buy a discounted railcard.

We hope that our guide has been helpful in your quest to get the most out of rail travel, so keep reading for more tips and advice on Railcards and other transportation options!

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Fatih Ozdemir
Fatih Ozdemir

Londoner, Traveller, Blogger, Web Developer & UI Designer 🚀 Founder of Kuponigo & FozDigital London 🇬🇧🇹🇷

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