Railcards UK

Looking for the simplest way to slash your annual train costs? Tell us your age, who you travel with and where you go most often, and we’ll instantly highlight the single railcard that’ll pay for itself fastest—plus a shortlist of runner-ups—along with the average yearly saving you can expect.

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Written by My Side Gig team

Find Your Best UK Railcard

Enter your details to see which railcards you’re eligible for, with your top pick, average savings, and purchase options highlighted. Click here to learn about each Railcard.

Types of Railcard

16–17 Saver Railcard
Designed for 16–17-year-olds, this card offers 50% off Standard Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance and Season tickets. It delivers an average savings of £367.* Perfect for students commuting to school or college.

Eligible tickets: Standard Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance, Season
Validity: One year or until your 18th birthday, whichever comes first.

16–25 Railcard
The 16–25 Railcard (sometimes called the Student or Young Persons Railcard) is your ticket to a 1/3 discount on most UK rail fares if you’re aged 16–25—or a mature student aged over 26 in full-time education. On average it saves you £192 a year.* There’s no limit on how many times you can use it, making it perfect for:

  • Students commuting to and from university or college

  • Recent graduates starting their careers

  • Young professionals cutting commuting costs

Eligible tickets: Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance
Note: A minimum fare of £12 applies for journeys between 04:30–09:59 Mon–Fri (excl. public holidays).

26–30 Railcard
If you’re aged 26–30, the 26–30 Railcard slashes a third off most fares, delivering average annual savings of £258.* It has unlimited uses, making it ideal for:

  • Young professionals commuting daily

  • Graduates embarking on new roles

  • Weekend explorers on a budget

Travel restrictions: Minimum £12 fare applies Mon–Fri 04:30–09:59 (excl. public holidays); no restrictions at weekends. You can buy up to the day before your 31st birthday.

Two Together Railcard
Perfect for pairs aged 16+, the Two Together Railcard offers a 1/3 discount on most fares. Average savings are £97 a year.* Whether you travel as a couple, flatmates, colleagues or friends, you can use it as often as you like.

Eligible tickets: Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance
Times: Discounts apply from 09:30 Mon–Fri and all day weekends/public holidays.

Network Railcard
For travel in London & South East, the Network Railcard gives you 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off child fares (up to 4 children), saving £138 on average.* You can add up to three additional adults to your group.

Eligible tickets: Anytime, Off-Peak
Times: All day weekends and bank holidays; from 10:00 Mon–Fri.

Family & Friends Railcard
Ideal for mixed groups (max four adults + four children), this Railcard offers adults 1/3 off and children 60% off, with average savings of £116 a year.* Adults get 1/3 off, children 60% off—unlimited use for family days out or group adventures.

Eligible tickets: Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance
Times: All day weekends and public holidays; weekday restrictions for journeys within London & SE before 09:35.

Senior Railcard
For travellers aged 60+, the Senior Railcard reduces fares by a third, saving £96 on average.* Unlimited uses make it perfect for retirees exploring the UK or visiting family.

Eligible tickets: Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance
Times: Discounts apply at all times except London/SE journeys before 09:35 Mon–Fri; all day weekends and bank holidays.

*Average savings figures are based on industry studies and may vary with individual travel patterns.

FAQ’s

  • After purchasing your digital railcard on Trip.com, you must buy a train ticket within 180 days to activate it. If you don’t have a journey planned, you can pick up a super-cheap “activation” fare—e.g. the £0.66 St Ives → Carbis Bay advance ticket—and then use your railcard on your real journey afterward.

  • Yes—there are often promotions offering free railcards. For example, Santander regularly gives student current-account holders a free 16-25 Railcard, and right now anyone aged 20–25 can claim one too. Check back here for the latest free Railcard deals.

  • You can stack cashback in a few ways: pay with a cashback-enabled debit card, buy your railcard via a gift-card reseller, and use rewards portals. Check out our full cashback-stacking guide here. Right now, linking a Zilch / iFast account could earn you up to 4% back on your purchase.

  • Yes—there’s a Disabled Persons Railcard priced at £20/year or £54/3 years. Eligibility runs across multiple conditions; see full details here.

  • You can purchase up until the day before your 31st birthday. Once activated, your card remains valid for one year—so you could still be using it just before you turn 32.

  • Not all railcards offer a 3-year option. Currently only the 16–25, Senior, and Family & Friends cards are available for three-year purchase; the rest are sold one-year only.

    • 16–25 Railcard (aka Student/Young Person) is for ages 16–25 (and mature students), gives 1/3 off most fares nationwide.

    • Network Railcard is for travellers in London & South East, gives 1/3 off adult fares plus 60% off child fares when travelling together.