If you’re not familiar with the benefits of railcards, you’ll need to know about them sooner rather than later—they’re making their way into many train lines around the world, so your travel options are about to change for the better! With so many railcards available, though, it can be hard to know which one is right for you, and when you should use it. This blog will help you sort through all the different types of railcards, and show you how to use them effectively with Trainline so that you can get the most out of your journey!
What is a Railcard?
If you’re a frequent train traveler in Great Britain, you may have heard of railcards. But what exactly are they? Railcards are cards that offer a discount on train tickets for specific categories of people; different railcards will offer varying discounts. For example, some railcards can be used by students who have just turned 16 or by senior citizens (aged 60 or over). Other cards are available to those who travel frequently in off-peak hours or even annual season ticket holders. Railcards can be expensive but they can also save you up to 1/3 on your next journey! If you think a railcard might benefit you, it’s worth investing in one that’s right for your lifestyle and work schedule.
This railcard offers discounts of one-third on all train tickets across Great Britain. You can use your railcard when booking online or at station ticket offices, so it’s a great way to save money when traveling by train.
Aimed at ages 16-25Adequate for Teens, students, graduates, and professionals-aged college grads.Available for 1 or 3 years.Get £20 off with a 3-year RailcardVirtual or downloadable only- Railcards reside in your account in the Trainline app and you can use them on any of your compatible devices. You won’t need download codes anymore!
Suitable for those 60 and upPurchase Great Britain train tickets with a 1/3 discount.Great for…In short, retirees, grandparents, and seniors.an option of 1- or 3-year validity is available.Take 20 pounds off the price of your rail ticket if you get a 3-year Railcard.Online onlyYour digital Railcard can be found in the account section of the Trainline app, and because it’s digital, you won’t need a paper copy to use your discount! Use your Railcard on any of your compatible devices with no need for download codes.
People who are between the ages of 26 and 30You get 1/3 off trains in Britain with a minimum fare.Good forIndividuals who fall under the Millennial, graduate, and young professional labelsOnly digital.Railcards exist in your account on the Trainline app so you can use them on any compatible device. No download codes are necessary!
For ages 16-17Ppassengers get a 50% discount on most tickets, including seasonsGreat for:School and college studentsDigital onlyRailcards live in your account in the Trainline app so you can use them on any of your compatible devices. No download codes are needed!
Railcards by group
Necessary to travel togetheryou and a companion will get 1/3 off on travel when you are traveling together. Terms and conditions apply.You must be 16 or older.Things that are good forAs friends, couples, roommates, or colleagues who regularly travel togetherE-book onlyWith Railcards, you can load the offer into your account in the Trainline app, then enjoy it on any of your compatible devices, without the need for download codes.
Will accommodate up to four adults and four children aged 5-15.If they’re buying at least one adult and one child’s ticket, adults can get a discount, but there is also a child’s discount as well. There are stipulations.Great for those looking forAnybody who travels with kids- not required to be a parent.1- or 3-year availability£20 off for 3 years of RailcardHard copy unavailableRailcards reside in your account so that you can use them with any of your compatible devices. You don’t need a download code!
Railcards by region
Regional Railcards only apply to specific areas in Britain, with the exception of the Network Railcard, which is currently available as a digital Railcard. You’ll be able to explore the Network Railcard area — 16 counties across the South East, including London — at a discount.
To Travelers in Southern EnglandPurchase one travel product at the normal rate and get 1/3 off your next purchase of a travel product after 10:00 am (on weekdays and all times on weekends and public holidays). Travel in the Network Railcard area is valid.Providing a place for up to four adults and four children aged 5-15.Children will receive a 60% discountIf you wantInhabitants of London who use public transportInternet-based onlyUnlike with some other apps, Railcards are available right in your Trainline account. There’s no need to get any downloads codes!
Other Railcards
Not all railcards are created equal. If you’re planning a big trip, one of your top considerations is likely cost. If so, it might be worthwhile to check out a number of different railcards before settling on one that works for you.
Get a discount of 1/3 on all train ticketsTraveling with a third adult? He or she will get a 1/3 discount on rail fare.Good forWhen travelling by train, people with disabilities face difficult circumstances. Documentation of eligibility applies.This product is not currently available for purchase on Trainline. We are currently working on the ability to verify eligibility. While you wait, you can order a Disabled Persons Railcard online.
Find great deals on rail travel!If you are travelling with another person, one named adult will get 1/3 off their rail fare and 60% of child fares for up to 4 children.one- or three-year validityWhen you buy a 3-year Railcard, you save £20.These fish are good forProof of eligibility applies to United Kingdom’s veterans and merchant mariners.Available only to those eligible to purchase with Trainline. We are in the process of enabling the verification process. Meanwhile, to purchase a Veterans Railcard, you can apply online.
