Do you often use Rail for your journey? If so, this article is going to help you lot. In this we will discuss what is UK railcard and How to save money on train tickets?
What is UK Railcard?
A UK Railcard is a discount card that provides you with savings of up to one-third on your train journeys.
It is available in either digital format, accessible on your mobile phone or device, or as a physical card. Railcards are valid for either one year or three years.
You can purchase railcards on the Railcard website and other platforms, with most priced at £30 per year. However, there are options available for £70 for a three-year period (£23.33 per year). Therefore, if your annual train expenditure exceeds £90, investing in a railcard is a worthwhile decision.
UK Railcard – How it works?
Purchasing tickets at Train Station
When purchasing tickets at the station or onboard the train, present your pass to the seller, and your discount will be applied.
Purchasing tickets online
If you’re making your purchase online or over the phone, simply provide your card details to receive the discount.
Must Read – Cheap train tickets – How to save money on train tickets UK?
Types of UK Railcard
Lets dicsuss UK Railcard types and short overview for each.
UK Railcards as per Age
16-17 Saver
Cost: £30 for 1 year
Discount: 50% reduction on adult fares
Eligibility: Individuals aged 16 and 17, until their 18th birthday
Limitations: Not applicable to ScotRail, Caledonian Sleeper, Oyster, and travelcards
16-25 Railcard
Cost: £30 for 1 year OR £70 for 3 year
Discount: One-third reduction on adult fares
Eligibility: Individuals under 26 years old or full-time students regardless of age
Limitations: Minimum fare of £12 applies for journeys between 4:30 am and 10 am, Monday to Friday
26-30 Railcard
Cost: £30 for 1 year
Discount: One-third deduction from adult fares
Eligibility: Individuals under the age of 31
Limitations: Minimum fare of £12 applies for journeys between 4:30 am and 10 am, Monday to Friday
Senior Railcard
Cost: £30 for 1 year, £70 for 3 year (you may get cheaper via some councils)
Discount: One-third reduction on adult fares
Eligibility: Individuals aged over 60
Limitations: Not applicable during weekday morning peak times between London and stations in the southeast England area
UK Railcards as per Groups
Family & Friends Railcard
Cost: £30 for 1 year OR £70 for 3 year
Discount: One-third reduction for adults and 60% reduction for children on the majority of rail fares
Eligibility: Up to 4 adults (aged 16 and above) when accompanied by up to 4 children (aged 5 to 15)
Limitations: Not applicable during weekday morning peak times between London and stations in the southeast England area
Two Together Railcard
Cost: £30 for 1 year
Discount: One-third deduction from adult fares for two specified individuals traveling together
Eligibility: Individuals aged 16 and above
Limitations: Not applicable from 4:30 am to 9:30 am on weekdays. Both named individuals must purchase tickets simultaneously and commence and conclude the journey together
Network Railcard
Cost: £30 for 1 year
Discount: One-third deduction from most adult fares and 60% reduction on child fares within the London and southeast England region
Eligibility: Up to four adults (aged 16 and above) and up to four children (aged five to 15) traveling together
Limitations: Not applicable before 10 am on weekdays except for certain services (refer to the bottom of the page). Minimum fare of £13 per adult from Monday to Friday, and minimum fare of £1 per child aged 5 to 15 at all times.
Other UK Railcards
Veterans Railcard
Cost: £30 for 1 year OR £70 for 3 year
Discount: One-third deduction for adults and 60% reduction for children on the majority of rail fares
Eligibility: Individuals who have served at least one day in HM Armed Forces (regular or reserve) and merchant mariners who have undertaken duty on legally-defined military operations
Limitations: Minimum fare of £12 applies from 4:30 am to 10 am on weekdays (excluding advance fares and during July, August, and bank holidays). £8 minimum fare during off-peak hours, with a minimum fare of £1 per child (aged 5 to 15, for up to four children).
Disabled Persons Railcard
Cost: £20 for 1 year OR £54 for 3 year
Discount: One-third deduction for you and a companion
Eligibility: You are eligible if you receive disability-related benefits and/or have specific disabilities. Your companion does not need to be a caregiver.
Limitations: None
HM Forces’ Railcard
Cost: £21 for 1 year
Discount: One-third reduction for adults and 60% reduction for children on the majority of rail fares
Eligibility: All individuals in regular forces and volunteer reserves, non-regular permanent staff, and others – refer to full details
Limitations: Minimum fare of £12 applies from 4:30 am to 10 am, Monday to Friday (excluding July, August, and public holidays). £8 minimum fare during off-peak hours, with a minimum fare of £1 per child (aged five to 15, for up to four children).
What is digital railcard?
You no longer need to carry a physical railcard with you; instead, you can opt for a digital UK railcard stored on your smartphone or tablet.
Purchase your UK railcard from Railcard, Trainline, or TrainPal, download the corresponding app, and then follow the instructions provided by Railcard, Trainline, or TrainPal on how to add your UK railcard to the app.
Keep in mind that if you’re obtaining a digital Disabled Person’s Railcard, Veterans Railcard, or 16-25 Railcard as a mature student, it may take up to five working days for your application to be approved as they are manually reviewed. In other cases it may instant avaialble once you purchase.
Please note that digital railcards cannot be added to Apple Wallet or Google Pay at the moment, as they do not currently support the holograms used on railcards to prevent fraud.
If your device runs out of battery or gets lost while traveling, and you’re requested to present your digital railcard to validate your discount, you may be asked to purchase another ticket for your journey or be subject to a penalty fare
