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You can get cheap train tickets and enjoy travelling across Great Britain for less with a railcard. There are several options available and the best one for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
Most railcards are available as a one-year or three-year option and will help you save at least 1/3 on train tickets – including journeys on the TransPennine Express network, which covers the North of England and Scotland.
And there’s no limit to how much you can save with a railcard, as you can use it as many times as you like on valid journeys before it expires. Better still – a railcard can help your family and friends save money on their journeys, as well as give you some great discounts on days out, entertainment, and even holidays.
Check out our useful guide to see which railcard is most suitable for you.
Important notice: If you bought a Railcard online but haven’t yet received it and are due to travel shortly, you can provide the email confirmation of your Railcard purchase together with photo ID so that staff can validate your discounted ticket. If you haven’t been able to purchase a Railcard online, you can buy most 1-year Railcards at any staffed National Rail ticket office (see individual Railcard websites for details). If you’re having issues with your existing Railcard, please contact us on Twitter, Facebook, 0345 3000 250 or railcardhelp@nationalrail.co.uk.
The 16-25 Railcard was previously known as the Young Person’s Railcard.
Not only will you automatically save 1/3 on most tickets across Great Britain with a 16-25 Railcard, but if you book an advance ticket for TransPennine Express services on the TransPennine Express network in advance you’ll save 50%.
As well as helping people aged between 16 and 25 save money on their rail journeys, the 16-25 Railcard is also available to people aged over 25 who are in full time education.
Find out more about applying for a 16-25 Railcard here.
The 26-30 Railcard, also known as the ‘millennial railcard’ is now available across the entire national rail network.
If you’re aged between 26 and 30, you will save 1/3 on train tickets across Great Britain, however there are some minimum fares before 10am on weekdays for Anytime and Off-Peak Singles and Returns.
This 1-year digital railcard is available to buy online and can be stored in the Railcard app.
Find out more about applying for a 26-30 Railcard here.
You can save 1/3 off most train journeys if you have a HM Forces Railcard, which is available to members of the Regular Forces or Volunteer Reserves, as well as spouses, civil partners, dependant children, widows and widowers.
A HM Forces Railcard only costs £21 for the whole year. To find out more details about a HM Forces Railcard and how to apply, click here.
If you have a disability that makes travelling difficult – such as a visual or hearing impairment – or you receive a disability-related benefit, you may be able to get a Disabled Persons Railcard.
Disabled Persons Railcard holders can save 1/3 on all train tickets at any time or day of the week – there are no restrictions.
Remember if you’re travelling on the TransPennine Express Network we can help you board our trains and at stations so you can get to your destination safely and comfortably.
Find out more about eligibility and applying for a Disabled Persons Railcard here.
The Family and Friends Railcard can be used for up to four adults and four children – so it’s great for big groups going on days out or holidays.
Up to two adults can be named as cardholders – and as long as one of the named cardholders is traveling with at least one child aged between five and 15, you can save 1/3 on adult fares and 60% off kids’ train tickets.
If you’ve got a Family and Friends Railcard you can also save money on lots of activities and days out, which promise to be fun for old and young alike. Find out more information here.
If you’re aged 60 or over, you can get a Senior Railcard and save 1/3 off train tickets for routes across Great Britain – including First Class train tickets.
And if you’re planning ahead so you can go away to celebrate your 60th birthday, you can apply for the Senior Railcard two weeks before the big day.
Find out how to buy your Senior Railcard and what other discounts and offers you can get here.
Do you regularly travel with the same person, such as a relative, friend or colleague? If so, the Two Together Railcard could help both of you save 1/3 off your train tickets.
Not before 09:30 Monday to Friday.
To find out more about the Two Together Railcard click here.
Top tips on getting the cheapest train tickets for your journey.
Travel regularly on the same route? Save time and money with a Season Ticket.
Email, post, print at home, download or collect from the station.
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