Our 16-17 Saver Railcard is designed for 16-17 year olds and offers a generous discount of 50% on rail travel. This railcard makes it easier and more affordable for you to travel to school, college, and work, even before 9:30am.
Save money on train travel across the UK with a Railcard. Get up to 1/3 off fares on Advance, Off-Peak and Anytime tickets
What is a Railcard?
A Railcard is a discount card that reduces the cost of train travel for eligible passengers. It works across most UK train services and applies to single, return and group tickets. There’s a Railcard for nearly everyone: young adults, seniors, families and even pairs travelling together. Many Railcards are now digital, so you can store them on your phone and easily apply the Railcard discount when booking or boarding. Using a Railcard regularly can save you significant amounts over the year, and make commuting, day trips and holidays more budget friendly.
With a Railcard, you can enjoy:
- Up to 1/3 Off Train Travel: Save up to a third on most train journeys, making your travel more affordable.
- Digital Convenience: Choose between a Digital Railcard, which you can store on your smartphone via the Railcard app, or a traditional physical card.
- Variety of Railcard Types: There are numerous types of Railcards available to suit different needs, whether you're a student, senior, family, or frequent traveller.
- Flexible Validity: Railcards are available with validity periods of either one year or three years, giving you flexibility based on your travel needs.
If you travel by train regularly, investing in a Railcard can be a smart decision. It not only helps you save money but also enhances your overall travel experience. Explore the various Railcard options available and learn about the simple application process below.
Travelling with a Railcard? Watch our video below for key tips.
- Railcard Offers and Benefits
- What is a Digital Railcard?
- Railcard Types Available
- How to Apply for a Digital Railcard
- Why choose a Digital Railcard
- How to use a Railcard
- How to renew a Railcard
Railcard Types Available
If you frequently travel by train with your family, partner, or friends, or if you belong to a specific age group or region, there are plenty of Railcard options to choose from. We have made it simple for you to select the appropriate rail discount card that suits your requirements and start saving money today. You can find out more about each option and how to apply for a railcard by clicking on the relevant link below.
Railcards by Age
Railcards by Groups
Other Railcards
How to Apply for a Digital Railcard
Purchasing a Digital Railcard online through the Railcard website is quick and easy. By opting for a Digital Railcard, you can enjoy the convenience of having your discount card readily available on your mobile device, eliminating the need to carry a physical card.
- Visit the Railcard Website: Head over to the Railcard website to explore the various types of Railcards available. Choose the one that best suits your travel needs and budget.
- Purchase Your Railcard: Complete the purchase process online. Once your payment is confirmed, you will receive a unique download code.
- Download the Railcard App: For a seamless travel experience, download the Railcard app from the National Rail website or your device's app store.
- Activate Your Railcard: Use the download code to activate your Digital Railcard within the app. This process is quick and straightforward, allowing you to start using your Railcard immediately.
Railcard Offers and Benefits
Save a third on train ticket costs today
With a Railcard, you can save up to 1/3 off the cost of your train journeys. This significant discount makes traveling by train more affordable, whether you're commuting to work, visiting family and friends, or exploring new destinations. By using your Railway card when booking tickets, you can enjoy substantial savings on every trip.
This discount applies to a wide range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets, making it easier to find a fare that fits your schedule and budget. Over the course of a year, these savings can add up, allowing you to spend more on the things you love or even take additional trips you might not have considered otherwise.
Keep your railcards and tickets safely together
The introduction of Digital Railcards has revolutionised the way you manage your travel discounts. You can now store your Railcard and train tickets conveniently on your mobile device. This means you no longer need to worry about carrying a physical card or losing it.
Everything you need for your journey is securely stored in one place, making your travel experience smoother and more organized. With the Railcard app, you can easily access your Railcard and tickets, check your journey details, and even receive notifications about your travel plans. This digital convenience not only reduces the risk of losing your Railcard but also streamlines the entire travel process, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey.
There's a wide range of railcards available
Whether you're travelling with a group of friends, taking the kids out on the train or if you fall under a specific age group, there's a wide range of railcard types available. See further detail on the different railcards on offer below.
Each Railcard type comes with its own set of benefits and eligibility criteria, ensuring that you can find the perfect one to suit your travel needs. Explore the different Railcards on offer and choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and travel habits. By taking advantage of these Railcard offers and benefits, you can make your train travel more economical, convenient and affordable. See further details on the different Railcards on offer below.
What is a Digital Railcard?
A Digital Railcard stores your Railcard and tickets on your phone or tablet. No physical card needed, just instant access, multi-device use and easy savings.
How to apply for a Digital Railcard
- Visit the Railcard website: Choose the Railcard that suits your travel needs.
- Purchase online: Complete your order and receive a download code.
- Download the app: Get the Railcard app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Activate: Enter your code to start using your Digital Railcard right away.
Why EMR customers love Digital Railcards
- Convenient: Easily manage your Railcard and tickets in one app.
- Instant access: Skip delivery delays and start saving immediately.
- Multiple devices: Access your Railcard anytime on your phone or tablet.
- Eco-friendly: Go paperless and reduce waste while you travel.
- Peace of mind: Never worry about losing a physical card again.
How to use a Railcard
Using your Railcard to save on train travel is easy and convenient. Here’s everything you need to know:
1. Buying tickets online:
- When purchasing train tickets online, make sure to select the option to apply your Railcard discount. Most train booking websites and apps have a field where you can enter your Railcard details.
- Simply choose your journey, enter your Railcard type, and the discount will be automatically applied to your ticket price.
2. Types of tickets you can buy with your Railcard:
- Advance Tickets: These are usually the cheapest tickets available and can be booked up to 12 weeks in advance. They are perfect for those who can plan their travel ahead of time.
- Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak Tickets: These rail tickets offer flexibility and are valid for travel during off-peak times, which are less busy periods outside of the morning and evening rush hours.
- Anytime Tickets: These tickets provide the most flexibility, allowing you to travel at any time of the day without restrictions.
There is one restriction for any customers using a Senior Railcard. You are unable to book train tickets using your Railcard for morning peak services from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) for journeys entirely within the London and South East Network Railcard area.
3. Using your Railcard during travel:
- Keep your Railcard handy, physical or digital, and show it to train staff when asked.
- Got a Digital Railcard? Access it anytime on your phone or tablet with the Railcard app, and switch devices if needed.
4. Presenting Your Railcard:
- Be prepared to show your Railcard when requested by train staff. This ensures you can continue to enjoy the benefits of discounted travel without any interruptions.
- By following these steps, you can easily buy discounted train tickets online and make the most of your Railcard. Enjoy your journey and the savings.
How to renew a Railcard
Renewing your Digital Railcard is quick and easy and can be done within 30 days of the expiry date. Follow these simple steps to continue enjoying great savings on your train journeys:
- Log In: Head to the Railcard website and log in with your existing account details.
- Select and Renew: Locate your current Railcard and choose the renewal option that suits you best - either for one year or three years.
- Update Your Information: Make sure your personal details are up to date, including your contact information and any required identification.
- Complete Payment: Proceed to the payment section and finalize your purchase using your preferred payment method.
- Receive Your Code: After your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a new download code via email.
- Activate Your Railcard: Open the Railcard app on your smartphone or tablet, enter the download code, and activate your renewed Railcard.
- Start Saving: Your renewed Digital Railcard is now ready to use, allowing you to continue saving up to 1/3 on your train journeys.
Why choose EMR for Railcard travel?
- Explore flexible routes across the East Midlands and beyond.
- Travel in comfort with modern, upgraded trains.
- Enjoy seasonal Railcard promotions to save even more.
- Book and plan your trips easily online for a hassle-free experience.
Other Railcard FAQs
How much does a Railcard cost?
Am I eligible for a Railcard?
Can I buy a Railcard at the station?
Can I use my Railcard to buy tickets online?
Can I use my Railcard to buy tickets on the train?
How long does it take to get a Railcard?
How do I renew my Railcard?
Can I still travel if I’ve lost my Railcard?
Can I use a Railcard at Peak times?
Can I use a Railcard on Season tickets?
Most Railcards cost just £30 for one year. The Disabled Persons Railcard is the only exception, which costs only £20 for a single year.
There is a three year option at a cost of £70 for the 16-25, Senior and Family & Friends Railcards. This is a further saving of £20 when compared to buying three individual Railcards.
The Disabled Persons Railcard costs just £54 for three years which is a further saving of £6 when compared with buying three individual cards.
Depending on factors such as your age and who you normally travel with will determine which Railcard you are eligible for. There are other specific requirements for each type of Railcard. For more information, please visit the dedicated page for each Railcard.
Yes. You need to bring a completed Railcard application form to the station with you along with a photo of yourself. You can download the relevant forms on the Railcards website.
Yes. If you’ve already purchased your Railcard, you can use this to buy train tickets online. When using our Journey Planner, simply select the correct Railcard type from the dropdown list and the discount will automatically be added to your booking.
Yes. You can use your Railcard to purchase a train ticket from onboard staff but only if the station machines were broken or the departure station had no ticketing services.
The length of time it takes for you to receive your Railcard depends on whether you order a digital Railcard or a plastic Railcard. There are further approvals required if you’re a mature student applying for a Railcard too.
- Plastic Railcard: When ordering a physical Railcard online, it usually takes around 10 days to arrive in the post. If you want the card quicker than this, you can pay an additional fee for ‘Special Delivery’ with the card then arriving between 2 to 3 days, depending on when you placed the order.
- Digital Railcard: You can use a digital Railcard immediately after purchasing it online. You will be sent a download code that needs to be used on the Railcard app from National Rail. After using the download code via the app, you will be able to use your new Railcard.
- Mature Student Railcard: When applying for a Railcard as a mature student, it can take up to 5 days for your application to be approved. You need to complete a Mature Student Application Form as proof that you are still in full time study. When completing this form, you need to get it endorsed by your college or university, along with including a copy of your student ID card or NUS ID.
You are able to renew your digital Railcard within 30 days of it’s expiry date. Simply login to your Railcard account, click on the ‘Renew’ button, ensure all your details are up to date and make the payment.
If you didn’t buy your Railcard online, you can still complete the renewal online. You will first need to create a Railcard account in order to make the purchase but we recommend waiting until your station-bought Railcard has expired.
Yes, you can still travel but you will have to pay the full rail fare if you don’t have your Railcard with you. As soon as you realise that your Railcard is lost, the best thing to do is order a replacement straight away.
Most Railcards can be used during Peak times to some extent. However, for each type of Railcard, the minimum fares, area restrictions and times may differ.
No, you can’t use your Railcard to get a discount on a Season ticket. You will already be saving money on rail travel with this type of ticket.
Is there a Railcard for people over the age of 30?
Which train ticket types can I save money on when using a Railcard?
No, for adults over the age of 30, there isn’t a specific Railcard option. However, you are able to purchase one of the following Railcard types: Two Together Railcard, Family & Friends Railcard or Senior Railcard.
Using a Railcard can help you save money on various train ticket types, including Advance tickets, which are often the cheapest and can be booked up to 12 weeks in advance. You can also enjoy discounts on Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak tickets, ideal for travel during less busy times, and Anytime tickets, which offer the flexibility to travel at any time of the day.
Can I have more than one type of Railcard?
We offer a variety of Railcards tailored to meet the needs of travellers of all ages and preferences. We recognise that frequent travellers may benefit from having multiple Railcards based on their travel situations.
For instance, you might possess a personal Railcard for individual trips, but when journeying with friends or family, a group Railcard could help you save more. Rest assured, using a group Railcard won't affect your personal Railcard, and you can conveniently hold both.
