How do I renew my railcard?
You can renew your railcard online, or at any National Rail station.
The 26-30 Railcard can only be applied for online
The Disabled Persons Railcard and the Veterans Railcard can only be applied for online or by post.
Can I buy a railcard at the station?
You can buy most railcards at the station, except the 26-30 Railcard. For some railcards you’ll need to bring proof that you qualify for it. You’ll also need a passport photo of yourself for the railcard and valid ID.
How long does a railcard last?
Most railcards can be bought for either 1 year or 3 years.
What do I do if my Railcard is lost or damaged?
If you’ve lost your railcard, you can get a replacement. You’re entitled to one replacement of your railcard if it's lost or damaged. There is an administration fee of £10 for this service. If you’ve bought online you can do this through the railcards website. If you bought your railcard at a station you’ll need to take your receipt with you.
If your railcard has been stolen and you’ve been given a crime number by the police, the replacement is free.
Can I use my Railcard to buy a ticket on the train?
You should, wherever you can, buy your ticket at the station before you travel. If you don’t, you may be expected to pay the full Anytime ticket price for the journey you’re making, or a penalty fare.
If there are no facilities that you can use to buy your ticket, then you can buy the ticket you need on board at the first opportunity.
Can I use my railcard to buy a season ticket?
The Jobcentre Plus Discount Card or the 16-17 Saver Railcard can be used to buy a season ticket.
Can I use my railcard to buy a ticket for someone else?
Many railcards allow you to buy tickets for people who are travelling with you. You cannot buy tickets with a railcard discount and give them to someone who will be travelling alone without a railcard.
Can I use my railcard to purchase first class tickets?
Discounts are available on First class tickets for the Disabled Persons, Senior , Veterans, HM Forces and Two Together railcards.
The 16-25 and the 26-30 Railcard allow you to buy discounted First Class Advance tickets.
Do Railcards work on the tube?
With your railcard you can get 1/3 off a London Zones 1-6 Off-Peak Day Travelcard (subject to a minimum fare which is currently £8.30). You can also buy an Anytime Day Travelcard (subject to a minimum fare which is currently £18.10), as long as you buy it as part of your journey to London from outside London Zones 1-9.
With an Oyster card, you can get your Railcard discount loaded onto your Oyster card to save 1/3 on single off-peak pay as you go fares on London Underground and Docklands Light Railway services in London. You will need to have registered your Oyster in your name to do this. Simply take your Oyster card and valid Railcard to a London Underground station and ask a member of staff to set the discount for you. You can also get the discount set at Oyster Ticket Shops and Visitor Centres.
Can I get a railcard if I’m over 25?
The 26 - 30 railcard offers specific discounts to those over 25, in addition to many other railcards that can be used by all ages.
Find out which Railcard is right for you
