FAQs

• Can I get a 16-25 Railcard as a mature student over 26?
• Can visitors to Britain buy the 16-25 Railcard?
• What evidence do I need to prove I am 16-25?
• What happens if I have my 26th birthday before my Railcard runs out?

1. Can I get a 16-25 Railcard as a mature student over 26?

If you are 26 or over, you will need proof that you are a full-time student at a recognised educational establishment. You must attend for over 15 hours a week and for at least 20 weeks a year. You can either show an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) or have the “Mature students only” section of the application form completed and certified.

Because we need to see this proof, you must apply at a staffed station ticket office or National Rail-licensed Travel Agent. We’re sorry, but NUS cards will not be accepted as proof of age or educational status. (Open University, distance learning and part-time courses don’t qualify).

You can download the application form here.

For details of ISIC please visit: www.isic.org.

2. Can visitors to Britain buy the 16-25 Railcard?

Yes, provided you are 16-25. You can buy it online (with a valid passport or driving licence) as long as you can provide an address in Britain.

Alternatively, you can buy a Railcard from a staffed train station in England, Scotland or Wales. The Railcard can be bought at Gatwick Airport and Stansted Airport rail stations, Luton Airport Parkway and Manchester Airport – but NOT at London Heathrow Airport.

You will have to complete an application form, provide proof of age, one passport-style photo, and payment. The Railcard will be issued for use straightaway and is normally valid for 12 months.

If you are a mature students over 25, you will also need to produce an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) to qualify. For details of ISIC please visit www.isic.org

However you might also like to consider the BritRail Pass if visiting Britain. For details about BritRail, please see raileurope.com.

3. What evidence do I need to prove I am 16-25?

If you're buying online, you will need a valid UK passport number or driving licence to verify your eligibility. To complete the application process you also need to upload a digital passport-style photo from your computer.

If you're applying for your first Railcard at a staffed train station, or a National Rail-licensed Travel Agent, you'll need one of the following to prove your age:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Driving licence
• ISIC card

We’re sorry, but NUS cards aren’t accepted as proof of age.

You'll also need a passport-style photo and £26. Stations and agents accept cash, cheques, debit, credit and charge cards or postal orders.

If you're renewing your Railcard then you'll need to complete the application form, and take:

• Your existing Railcard
• Photocard
• £26

These will automatically be accepted as proof of age.

4. What happens if I have my 26th birthday before my Railcard runs out?

You can buy or renew your 1-year 16-25 Railcard up to and including the day before your 26th birthday, and your 3-year Railcard up until the day before your 24th birthday - and keep using it until its expiry date. So, even if you turn 26 while your Railcard is valid, you can still make huge savings.