FAQs

• Can I use my Railcard at any time of day?
• Can I use my Railcard on any train company?
• Can I use my Railcard if I buy my ticket on the train?
• Can I use my Railcard to buy tickets for other people?
• Will I have to pay the full fare if I forget to bring my Railcard when I travel?
• Can I reserve my seat if booking a ticket in advance?
• Can I obtain discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards with a 16-25 Railcard?
• Can I use my Railcard on Sleeper Trains?
• Can I use my Railcard for tickets on the London Underground?
• Will I receive the Railcard discount on any chargeable items I take on the train with me?
• What happens if I have my 26th birthday before my Railcard runs out?
• Can I use my Railcard in conjunction with train company special offers?
• Can I use my Railcard to save on more than just train travel?
• Can I still use my “Young Persons Railcard” or “Young Persons Photocard” now that the name has changed?

1. Can I use my Railcard at any time of day?

Yes you can. However, for all journeys made at or before 10 am Monday to Friday a minimum fare applies. (The exceptions are when you travel at weekends, on Public Holidays, or during July and August). If you travel regularly before 10 am, then a weekly or monthly season ticket may be more appropriate, though you won’t be able to get a Railcard discount). More information about minimum fares can be found at Tickets & Travel times.

2. Can I use my Railcard on any Train Company?

Yes. Your Railcard is accepted by all of the Train Companies who operate Passenger Railway Services in Great Britain, except Eurostar. Special excursions and charters are also excluded.

3. Can I use my Railcard if I buy my ticket on the train?

We prefer it if you can buy your ticket before you board the train. Otherwise you could be charged the full price Standard Single fare. However, if there is no ticket office, or the ticket office is closed and there is no ticket machine available to buy your discounted ticket, then you can buy your discounted ticket from the conductor on board.

4. Can I use my Railcard to buy tickets for other people?

No. The Railcard is for your use only, and provides discounts only on tickets bought for your own use. It does not cover any accompanying adults or children.

5. Will I have to pay the full fare if I forget to bring my Railcard when I travel?

Yes. You must show your valid Railcard and Photocard when you buy your ticket. You also need to have your Railcard and Photocard with you on each journey and present it to staff when your ticket is checked aboard the train. Failure to present both your Railcard and Photocard will mean you have to pay a full fare, which is not refundable.

6. Can I reserve my seat if booking a ticket in advance?

Yes. Many train companies will allow you to reserve a seat free of charge on longer distance journeys. Please check with the local ticket office staff before buying tickets.

7. Can I get a discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards with a 16-25 Railcard?

No, we’re sorry but the Railcard gives no discount on these ticket types.

8. Can I use my Railcard on Sleeper Trains?

Travelling on a Sleeper Train requires two payments, one for the rail ticket and one for the berth. The Railcard will give you a discount on the rail ticket element, but not on the berth fee. From time to time, the different Train Companies may advertise special offers for Railcard holders.

9. Can I use my Railcard for tickets for travel on the London Underground?

When you buy discounted rail tickets using your Railcard for London mainline train stations, they are valid for use on the London Underground if you need to use the tube to get to the mainline train station. Off-Peak Day Travelcards (All Zones only) are also available, subject to a minimum fare.

However, we’re sorry that you can’t use your Railcard to get a discount when buying tickets from a London Underground booking office.

If you have an Oyster pay as you go card, you can get your Railcard discount loaded onto your Oyster card to save 1/3 on the daily fare cap.

10. Will I receive the Railcard discount on any chargeable items I take on the train with me?

The Railcard discount does not cover charges on various articles or animals. For details about which items carry a charge, and details of the charges, please call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.

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

You can buy or renew your 16-25 Railcard up to and including the day before your 26th 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.

12. Can I use my Railcard in conjunction with Train Company special offers?

Your Railcard may get you the full 1/3 discount on some Train Company special offers, but many special offers include a smaller discount or no discount at all.

It's best to ask at your local station for details of a specific offer, or call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50. Alternatively, you can visit nationalrail.co.uk.

13. Can I use my Railcard to save on more than just train travel?

We've worked with partners to give you some great offers.

If you're opted in to receive emails from us, we will contact you every few months.

14. Can I still use my “Young Persons Railcard” or “Young Persons Photocard” now that the name has changed?

Yes, your Young Persons Railcard is still completely valid (until it expires). In fact, it's even better! Find out more about the changes and discounts on Advance fares.

You can also continue to use your Young Persons Photocard.