Eligibility

If you’re aged between 16 and 25 years old you are eligible to apply for a Railcard.

All you need to buy your Railcard online is a valid debit or credit card and:

• A valid UK driving licence
• Or a valid international passport
• A digital passport-style photo to upload

If you are a mature student in full-time education you can apply for a 1-year Railcard online by providing a valid student photo ID and an application form endorsed by a recognised institution - please see our FAQs section.

3-year Railcards

You can get a 3-year 16-25 Railcard any time before your 24th birthday. If you are a mature student you will need to provide evidence of your continuing study, so you will only be able to apply for a 1-year Railcard.

Minimum fares / Time restrictions

Please remember that for all journeys made at or between 4.30am and 10am Monday to Friday, a £12 minimum fare applies. This means that the Railcard is not suitable for most daily commutes to work or places of study. Don’t forget that if you travel regularly between 4.30am and 10am Monday to Friday then a weekly or monthly season ticket is likely to be the best way for you to save money. Railcards do not give discounts on season tickets. 

There is NO minimum fare at weekends, on Public Holidays and during July and August. For full details of minimum fares, please ask at your local staffed station or National Rail-licensed Travel Agents.