National Railcard offers railcards that provide discount on train tickets; typically, a 1/3 off the price of an adult fare and 60% off a child’s fare (for family and friends railcard users only).
Does railcard do NHS Discounts?
Railcards cost between £20-£30 for 1 year, or £54-£70 for 3 years. Paying for a 3-year railcard works out cheaper than paying for 3 consecutive years, but not everyone has the cash at the time.
There is no usage limit on railcards which is great news for frequent travellers. Some railcards even give discount for those travelling with you!
Most railcards can be purchased online or at your local staffed station ticket office. Train tickets (using the discounted railcard) can be purchased online or at the station. However, to qualify you must be able to present your railcard, this means that when purchased online, ticket wardens moving around the carriage will ask to see your railcard. Failing to be able to present your railcard will mean you will have to pay full price for the ticket.
The types of railcards that can be purchased include:
- 16-25 Railcard – this railcard is for customers aged 16-25, typically students, meaning that mature students also qualify for this railcard. However, mature students must be attending a recognised college or university for over 15 hours a week, at least 20 weeks a year.
- Two Together Railcard – this railcard provides discount for 2 people, whether friends, family, or couples.
- Family and Friends Railcard – this railcard is for families where 2 adults can be the card holder. Both card holders don’t have to be traveling, but there needs to be atleast 1 child in the group under 5, and a child ticket must be purchased. If your child turns 17 before your 3-year railcard expires, they can continue benefiting from discount until the day before they turn 17.
- Senior Railcard–this railcard is for customers 60years old. The railcard can be purchased up to 2 weeks before ones 60th birthday if you buy online, but it’ll only be valid from the birthday onwards.
- Disabled Persons Railcard –this railcard is for customers that received PIP, DLA, attendance allowance, severe disablement allowance, war pensioner’s mobility supplement, war/service disablement pensioner’s, has a visual impairment, a hearing impairment, or epilepsy.
- Network Railcard.
- 26-30 Railcard – this railcard if for customers aged 26-30 and provides savings on 1/3 off leisure journeys across Britain, saving an average of £125 a year.