Discounted Train Journeys - UK Railcards for Students

For students, it is one of the most effective ways to reduce travel expenses, offering a 1/3 discount on most standard rail fares throughout England, Scotland, and Wales.

A standard 1-year Railcard costs £30, meaning it typically pays for itself within one or two long-distance journeys.

Railcard Options for Students

Depending on your age and study status, you will qualify for one of the following options:

• 16-25 Railcard

  • Anyone aged 16 to 25.

  • Available as a 1-year card (£30) or a 3-year card (£70). You can purchase a 3-year card up until the day before your 24th birthday.

• 26-30 Railcard

  • Anyone aged 26 to 30.

  • Available as a 1-year card (£30) and must be renewed annually before your 31st birthday.

• Mature Students (Aged 26+)

  • If you are over the age of 30 but studying in full-time education, you are still eligible for the 16-25 Railcard.

  • You will need you us to sign and stamp an official mature student verification form during the application process to prove your full-time status.

Potential Savings and Minimum Fares

The table below illustrates how the 1/3 discount applies to various standard ticket prices:

How to Apply

Applications are processed digitally and can be completed online. Before beginning, ensure you have a valid form of identification (passport, UK driving license, or national identity card), a digital passport-style photograph, and a valid payment method.

To select your card and begin an application, visit the official registration portal:

👉 Apply for a National Railcard (railcard.co.uk)

Note: You can choose to receive either a digital Railcard accessible via a smartphone application or a physical plastic card by mail.