We believe that travelling by train should be simple and accessible for everyone. If you have a disability, the Disabled Persons Railcard is designed to make your journeys easier and more affordable, saving you money whether you’re travelling solo or with support. But one of the most common questions people ask before applying is: “Does my carer get a discount too?”
Here’s everything you need to know about how the Disabled Persons Railcard works, who it covers, and how to make the most of your savings with Avanti West Coast.
What is the Disabled Persons Railcard?
The Disabled Persons Railcard is a national discount card that helps passengers with disabilities save money every time they travel by train.
For just £20 a year (or £54 for three years), you’ll get 1/3 off most train fares across the UK rail network, including Avanti West Coast services. There are no time restrictions, meaning you can use it for early morning commutes, day trips, or evening journeys alike.
Quick savings example:
An Anytime Day Return from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester Piccadilly normally costs £24.30. With a Disabled Persons Railcard, you'll pay just £16.15, saving you both time and money on every journey.
Can my carer or companion travel at a discount too?
Simply put, yes! When you travel with a Disabled Persons Railcard, the 1/3 discount also applies to one accompanying adult, whether that’s your carer, friend, or family member.
That means both of you can enjoy discounted fares every time you travel together. As long as they’re travelling with you on the same journey and the tickets are purchased together at the same time, then your companion saves too.
That’s the best thing about the Railcard: it’s designed to make travel more inclusive and flexible, ensuring you and your companion can travel with confidence and ease.
Does my carer need their own Railcard?
No, your carer or companion doesn’t need to buy a separate Railcard themselves. The discount is automatically applied when your ticket and your carer’s ticket are purchased at the same time using your Disabled Persons Railcard.
That said, your travelling buddy may well have a separate Railcard of their own (for when they travel solo or with other friends), but keep in mind that only one Railcard discount applies at a time.
Quick savings example:
If you and your carer travel from Birmingham to London Euston, you’ll both receive 1/3 off your fares simply by using your Railcard when booking tickets either online or in person.
Can a different companion travel with me each time?
Absolutely. When you use your Disabled Persons Railcard to unlock savings with a travelling companion, it doesn’t have to be the same person every time you travel. One day it might be your carer, another day it could be a family member or a friend. You’re free to choose who you travel with.
As long as you’re both travelling together, your chosen companion can benefit from the same 1/3 off discount. Just make sure to book both tickets at the same time so the savings apply.
Can I travel alone with a Disabled Persons Railcard?
Of course. Whether you prefer to go on solo adventures or bring a friend, the choice is yours. You can travel alone with your Disabled Persons Railcard and still receive a 1/3 discount on your own ticket.
While the companion discount won’t apply when you’re travelling solo, your personal discount always does. This is ideal if you sometimes take trips independently or don’t need assistance for every journey.
Is there a Railcard for carers?
No, there isn’t a separate “Carer Railcard” available in the UK. However, using the Disabled Persons Railcard effectively includes this benefit, as it allows one accompanying adult to receive the same discount on every journey.
It’s a simple, inclusive way to ensure both passengers benefit without the need for multiple cards.