Aged between 16 and 25 or over 25 and a full-time student? You can enjoy ⅓ off all your train tickets with the 16-25 Railcard - for just £35 a year. That’s an average saving of £189 per year. Not bad!
You’ll also get access to a host of other discounts on days out, restaurants and much more. Your whole day out or weekend away is covered with your Railcard. So whether you’re taking a trip home from uni, heading to a festival for the weekend, or simply taking a shopping trip, you can save money all year round.
How to get a 16-25 Railcard
What is a 16-25 Railcard?
For 16-25 year olds
Also available to full-time students aged over 25
Save ⅓ off rail fares
Great offers and discounts
Get a 3-year card for £80
Get a 1-year card for £35
How much does the 16-25 Railcard cost?
For just £35 per year, you’ll get to enjoy ⅓ off train tickets. If you know that you’ll be doing a lot of travelling over the next few years, you can buy a 3-year Railcard for £80 so you have those savings locked down. What’s more, you can buy your 3-year Railcard right up until the day before your 24th birthday, so you can keep saving long past the time you turn 25.
Who can use a 16-25 Railcard?
Anyone aged 16-25 is eligible for this Railcard. You can also apply if you’re a full-time student aged over 25. In this case, you can buy a 1-year Railcard and will need:
To be attending a recognised college or university:
Open University, distance learning and part-time courses aren’t eligible
To be attending a course that’s at least 15 hours a week for at least 20 weeks a year
To ask your college or university to complete the mature student section of your Railcard application form
To have an NUS or college/university photocard as proof of identity
Where can I buy a 16-25 Railcard?
Once you’re all signed up, you can start using your Railcard to receive 1/3 off your train fares.
3-year 16-25 Railcards
If you know that you’re going to be travelling a lot - between home and work, uni and your family home, or just for holidays - then it makes sense to get a 3-year Railcard. Rather than paying £35 per year for a 1-year card, you’ll get the full 3 years for just £80 - as well as the ⅓ saving on train tickets that you’d expect.
How to use your 16-25 Railcard
If you’re buying tickets online, select your Railcard from the drop-down menu to receive your discount. Be sure to bring your Railcard with you when you travel, so you can present it on-board. If you’re buying your train tickets in person, show your Railcard at the point of sale and we’ll reduce the price for you.
How to buy and use a digital Railcard
To buy your Railcard, just head to our hub. You’ll need:
A valid debit or credit card
Proof of eligibility to show that you’re aged 16-25
A passport-style photo, which you can take with your phone
Your personal details
It shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to complete your application. You can either have a physical Railcard posted to you, or you can download a digital Railcard and start using it immediately to book tickets and start saving.
If you’re buying tickets online, select your Railcard from the drop-down menu to receive your discount. Be sure to bring your Railcard with you when you travel, so you can present it on board. If you’re buying your train tickets in person, show your Railcard at the point of sale and we’ll reduce the price for you.
16-25 Railcard FAQs
Railcards aren’t refundable. However, if your train is delayed, you can get compensation withDelay Repayifyour train is delayed by 15 minutes or more. If you book your train tickets directly through us you’re eligible for Automatic Delay Repay, so you don’t even have to apply for compensation and we’ll process a claim for you automatically within 24 hours of your journey.
It’s just as easy to renew your Railcard as it is to buy. Simply head to the 16-25 Railcard site and click ‘Renew your Railcard’. Sign in and check all your details are correct, then make your payment and enjoy your savings for another year!
There’s no limit to where you can go with a 16-25 Railcard. There are just a few time restrictions if your fare costs less than £12.
You can use your Railcard to save 1/3 on Standard Anytime and Off-Peak fares as well as Advance tickets in both Standard and First Class. This discount applies to all rail companies as well as Avanti West Coast. Our Journey Planner will find the best route and price for you, wherever you’re going.
You can’t use your Railcard for Season tickets or for First Class other than Advance tickets.
If your ticket costs £12 or more
You can travel when your ticket is valid. For example, if you have an Advance ticket you must travel on the specific train you selected. Off-Peak tickets are for quieter times of day and weekends. If you have an Anytime ticket, go whenever you please!
If your ticket costs less than £12
There’s a £12 minimum fare for travel between 04:30 and 09:59 Monday to Friday on Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Public holidays and weekdays during July and August are excluded. Advance tickets also have no minimum fare when using your Railcard.
If you travel regularly during peak hours
A Season ticket could be the best way for you to save money given the time restrictions of this Railcard.
Are there any other Railcards?
There are a number of other Railcards that could help you save on your train fares. Here's a selection: