What is adult railcard?
An adult Railcard is a discount railcard available to adults in the UK, typically offering 1/3 discount, but if you’re with a partner, children or family, you may enjoy more discounts. For example, children can enjoy up to 60% off with an adult Railcard. This discount can help you save big whether you’re commuting to work, travelling with friends or family, or having day trips.
Type of adult railcard
There are several Railcards suitable for adults, such as 16-25 Railcard, 26-30 Railcard, Family & Friends Railcard and Two Together Railcard. Among the most popular ones are the 16-25 Railcard and the 26-30 Railcard.
- The 16-25 Railcard: It’s ideal for students and young people aged 16 to 25, as well as mature students in full-time education at any age. With this Railcard, you can enjoy a 1/3 discount on rail fares. You can find 1-year and 3-year plans. The 3-year option is only available before your 24th birthday.
- The 26-30 Railcard: It’s ideal for people aged 26 to 30, offering the same 1/3 discount on train fares. It’s only available for a 1-year plan.
Adult railcard price
| Railcard | Original Price | Trip.com Discounted Price |
| 16-25 Railcard | 1-year for £30 | 1-year for £25.50 |
| 3-year for £70 | 3-year for £59.50 | |
| 26-30 Railcard | 1-year for £30 | 1-year for £25.50 |
*The price of the table is based on data from 2024.
How to get Railcards for adults?
Prepare your proof
To purchase a Railcard for students, you will need:
- Proof of age (UK driving licence/provisional licence, passport, or EEA national ID card)
- A high-quality digital passport-style photo of yourself
- Debit or credit card for payment
Get Railcards for adults online
Choose the Railcard for students that suits your needs best. All Railcards are available to purchase through the Trip.com app.
- Open the Trip.com app and tap "Trains" at the top of the homepage.
- Tap "Buy a Railcard" at the bottom of the page.
- Sign in to your Trip.com account and select a Railcard type that is right for you.
- Enter your personal information and purchase.
- Tap "My Railcards" to view your Railcard.
- Use your Railcard to buy tickets.
Note: The digital 26-30 Railcard is only available to buy online.
Get Railcards for adults at a station
You can buy a 1-year 16-25 Railcard over the counter at all staffed station ticket offices.
- Go to the station ticket office near you.
- Present the proof and you will need to complete the application form.
- Buy a Railcard at the station as instructed by station staff.
- Use your Railcard to buy tickets.
Note: A Railcard issued at a station cannot be renewed online.
How to use Railcards for adults?
With your Railcard in hand, you're ready to buy discounted train tickets now!
| Methods to Use Adult Railcard | |
| Digital Railcards for adults | 1. Activate your Railcard on Trip.com or the Railcard app by following the instructions. 2. Link your Railcard to your online account on Trip.com or the Railcard app. 3. Choose your travel details and add your Railcard to get discounted fares. 4. Your discounts will be applied automatically when buying tickets with your Railcard. |
| Physical Railcards for adults | 1. Buy a physical Railcard online or at staffed stations. 2. Always have your Railcard with you when you travel. 3. Present your Railcard to station staff to get the discount. 4. Show your Railcard and ticket during your journey if asked. |
Note:
- Ensure your phone is charged to show the digital Railcard to station staff.
- Don't forget to renew your Railcard before it expires.
- Digital Railcards are linked to your account, so you can access them on any device you use.
Eligibility of Railcards for adults
| Railcard | Age Requirement | Area to Use | Time to Use |
| 16-25 Railcard | -16-25 -Mature student in full-time study | Across the UK | Anytime but with a minimum fare of £12 between 4:30 am and 9:59 am, Monday to Friday, excluding Advance fares. These conditions do not apply on public holidays or journeys in July and August. |
| 26-30 Railcard | 26-30 | Across the UK | Anytime but with a minimum fare of £12 between 4:30 am and 9:59 am, Monday to Friday, excluding Advance fares. These conditions do not apply at weekends and on public holidays. |
Note: There are some ticket types for which the 16-25 Railcard and 26-30 Railcard won’t be available. Be sure to check before you travel.
What are the advantages of Railcards for adults?
Savings on train travel: The primary advantage of Railcards is the savings they offer on rail fares. For adults who travel often, the 16-15 Railcard will help you save £189 on average yearly, and the 26-30 Railcard will have an average saving of £251 yearly.
Multiple choices: There are several types of Railcards tailored to different groups of adults, including the 16-25 Railcard, 26-30 Railcard, Senior Railcard (for those aged 60 and over), the Two Together Railcard (for two named adults travelling together), the Family & Friends Railcard (for adults travelling with family, friends or children), and more. You can choose one that best suits your needs.
Flexibility: Railcards offer discounts on a wide range of tickets, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Standard Anytime tickets. Whenever you’re travelling, you can always save money.
Other offers with an adult railcard
Adult Railcard holders can often enjoy additional offers, including discounts on hotels, dining, entertainment, and more. For example, you can:
- save up to £50 on top of Haven's best direct prices
- £50 to spend at Virgin Wines plus FREE delivery & Stemless Wine Glasses
- save up to 50% on theatre tickets
- save 20% on Virgin Experience Days
What are the disadvantages of Railcards for adults?
Minimum fares: Some adult Railcards might have minimum fares during peak times, such as 16-25 Railcard and 26-30 Raicard. You might not benefit from discounts during specific times.
Geographical limitations: Some adult Railcards, like the Network Railcard, are limited to use in specific areas in the UK. Be sure to check the covered area of the Railcard before using it.
Forgetting to renew: If you forget to renew the Railcard or apply the discount when purchasing tickets, you’ll miss out on savings. Be sure to check the expiry and renew the Railcard regularly.
Explore the UK with your adult Railcard
There are many attractions you can explore with adult Railcard, such as
- London: The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, Notting Hill, River Thames, the London Eye and more.
- Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town and Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat and more.
- Bath: The Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent and the Circus, the Thermae Bath Spa and more.
- Oxford: Oxford University, Bodleian Library, and the Radcliffe Camera.
Choose the best adult Railcard
| Age | Condition | Railcard Recommendation |
| 16-25 | Young adults, as well as mature students, travel alone | 16-25 Railcard |
| 26-30 | Adults travel alone | 26-30 Railcard |
| Adults | -Adults with partner -The second named adult must travel together for the entire journey | Two Together Railcard |
| Adults | -Adults with family & child -Your travel must include at least one child aged 5 to 15 | Family & Friends Railcard |
| Adults | Adults who regularly travel to or within London or Southeast England, and with a child | Network Railcard |
| Over 60s | Senior adults, travel alone for retirement adventures, visiting family or regular appointments. | Senior Railcard |
Other Railcard deals
FAQ about Railcards for Adults
How much discount do adult Railcards offer?
Adult Railcards typically provide a 1/3 discount on most rail fares, but if you’re travelling with family and child, the child can enjoy up to 60% discounts on rail fares.Are there any restrictions on using adult Railcards?
Yes. Some restrictions may apply, such as minimum fares or advance fares.How do I renew my adult Railcard?
Adult Railcards can usually be renewed online through the official Railcard website or app.