A Guide to Railcards for Adults: Get 1/3 off Train Tickets

16-25 Railcard

1-year

3-year

1/3 off train tickets

From £35 Buy Now >

26-30 Railcard

1-year

1/3 off train tickets

From £35 Buy Now >

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

*PLEASE NOTE: As of 2 March 2025, the price of the 1-year Railcard increase to £35 from £30 and the 3-year Railcard increase to £80 from £70 across all Railcards except the Disabled Persons Railcard.

How to get Railcards for adults?

Prepare your proof

To purchase a Railcard for students, you will need:

1. Proof of age (UK driving licence/provisional licence, passport, or EEA national ID card)
2. A high-quality digital passport-style photo of yourself
3. 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.

1. Open the Trip.com app and tap "Trains" at the top of the homepage.
2. Tap "Buy a Railcard" at the bottom of the page.
3. Sign in to your Trip.com account and select a Railcard type that is right for you.
4. Enter your personal information and purchase.
5. Tap "My Railcards" to view your Railcard.
6. 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.

1. Go to the station ticket office near you.
2. Present the proof and you will need to complete the application form.
3. Buy a Railcard at the station as instructed by station staff.
4. 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!

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

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

Other Railcard deals

Option 1

Two Together Railcard

Two travellers aged 16 and above.

33% off train tickets.

Average yearly saving of £98.

1 Year - ￡35

Get discount

Option 2

Network Railcard

Up to 3 adults (ages 16 and above) and 4 children (ages 5-15).

33% off train tickets and 60% off child rail fares.

Average yearly saving of £136.

1 Year - ￡35

Get discount

Option 3

Family&Friends Railcard

Up to 4 adults (ages 16 and above) and 4 children (ages 5–15).

33% off train tickets and 60% off child rail fares.

Average yearly saving of £136.

1 Year - ￡35

3 Years - ￡80

Get discount

Option 4

Senior Railcard

Ages 60 and above.

33% off train tickets.

Average yearly saving of £98.

1 Year - ￡35

3 Years - ￡80

Get discount

Option 5

16-17 Saver Railcard

Ages 16–17.

50% off most train tickets.

1 Year - ￡35

Get discount