A Guide to Railcards for International Students: From £25.50
By Leona
April 29, 2025
What are Railcards for international students?
Railcards for international students are discount cards to help international students save money on train travel. These railcards offer up to 50% off the price of train tickets, which will be significant savings when travelling across the UK.
Type of Railcards for international students
16-25 Railcard: The 16-25 Railcard, also known as the "Young Person's Railcard", is the best choice for international students, with a discount of 1/3 off on most train fares aged between 16 and 25, as well as mature students in full-time study of any age.
16-17 Saver: This 16-17 Saver is specifically for 16 and 17-year-olds and offers a discount of 50% on most train fares. If you’re a young student, this one is more suitable for you.
The price of Railcards for international students
With Trip.com, you will get a discounted international student Railcard!
| Railcard | Original Price | Trip.com Discounted Price |
| 16-25 Railcard | 1-year for £30 | 1-year for £35 (25%off) |
| 3-year for £70 | 3-year for £80 (25%off) | |
| 16-17 Saver | 1-year for £30 | 1-year for £35 (25%off) |
*The price is based on data from 2025.
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.
Eligibility of Railcards for international students
| Railcard Type | Age | Note |
| 16-25 Railcard | -16-25 -Mature student in full-time study of any age | Mature students should complete the mature student application form by college or uni, for over 15 hours a week, at least 20 weeks a year. (Excluding Open University, distance learning and part-time courses.) |
| 16-17 Saver | 16-17 (before 18th birthday) | Valid for one year from purchase or until your 18th birthday, whichever comes first. |
How to get Railcards for international students?
Be prepared to provide proof
To purchase a Railcard for students, you will need:
- Proof of study/age (UK driving licence/provisional licence, passport, or EEA national ID card).
- A high-quality digital passport-style photo of yourself.
- Debit/credit card or cash for payment.
- If you are a mature student, you will also need to complete The Mature Student Application form.
Buy a digital Railcard for international students online
You can purchase Railcard for international students 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 right for you.
- Enter your personal information and purchase.
- Tap "My Railcards" to view your Railcard.
- Use your Railcard to buy tickets.
Buy a physical Railcard for international students online
If you need a physical Railcard, you can also buy it online. You’ll need to allow up to 5 working days for it to get to you. Please go to the official Railcard website for more information about the physical Railcard for international students.
Buy a Railcard for international students at a station
You can buy a Railcard for international students at all staffed station ticket offices.
- Find the staffed station ticket office near you.
- Select the Railcard and complete the application form. (Mature students also need The Mature Student Application form.)
- Present the proof.
- Buy a Railcard at the station.
- Use your Railcard to buy tickets.
Note
- A Railcard issued at a station cannot be renewed online. You can renew your 1-Year Railcard at a staffed station.
- The 16-17 Saver is not available to buy at stations. You can buy 16-17 Saver over the phone or online.
Special offers with Railcards for international students
Except for the standard discount on train fares, Railcards may offer additional discounts on other travel-related services, such as hotel stays, attractions, dining, shopping, entertainment, etc.
For example, if you’re a 16-25 Railcard holder, you may enjoy:
- Railcard Theatre Tickets: Save up to 50% on theatre tickets.
- Virgin Experience Days: Save 20% with your 16-25 Railcard on Virgin Experience Days
- tastecard: 3‐month tastecard membership for free.
- Hoseasons Parks and Lodges: Save 5% on Hoseasons Lodges, Parks and Boating breaks.
- cottages.com: Save 5% on a cottages.com booking.
- grüum: FREE Shower Gel Bar Set (WORTH £24!)
The advantages of Railcards for international students
Cost savings
Railcards allow international students to save money on travel across the UK, without worrying about high transportation costs.
Travel on the go
Railcards offer flexibility in travel arrangements. You can plan day trips or weekend trips to maximise your time in the UK. Train travel is often more convenient and comfortable than other transport too.
Enrich study abroad experience
With discounted fares, Railcards make it more affordable for international students to explore different cities, historical sites, and attractions across the country. This will enrich your study abroad experience in the UK.
Limitations of Railcards for international students
16-25 Railcard
- Where to use: Most National Rail services in the UK except Season tickets including Travelcard Season tickets, Eurostar tickets, First Class fares that aren’t booked in advance, Some Train Company-specific promotional offers, etc.
- When to use: Anytime but with a minimum fare of £12 for journeys starting between 4:30am and 9:59am Monday to Friday, excluding Advance fares (The minimum fare excludes public holidays or in July and August).
- Valid period: 1 year or 3 years from purchase. The 3-year option is only available before your 24th birthday.
16-17 Saver
- Where to use: Most discounted tickets to travel across the National Rail network, except on ScotRail services, Caledonian Sleeper services, Eurostar tickets and First Class tickets, etc.
- When to use: Anytime with no minimum fare.
- Valid period: 1 year from purchase or until your 18th birthday, whichever comes first.
Popular cities to travel with Railcards for international students
- London: Your must-go. Explore the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, London Eye.
- Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat.
- Glasgow: Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, explore Kelvingrove Park.
- Manchester: Visit Manchester Museum, Old Trafford football stadium.
- Birmingham: Visit Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Bullring shopping centre.
Find the Railcard that suits you best
| Age | Condition | Railcard Recommendation |
| Over 16, under 18 | Young international student | 16-17 Saver |
| 18 and above | International students in full-time education | 16-25 Railcard |
| Mature students | International students with partner | Two Together Railcard |
| Mature students | International students with family & child | Family & Friends Railcard |
| Mature students | International students who regularly travel to or within London or Southeast England | Network Railcard |
Other Railcard deals
FAQ about Railcards for international students
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Where can international students buy Railcards?
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Can international students use Railcards for all train travel in the UK?
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Can international students use Railcards for group travel?
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