Railcards for Students: Prices, Discounts & Eligibility

16-25 Railcard

1-year

3-year

1/3 Discount on Train Travel

From £26.25 Buy Now >

16-17 Saver

1-year

50% Discount on Train Travel

From £26.25 Buy Now >

What is a student Railcard?

Railcards for students offer discounted train tickets to students, including mature students and international students. They’re designed to help students save money, whether commuting or day trips. By using a student Railcard, your train tickets will get an exclusive discount of up to 50%.

Types of student Railcards

16-25 Railcard or the 16-17 Saver Railcard are the Railcards suitable for students. If you’re a 16-25 Railcard holder, you can get a 1/3 discount on your train tickets; if you’re a 16-17 Saver holder, you can get 50% off most train tickets.

The discounted price of Railcards for students

* PLEASE NOTE: Trip.com may offer limited-time discounts on selected Railcards, with prices from just £26.25 a year. Discounts and prices may change at any time. Please check the latest price shown on the page before booking.

Eligibility of Railcards for students

Eligibility of 16-25 Railcard

• Aged 16-25
• Mature student in full-time study

Special note:

If you’re a mature student:

• You should complete the mature student part of the 16-25 Railcard application form by your college or uni as proof, for over 15 hours a week, at least 20 weeks a year.
• This does not include Open University, distance learning and part-time courses.
• Or an NUS card or College/University photocard as proof of identity.
• You can renew your Railcard yearly, as long as you can provide proof that you’re continuing your education.

Eligibility of 16-17 Saver

• Aged 16-17

Special note:

• The 16-17 Saver is valid for one year from purchase or until your 18th birthday, whichever comes first.
• You’ll need to have evidence of age, which can be a valid UK driving licence, passport or EEA national ID card.

The conditions for using Railcards for students

Railcards for students typically have certain conditions attached to them. Check below.

How to get Railcards for students?

Check eligibility and prepare proof

Ensure you meet the eligibility and be prepared to provide proof. To purchase a Railcard for students, you will need:

1. Proof of study/ID (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.
4. For mature students, you will also need The Mature Student Application form.

Buy student railcards 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.

Buy student Railcards at a station

You can buy a 1-year 16-25 Railcard over the counter at all staffed station ticket offices.

1. Choose the staffed station ticket office or National Rail-licensed Travel Agent near you.
2. Go to the station ticket office and select the Railcard you need.
3. Present the proof and you will need to complete the application form.
4. Buy a Railcard at the station as instructed by station staff.
5. Use your Railcard to buy tickets.

Note:

• A Railcard issued at a station cannot be renewed online.
• You will need to create an account and purchase a new Railcard.
• If you purchase the physical Railcard online, you’ll receive the Railcard by post in 5 working days.
• The 16-17 Saver cannot be bought at a station.

How to use Railcards for students?

Once you have your Railcard, you can start using it to purchase discounted train tickets.

Use a digital student Railcard

1. Follow the instructions provided with your purchase to activate the Railcard on Trip.com or the Railcard app.
2. Link your Railcard to your online account by Trip.com or the Railcard app.
3. Select your departure and arrival stations, dates, and passengers, then add 16-25 Railcard or 16-17 Saver to enjoy discounts.
4. When purchasing tickets with your Railcard, the discounts will be automatically applied to your selection.

Use a physical student Railcard

1. Purchase a physical 16-25 Railcard or 16-17 Saver either online or at most staffed stations.
2. Ensure you always carry your physical Railcard with you when travelling.
3. Inform the ticket seller of your Railcard when purchasing tickets to apply the discount.
4. Present your Railcard along with your ticket to station staff during your journey if needed.

Special note:

• Phone battery: Make sure your phone is charged, as you may be required to present your digital Railcard to station staff.
• Renewal: Remember to renew your Railcard before it expires.
• With your railcard, you can get a discount on your train tickets anywhere, not just with Trip.com. Digital Railcards are also locked to your account, so they can be stored on any devices you use.

Advantages & Disadvantages of student Railcards

Advantages of Railcards for students

Discounted travel fares: For students who commute to university or college, or have holiday trips, the savings from a Railcard can add up over time. Railcards for students typically offer up to 50% discounts on train fares, making travel more affordable, and it’s suitable for mature students and international students.

Flexibility & Convenience: Students may enjoy flexible travel time, including off-peak and discounted fares during weekends and holidays. Railcards can encourage students to explore more places and take advantage of discounted fares, especially for some international students who are new to the UK.

Disadvantages of Railcards for students

Eligibility restrictions: Not all students are eligible for Railcards. 16-25 Railcard and 16-17 Saver have age requirements, especially for 3-year 16-25 Railcard. The enrolment can exclude part-time, mature students or international students who don't meet the requirements.

Limited coverage: Railcards may have restrictions on certain routes or types of tickets. For students living in areas with limited transport or those who rely on other transport, a Railcard may be not suitable for them. For example, 16-17 Saver won’t apply to tickets wholly for travel on London Underground and Docklands Light Railway, tickets for travel on ScotRail services, and tickets for travel on Caledonian Sleeper services.

Other rewards with a student Railcard

If you're a Railcard holder, you will be provided with partnership discounts. Railcards offer additional benefits such as discounts on partner attractions, restaurants, supermarkets, etc. As a Railcard holder, you might have special offers such as a 3‐month tastecard membership for free, 50% off on theatre tickets, 5% off cottage stays, a free Shower Gel Bar Set and more.

Places to visit with a student railcard

With a student railcard, you have access to travel across the UK. Here are some fantastic places you can visit:

• Edinburgh: Explore the historic streets, visit Edinburgh Castle, hike up Arthur's Seat, and enjoy the Royal Mile.
• London: Discover the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. Don't forget to explore the popular attractions like Camden, Shoreditch, and Notting Hill.
• Oxford and Cambridge: Visit these renowned universities and enjoy a walk through the historic streets.
• York: Your must-visit - York Minster.
• Liverpool: If you're a fan of The Beatles, go to their birthplace, visit the Royal Albert Dock, home to museums, galleries, restaurants, bars and shops.

Remember to check train schedules and plan your trips in advance.

Find the best student Railcard for your train travel

Other Railcard deals

Option 1

26-30 Railcard

Ages 26-30

33% off train tickets.

Average yearly saving of £281

1 Year - From £26.25

Get discount

Option 2

Two Together Railcard

Two travellers aged 16 and above.

33% off train tickets.

Average yearly saving of £104.

1 Year - From £26.25

Get discount

Option 3

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 £154.

1 Year - From £26.25

Get discount

Option 4

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 £122.

1 Year - From £26.25

3 Years - From £72.00

Get discount

Option 5

Senior Railcard

Ages 60 and above.

33% off train tickets.

Average yearly saving of £112.

1 Year - From £26.25

3 Years - From £72.00

Get discount

Option 6

16-17 Saver Railcard

Ages 16–17.

50% off most train tickets.

Average yearly saving of £406.

1 Year - From £26.25

Get discount

More Railcard guides