What is 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 exclusive discount up to 50%.
Type of student Railcard
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
| Type | Original Price | Trip.com Price |
| 16-25 Railcard | 1-year for £30 | 1-year for £35 |
| 3-year for £70 | 3-year for £80 | |
| 16-17 Saver | 1-year for £30 | 1-year for £35 |
*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 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.
| Feature/Type | 16-25 Railcard | 16-17 Saver |
| Covered area | Across the UK, not limited to a specific region. | Most National Rail services in the UK except ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper services, Eurostar tickets and some specific promotional offers. |
| Available time | Anytime but with a minimum fare of £12 for all journeys made between 4:30am and 9:59am, Monday to Friday excluding Advance fares (excluding public holidays or journeys made in July and August). | Every day with no time restrictions and no minimum fare, including standard peak, off-peak, season tickets and more. |
| Validity | 1 year or 3 years from purchase. | 1 year from purchase or until the holder's 18th birthday, whichever comes first. |
| Special note | The 3-year option is only available before your 24th birthday. | Season tickets bought before expiry can be used for up to 4 months after the railcard expires. |
| Renewal | You can renew your Railcard online when 30 days before expiry. | |
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:
- Proof of study/ID (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.
- 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.
- 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.
Buy student raillcards at a station
You can buy a 1-year 16-25 Railcard over the counter at all staffed station ticket offices.
- Choose the staffed station ticket office or National Rail-licensed Travel Agent near you.
- Go to the station ticket office and select the Railcard you need.
- 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.
- 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
- Follow the instructions provided with your purchase to activate the Railcard on Trip.com or the Railcard app.
- Link your Railcard to your online account by Trip.com or the Railcard app.
- Select your departure and arrival stations, dates, and passengers, then add 16-25 Railcard or 16-17 Saver to enjoy discounts.
- When purchasing tickets with your Railcard, the discounts will be automatically applied to your selection.
Use a physical student Railcard
- Purchase a physical 16-25 Railcard or 16-17 Saver either online or at most staffed stations.
- Ensure you always carry your physical Railcard with you when travelling.
- Inform the ticket seller of your Railcard when purchasing tickets to apply the discount.
- 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.
Disdvantages 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 enrollment 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 by 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 on a cottages, 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 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
| Age | Condition | Railcard Recommendation |
| Over 16, under 18 | Young student | 16-17 Saver |
| 18 and above | Students or mature students in full-time education | 16-25 Railcard |
| Mature students | Students with partner | Two Together Railcard |
| Mature students | Students with family & child | Family & Friends Railcard |
| Mature students | Students who regularly travel to or within London or Southeast England | Network Railcard |
Other Railcard deals
FAQ about Railcards for students
Who is eligible for Railcards for students?
Full-time students aged between 16 and 25, or young students aged 16-17, as well as mature students over a certain age and international students.What types of Railcards for students are available?
There are different types of Railcards for students, including the 16-25 Railcard, and the 16-17 Saver. Each type of Railcard offers different discounts and benefits.Can I claim a refund if I no longer need my Railcard?
No. All railcards are non-refundable.How do the Railcards for students work?
Once you have your Railcard, no matter it’s 16-25 Railcard or 16-17 Saver, simply select this option when purchasing your train ticket on Trip.com or at a valid ticket machine. You will need to present your Railcard when presenting your ticket on the train or when buying a ticket in person.What happens when I exceed the eligible age of Railcard for students?
Your 16-17 Saver remains valid from purchase or until your 18th birthday, whichever comes first. (After expiry, you can purchase a 16-25 Railcard to receive 1/3 off train tickets). Your 16-25 Railcard remains valid until the date of expiry even after you have turned 26. You will not be able to renew your 16-25 Railcard following your 26th birthday unless you are a mature student (but you can always purchase a 26-30 Railcard to continue receiving 1/3 off train tickets instead).