Railcards for Visitors to the UK: Prices & How to Get One

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By Sophie

September 21, 2026

Railcards for Visitors to the UK
Planning to travel to Britain? Foreigner Railcards offer discounted prices for solo travellers or group travellers to enjoy up to 60% off. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Railcards for visitors to UK, including types and price of Foreigner Railcards, eligibility, usage tips, etc.

Trending Foreigner Railcard Products

26-30 Railcard
26-30 Railcardd
1-year
1/3 off train tickets
From £26.25 Buy Now >
Family&Friends Railcard
Family & Friends Railcard
1-year
3-year
1/3 off adult train tickets & 60% off child rail fares
From £26.25 Buy Now >
Discover More Trending Railcards!

What is a UK Tourist Railcard?

What is a Foreigner Railcard?
The Foreigner Railcard offers special discounts for visitors travelling to UK. Foreigner Railcards can be used for solo travellers or for families and friends travelling together. This article introduces the two major railcards for visitors to UK, 26-30 Railcard and Family & Friends Railcard, which save up to 60% discount for child rail fares.

Type of Foreigner Railcards

Type of Foreigner Railcards

There are various railcards available for visitors to UK, and the most cost-effective and popular railcards are 26-30 Railcard and Family & Friends Railcard.

26-30 Railcard

Also known as the Millennial Railcard, the 26-30 Railcard is aimed at individuals aged 26 to 30. It offers a 1/3 discount on most rail fares across Britain for both long and short trips. It is available as a digital-only product, which means you can store it on your phone without carrying a physical card. It’s only available for a 1-year plan. The 26-30 Railcard is not valid for travel during morning peak times on weekdays, except for public holidays.

Family & Friends Railcard

The Family & Friends Railcard is designed for groups of people travelling together where at least one is a child and one is an adult. It offers up to 1/3 off adult fares for up to 4 adults and 60% off children's fares for up to 4 children(aged 5 to 15). The Family & Friends Railcard can be a physical card or a digital version that you can store on your phone. It comes with 1-year and 3-year plans. And the 3-year plan is generally more affordable.

Buy 26-30 Railcard Now
Buy Family & Friends Railcard Now
Looking for cheaper train travel? Check the latest train promo codes and Railcard offers on Trip.com to save on your next journey.

Foreigner Railcard Price

Foreigner Railcard

Original Price

Trip.com Discounted Price

26-30 Railcard

1-year for £35

1-year for £26.25

Family & Friends Railcard

1-year for £35

1-year for £26.25

3-year for £80

3-year for £72

* 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.

1-year 26-30 Railcard for £26.25
1-year Family & Friends Railcard for £26.25

Eligibility of Foreigner Railcards for Visitors to UK

Foreigner Railcards could save up to 60% on rail fares, with 26-30 Railcard saves £281 annually and Family & Friends Railcard saves £122 annually. Let's check the eligibility for the two Railcards.

Railcards for visitors to UK

Age Limit

Validity Time

26-30 Railcard

Aged 26-30

1 year from the date of purchase

Family & Friends Railcard

Up to 4 adults (aged 16+) and 4 children (aged 5-15)

At least one adult and child

1 year or 3 year from the date of purchase

3-year Family & Friends Railcard for £72

How to get Foreigner Railcards for Visitors to UK?

How to get Foreigner Railcards for Visitors to UK?

Requirements to purchase a Foreigner Railcard

  • 1. Proof of age between 26 and 30 (UK driving licence/provisional licence or passport)
  • 2. A high-quality digital passport-style photo of yourself
  • 3. Debit or credit card for payment

Buy Foreigner Railcards on Trip.com

Step 1: Log into Trip.com App to Buy a Foreigner Railcard

Log into the Trip.com app and tap "Trains" at the top of the homepage to buy a Foreigner Railcard.

Step 2: Buy a Foreigner Railcard for Visitors to UK

Click on "Buy a Railcard" at the bottom of the page to enter the detail page.
Buy a Foreigner Railcard for Visitors to UK

Step 3: Select a Foreigner Railcard Type

Select the most suitable Railcard then enter the payment page.

Step 4: Fill in the Info to Buy a Foreigner Railcard

Fill in the contact information and tap "Continue" to finish the payment.
Fill in the Info to Buy a Foreigner Railcard

Step 5: Find Your Foreigner Railcard

To find your Railcard, click on "My Railcards" to view the detail.

Step 6: Add Your Foreigner Railcard Discount

Tap "+Add Railcard" to add your Railcard when booking train tickets to enjoy discounts.
Add Your Foreigner Railcard Discount

Buy Foreigner Railcards at Stations

  • 1. Find a railway station with a staffed ticket office.
  • 2. Make sure you have all the necessary information and identification.
  • 3. If required, fill out an application form for the Railcard.
  • 4. Pay the fee for the railcard. Payment methods will vary depending on the station, but most will accept cash, debit cards, or credit cards.
  • 5. Receive your Railcard and use it to buy tickets.

Special Note👀

  • 26-30 Railcards are available as digital only.
  • A Railcard issued at a station cannot be renewed online.
Buy 26-30 Railcard for 34% off

Other Rewards with Foreigner Railcards

  • grüum: FREE Shower Gel Bar Set (WORTH £24!)
  • Haven Holidays: Save up to £50 on top of Haven's best direct prices with your Railcard
  • Virgin Wines: £50 to spend at Virgin Wines plus FREE delivery & FREE Stemless Wine Glasses!
  • tastecard: As a Railcard holder treat yourself to a 3‐month tastecard membership for free today!
  • Railcard Theatre Tickets: Save up to 50% on theatre tickets and see our exclusive offers for Railcard holders!

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Foreigner Railcards?

Two common types of Foreigner Railcards are the 26-30 Railcard and the Family & Friends Railcard. Each has its own pros and cons:

Types of Foreigner Railcards

Advantages

Disadvantages

26-30 Railcard

1. Savings: Offers 1/3 off rail fares across Britain for those aged 26-30.

2. Digital Convenience: Available as a digital Railcard that can be stored on a smartphone.

3. Additional Discounts: Sometimes includes additional offers and discounts for events, attractions, and more.

1. Age Restriction: Only available for individuals aged 26-30.

2. Peak Time Restrictions: Typically cannot be used during morning peak times on weekdays.

3. Not Transferable: The Railcard is only valid for the person whose name is on it

Family & Friends Railcard

1. Savings for Groups: Offers 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids' fares for up to 4 adults and 4 children aged 5-15.

2. Broad Eligibility: There is no age restriction for the adult holder(s).

3. Additional Benefits: Often comes with extra offers and discounts on attractions, hotels, and more.

1. Adult Accompaniment Required: At least 1 child must be traveling with the group to qualify for the discounts

2. Peak Time Restrictions: May be restrictions during peak travel times, particularly on weekday mornings.

3. Not for Solo Travel: Not beneficial for solo adult travelers or for adults traveling without children.

1-year 26-30 Railcard for £26.25
3-year Family & Friends Railcard for £72

Places to Visit with Foreigner Railcards

Places to Visit with Foreigner Railcards

With Foreigner Railcards, visitors can travel across the UK to explore various attractions:

  • London: Explore the capital's iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum.
  • Edinburgh: Visit the historic Edinburgh Castle, hike up Arthur's Seat, or explore the Royal Mile.
  • York: Discover the medieval city of York with its stunning Minster, historic Shambles street, and the Jorvik Viking Centre.
  • Bath: Known for its Roman-built baths, this city also offers stunning Georgian architecture and the famous Bath Abbey.
  • Liverpool: Visit the Beatles Museum, the historic Albert Dock, and the Liverpool Cathedral.
  • Manchester: Explore the city's rich industrial heritage at the Museum of Science and Industry, or visit the famous Old Trafford football stadium.

Best Foreigner Railcards for Visitors to UK

Age Limit

Condition

Railcard Recommendation

Discount

26-30

Adults travel alone

26-30 Railcard

34% Off

16+

-2 travellers aged 16 and above-2 adults must travel together for the entire journey to enjoy the discount

Two Together Railcard

34% Off

16+

-Up to 4 adults (ages 16 and above) and 4 children (ages 5–15)-You must travel with at least 1 child and 1 adult

Family & Friends Railcard

Adult: 34% Off

Child: 60% Off

16+

-Up to 3 adults (ages 16 and above) and 4 children (ages 5-15)-Regularly travel to or within London or Southeast England.

Network Railcard

Adult: 34% Off

Child: 60% Off

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FAQ – Foreigner Railcards for Visitors to UK

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