Railcards for Students

Buying a Student Railcard is an excellent way to get cheap train tickets and save money on student train travel. There are several to choose from, all offering excellent discounts on train travel to UK universities. Discover which is the right Railcard for you below.
  • 16-25 Railcard
    16-25 Railcard

    16-25 Railcard

    1/3 Off rail tickets

    • For students aged 16–25.
    • Offers student train discounts of 1/3 off.

  • 16-17 Saver
    16-17 Saver

    16-17 Saver

    50% Off train tickets

    • Younger students can save 50% on most UK fares with this Railcard.
    • For students aged 16 and 17.

  • 26-30 Railcard
    26-30 Railcard

    26-30 Railcard

    1/3 Off rail tickets

    • Perfect for mature students and recent graduates aged between 26 and 30.
    • Offers discounts of 1/3 on train tickets.

Family Offers

There are plenty of ways for your family to get fantastic value on UK rail journeys, including free travel and discounts for children of certain ages, and the brilliant benefits of a Family & Friends Railcard. Discover the best ways to secure cheap family train tickets below.
Family & Friends Railcard

Family & Friends Railcard

Make every family outing more affordable with a Family & Friends Railcard.

  • Valid for up to 4 adults and 4 children (aged 5–15) travelling together.
  • Enjoy 1/3 off adult fares and a massive 60% off children’s tickets.
  • A minimum of one adult and one child is required to travel for the discounts to apply.
  • Easily purchase your Family & Friends Railcard through the Trip.com app or website.
Children Travel Free or with Discount

Children Travel Free or with Discount

Find fantastic savings for the youngest travellers in your group:

  • Under 5s travel free on most journeys (please note this does not include a reserved seat, so they may need to sit on a lap during busy periods).
  • Children aged 5–15 typically get 50% off most standard and Off-Peak train tickets.
  • Young people aged 16 and 17 can unlock 50% off most fares with a dedicated 16–17 Saver Railcard.
Tips for Travelling with Children

Tips for Travelling with Children

Make your family's train journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible with these handy tips:

  • Keep them entertained: Pack engaging activities like colouring books, puzzles, or small toys to prevent boredom.
  • Snacks are essential: Have a stash of their favourite snacks on hand for when hunger strikes – happy tummies make for happy travels!
  • Plan ahead: Research station and onboard facilities in advance (e.g., baby changing facilities, pushchair storage, food options) so you can arrive prepared.
  • Arrive early: Especially if you're travelling with children under 5 who don't have reserved seats, arriving early helps you find suitable seating together.
  • Travel off-peak: Opt for quieter, off-peak times for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
  • Pack light: Minimise stress by only taking essential bags, making it easier to navigate with children in tow.

Save on Back to School Train Tickets

Trip.com offers many different ways to save on back-to-school train tickets, helping you cut down on school and university costs. Find out some of the best techniques and tips for saving on student train travel below.

Advance Tickets: Book your train tickets as early as possible, ideally at least 12 weeks in advance, to access the lowest fares and special promotions. Advance tickets can save you up to 61% compared to buying on the day.

Off-Peak Travel: Travel during Off-Peak hours (after 09:30 in major cities and after 09:00 elsewhere, with Super Off-Peak between 10:00–15:30 and after 19:15) to benefit from lower fares.

Split Ticketing: Use split ticketing to save more by dividing your journey into separate tickets, even if you stay on the same train. Trip.com automatically finds and offers the cheapest split ticket options for your route.

Flexible Dates and Times: Being flexible with your travel dates and times helps you find the cheapest train tickets available.

Student Season Tickets: Student Season Tickets allow unlimited travel between two stations for a term, offering significant savings and convenience for regular commuters.