UK Railcard in 2025-2026: complete guide on how to save on train travel

Railcards save you a third on most train tickets across Britain, whether you commute daily or travel only a few times a year. This article outlines the latest types, prices and requirements for British Rail cards in 2025–2026, providing a simple guide to cheaper rail travel.

Table of contents

• What is a UK Railcard
• Types of Railcards
• How to get a Railcard in Great Britain?
• UK Railcard photo requirements
• Get a photo for your British Railcard online!
• UK ID photo app
• Railcard prices and 2025 updates
• How to use your Railcard?
• Physical vs digital Railcard: what to choose
• FAQ

What is a UK Railcard

A UK Railcard is a discount pass that reduces the cost of most train fares across Britain, making regular and long-distance travel significantly cheaper. It’s designed for specific groups of passengers, helping them save up to one-third on eligible tickets.

Key features:

• Railcards provide discounts on most train journeys and are available as either a physical card or a digital card, which you can conveniently store on your smartphone.
• These Railcards cater to various people: young travellers, seniors, families, disabled passengers, and members of HM Forces, among others. Millions qualify for at least one type.
• Carry your Railcard while travelling, whether it’s physical or digital, and be ready to show it to the ticket inspector when asked.
• Choose between a Railcard valid for either one year or three years.

Is a Railcard only for UK citizens? No, UK Railcards are open to anyone meeting specific eligibility criteria like age, student status, disability, or armed forces service. International students in full-time UK study, for instance, can apply for the 16-25 Railcard with appropriate student proof. Most Railcards need relevant eligibility proof, but not necessarily UK citizenship.

Can I buy a Railcard with a foreign passport? Absolutely. Whether applying online or in person, your country-issued passport serves as valid identity proof, confirming your eligibility and date of birth.

Types of Railcards

Railcards come in several categories, each tailored to a different age group, lifestyle, or travel pattern. Understanding the differences makes it easier to choose the option that offers the greatest savings for your typical journeys.

Here’s a table summarising the main Railcard types:

Railcard Type	Who it's for	Discount
16-17 Saver	Ages 16-17	50% off
16-25 Railcard	Ages 16-25. The main UK Railcard option for international students	1/3 off
26-30 Railcard	Ages 26-30	1/3 off
Senior Railcard (or British Railcard for pensioners)	Ages 60+	1/3 off
Disabled Persons Railcard	Eligible disabled persons	1/3 off
Family & Friends Railcard	Up to 4 adults, 4 children	1/3 off adults, 60% off kids
Two Together Railcard	Two named adults travelling together	1/3 off
Network Railcard	London & South-East England area	1/3 off
HM Forces Railcard	Armed Forces members and spouses	1/3 off, 60% kids
Veterans Railcard	UK Military Veterans	1/3 off
Job Centre Plus Railcard	Registered jobseekers	50% off
Annual Gold Card	Those with qualifying season tickets	1/3 off

Is there a UK Railcard for people over the age of 30? There is currently no Railcard available for people aged between 31 and 59 based on age alone. However, other options, such as the Two Together Railcard or Network Railcard, may offer discounts depending on travel patterns. Once you turn 60, you become eligible for the Senior Railcard, which is valid for passengers aged 60 and over.

For a detailed look at each Railcard’s terms and conditions, visit the National Rail website and go to the Railcards page.

How to get a Railcard in Great Britain?

Getting a Railcard is quick and straightforward, whether you prefer applying online or buying one at a staffed railway station. You’ll only need a few basic documents, and most applications are approved within minutes.

Applying online:

1. Visit the official retailer of Railcards by National Rail at railcard.co.uk.
2. Choose your Railcard type, enter your details, and upload a digital passport-style photo (required for most Railcards).
3. Pay the fee.
4. Certain Railcards, like Disabled Persons or Veterans Railcards, need proof of eligibility, such as ID or benefit documentation.
5. Receive your digital Railcard instantly via your chosen app, ready for immediate discounted travel.

Buying in person at a train station:

1. Head to any staffed UK train station to purchase a Railcard.
2. Bring a passport photo and valid ID (passport, UK driving licence, or EEA national ID card).
3. Complete an application form — staff will print your Railcard right there.
4. Use your Railcard the same day and renew it either at the station or online later.

UK Railcard photo requirements

The photo for your card must clearly show your face and meet simple identity guidelines, similar to a standard ID picture but less strict than a passport photo:

• Use a 35×45 mm, passport-style picture, showing your head and shoulders with your face filling about 70% of the photo.
• The photo should be sharp, focused, and high-quality; both colour and black-and-white are acceptable.
• Digital photos must be in .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .BMP, or .GIF format, 5MB or less, with a resolution of at least 300 dpi and a minimum size of 600 pixels wide by 750 pixels tall.
• Ensure the photo is taken within the last month.
• The background should be plain and light-coloured, with no shadows on your face or behind your head.
• Maintain a neutral expression while looking straight at the camera.
• You can wear glasses, but ensure the frame doesn’t cover any part of your eyes and avoid lens glare. Dark glasses are not allowed.
• Head coverings for religious or medical reasons are acceptable.

Here's an example photo:

Get a photo for your British Railcard online!

Ensure your photo meets the requirements by using online professional tools. Try Visafoto.com, a leading photo editing service boasting a 99.7% approval rate. Since 2013, Visafoto has been expertly handling photos for passports, visas, driving licences, and other documents worldwide.

Simply snap a photo of yourself in natural light with your smartphone or digital camera and upload it to Visafoto.com. The service transforms it by altering the background, tweaking the resolution, adjusting colours, and sizing it to precision standards.

Upload a photo as such:

You'll receive a digital copy perfect for online application submissions and a version ready for printing. If the result doesn’t meet your expectations, we’ll replace it at no cost. Should officials reject the photo, we offer a full refund.

UK ID photo app

Prefer using your phone to capture the perfect ID photo? Check out the 7ID app from Visafoto.com. This easy-to-use app simplifies the creation of ID, passport, and visa photos right from your smartphone. It's available for both iPhone and Android users.

Just upload your photo to the 7ID app, select the country and the document. The app automatically adjusts your photo to meet official criteria, including size, format, background colour, and alignment of your face and eye line. We provide a digital file along with a print template suitable for 4×6, A4, A5, or B5 paper sizes.

For any questions, our technical support is available 24/7 to assist you.

Railcard prices and 2025 updates

Railcard prices remain reasonable, adjusting over time to match rail policy and inflation trends. As of March 2, 2025, UK Railcard prices saw an increase. Here are the new rates:

• Most 1-year Railcards are now £35, raised from £30.
• Most 3-year Railcards are now £80, up from £70.
• Prices for the Disabled Persons Railcard stay steady at £20 for one year and £54 for three years.

How much does a senior Railcard cost? All the prices for Railcards are listed in the table below:

Railcard Type	1-Year Price	3-Year Price
16-17 Saver	£35	N/A
16-25 Railcard	£35	£80
26-30 Railcard	£35	N/A
Two Together Railcard	£35	N/A
Network Railcard	£35	N/A
Family & Friends	£35	£80
Senior Railcard	£35	£80
Veterans Railcard	£35	£80
Disabled Persons	£20	£54

Thus, British Railcards for seniors cost £35 for one year or £80 for three years as of 2025. The Student Railcard costs vary, depending on age, as it is available to anyone aged 16 to 25, as well as full-time students over 25.

How to use your Railcard?

Once activated, your Railcard automatically applies discounts when you purchase eligible tickets online or at the station. It must be carried with you during every journey, as rail staff may ask to verify it alongside your ticket. Using your UK Railcard involves these straightforward steps:

1. Booking tickets. When booking online or through apps like Trainline or National Rail, input your journey details and the number of passengers. Before searching for tickets, be sure to select your Railcard type. The system automatically applies the Railcard discount to eligible fares.
2. Collecting tickets. If you buy tickets online and opt to collect them at the station, bring your Railcard to the ticket machine or counter to confirm eligibility and print your discounted tickets.
3. Travelling. Keep your Railcard handy (whether digital or physical) during your journey, as ticket inspectors may ask to verify it alongside your discounted ticket.

Additional tips:

• Discounts typically apply during off-peak hours: after 10 am on weekdays and anytime on weekends and holidays. Be aware that some Railcards have peak travel restrictions and minimum fare conditions, often a £12 minimum before 10 am on weekdays.
• If you use an Oyster card in London, link your Railcard for additional discounts on certain routes.
• You cannot include a Railcard discount in the same transaction when buying one online; purchase the Railcard first, then book discounted tickets separately.

Physical vs digital Railcard: what to choose

Both physical and digital Railcards offer the same discounts, but they differ in convenience and how you present them during travel checks. Your choice largely depends on whether you prefer a smartphone-based pass or a traditional card you can keep in your wallet.

Digital Railcard:

• Instant delivery to your smartphone, enabling immediate use.
• Ideal for tech-savvy travellers who book tickets and travel using apps like Trainline or National Rail.
• Hassle-free to carry — you won't risk losing it like a physical card, and always have it with your phone.
• Easy online renewal or replacement without needing a new card.
• Requires a smartphone and internet access to present when requested.

Physical Railcard:

• Classic plastic card for your wallet, perfect if you prefer not relying on a smartphone or apps.
• Useful for those who find digital cards impractical, such as individuals without smartphones or with limited internet.
• Works at ticket machines, counters, and on trains with offline verification.
• Requires waiting for delivery if bought online, or can be issued instantly at the station.
• Prone to loss or damage, necessitating a replacement process if misplaced or broken.

Which to choose?

Go for a digital Railcard if you want immediate access, ease of use, and regularly manage travel on a smartphone.

Opt for a physical Railcard if you prefer a tangible card, typically don't use smartphones for travel, or want a backup in case of phone issues.

FAQ

Is it possible for foreigners to get a UK Railcard?

Yes. However, it needs to be delivered to a UK address if ordered online. Many visitors and tourists opt to purchase their Railcard at staffed train stations upon arrival in Great Britain by showing a valid ID and passport photo.

Do I need a UK address to get a Railcard?

A UK address is required for online orders, as Railcards aren't mailed outside Great Britain. If you don't have a UK address, you can simply buy your Railcard at a staffed train station in the UK by presenting a valid ID and passport photo. This in-person option bypasses the need for a UK address, making it ideal for tourists.

Can I use my Railcard on the Underground?

A Railcard alone doesn't offer discounts on standard Tube journeys, but it can be applied to Travelcards or Oyster cards for discounted off-peak travel if you link it to your Oyster or buy a discounted Travelcard.

Can I change my photo later?

Yes, you can update your Railcard photo if your appearance changes. The process varies based on how you got your Railcard:

• Online: Call the Railcard helpline at 0345 3000 250, pay a £10 admin fee, and send them a new passport-style photo to get a replacement.
• In person at a station: Bring a new photo and your existing Railcard to a staffed station to have a new one issued for a £10 fee.

How much can I save with a Railcard?

With a UK Railcard, you generally save 33% on most rail fares. Some Railcards, like the Family & Friends Railcard, offer even greater savings: 60% off children's fares and one-third off adult fares. On average, Railcard users can save up to £172 annually, depending on how frequently they travel and the type of Railcard they choose.

Is the Railcard free for seniors?

No, the UK Senior Railcard isn't free. As of 2025, it costs £35 for one year or £80 for three years, offering a bargain compared to buying annual cards separately. For those aged 60 and over, this Railcard delivers a 1/3 discount on most train fares, quickly paying for itself after just a few trips with the savings you'll enjoy.

What if my phone battery dies or the Railcard app doesn’t load?

If your phone battery runs out or the Railcard app fails to load, having a physical Railcard as a backup is ideal. For digital Railcards, consider these options:

• Add your Railcard to up to two devices for extra security.
• Access a temporary 10-day download code from your Railcard account online to add your Railcard to another device if needed.
• Buy tickets at the ticket office, from a machine, or directly from the train guard if online access isn't available.

Can I buy a Railcard at the station?

Yes, you can purchase a Railcard at staffed train stations in Great Britain. Bring a passport-style photo and valid ID, such as a passport, UK driving licence, birth certificate, or EEA national identity card, to prove your eligibility. Most stations can issue 1-year Railcards within minutes, making this an excellent choice for visitors and those without a UK address for online orders.

Can I use a selfie as my Railcard photo?

Yes, a selfie works for your Railcard if it meets the criteria. Ensure the photo clearly shows your head and shoulders, filling about 70% of the frame, and is sharp and in focus. Keep your face unobscured by headwear or hair. The photo should be under 5MB and at least 300 dpi in a format like .jpg or .png. It doesn't need to be a formal passport photo, but must allow easy recognition by staff when you present your Railcard.

Last update: 2025-11-12