We know train tickets can get a bit pricey, especially if you’re travelling often. But here’s something that can make a real difference: Railcards. If you’re not already using one, this might just be your next travel game-changer.
We’ve helped loads of people get to grips with Railcards, so we thought we’d pull together a friendly little guide to explain what they are, who can get one, and how much you could save (spoiler: it’s a lot).
Image Credit: Ignacio Pereira | Pexels
What is a Railcard, exactly?
A Railcard is basically a magic card (OK, not actual magic, but close) that gives you 1/3 off most train fares across the UK. You just pop it into your journey when booking, and boom – cheaper tickets.
They’re easy to get, easy to use, and in many cases, they pay for themselves in just one or two trips. Handy, right?
Which Railcard is right for me?
There are quite a few out there, and it can be a bit much trying to pick the right one – but here’s a quick breakdown:
- 16-17 Saver – Perfect if you’re 16 or 17 and travelling for school, college, or just exploring. You’ll get 50% off most fares — even better than the usual third!
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16-25 Railcard – Great for students, young adults, and anyone aged 16 to 25.
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26-30 Railcard – Perfect for people who still feel young at heart (and are also literally under 31).
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Senior Railcard – For anyone aged 60 or over. Golden years, golden savings.
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Two Together Railcard – For couples, best mates, or anyone you regularly travel with. You just need to travel together for it to count.
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Family & Friends Railcard – If you’re heading out with kids, this one’s your friend. Up to 4 adults and 4 kids can travel together with discounted fares.
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Network Railcard – Good if you’re based in the South East and travel around there often.
So if you’re not sure what fits best, take a look here to help you figure it out 👉 Which Railcard do I need?
How much do they cost?
Most Railcards are just £35 for a whole year, and some give you the option to buy a 3-year version for £80. Honestly, if you travel more than a couple of times a year, they’re well worth it.
And yes—you can buy them directly through us at https://rail.cards/ (shameless plug, but we make it super easy 😉).
Buying Your Railcard with Us: Simple & Stress-Free 🛒
Getting your Railcard with us is quick, simple, and hassle-free. No need to deal with long queues at the station or hunting for the best deal elsewhere. Here’s how easy it is:
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Pick Your Railcard: Head over to our Railcard page and choose the one that suits you best. Whether you’re a student, senior, or traveling with a friend, we’ve got options for everyone.
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Buy It Online: We offer instant online purchases, so you can grab your Railcard in a few simple clicks. No fuss, no waiting for delivery
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Add It to Your Account: Once purchased, your Railcard can be added straight to your TrainSplit account on the app.
- Start Saving: The best part? You can immediately start using your Railcard to save on train fares across the UK. Pop it in when booking, and enjoy that sweet 1/3 off!
Buying from us means you can grab your Railcard without the hassle, and get back to what really matters — your next adventure (or, you know, that relaxing weekend getaway).
Image Credit: Daria Nepriakhina | Stocksnap
We know Railcards can sometimes raise a few questions, especially if it’s your first time purchasing one. That’s why we’ve put together a detailed FAQ post to cover everything you need to know about buying and using a Railcard from TrainSplit. From activation to expiration dates and everything in between, it’s all there.
We’re only able to sell National Railcards that can be issued digitally, so if a card requires a physical version only, it won’t be available through us. We're sorry, but we're also not permitted to sell the Veterans Railcard or the Disabled Persons Railcard.
Are there any Railcards you can't sell?
We can only sell National Railcards that can be fulfilled digitally. We're sorry, but we're also not permitted to sell the Veterans Railcard or the Disabled Persons Railcard.
👉 Check out our Railcard FAQ for all the answers!
How do I use my Railcard?
Once you’ve bought your Railcard, using it is easy:
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If you bought a digital Railcard through TrainSplit, you’ll find it in the TrainSplit app, ready to go whenever you are.
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If you bought your Railcard somewhere else, no worries, you can still use it when booking with us. Just make sure you have it available in the National Rail Card app or whichever app you used to buy it.
When booking your tickets, don’t forget to select your Railcard during the process so the discount is applied.
🚆 And when you travel, make sure to bring your Railcard with you (either on your phone or as a physical card), ticket inspectors will want to see it!
A few friendly reminders from our team:
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Some Railcards have time restrictions, like off-peak only or minimum fare during weekday mornings. We’ll flag that in the booking process if it affects your fare.
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If you’re using a Two Together or Family & Friends Railcard, make sure you’re actually travelling together!
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Keep an eye on the expiry date – a surprising number of people forget this and miss out on savings. 😬
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If you're booking for a group and everyone has a different Railcard (say, one Senior, one 16-25, and one Two Together), you’ll need to add each journey to your basket separately, then check out all in one go.
Final Stop: Need a Hand from a Real Human?
Totally get it, train travel isn’t always simple, and sometimes you just want to ask a real person (no offence to the bots). Whether it’s a quick question or something that’s gone completely off track, our team’s here with friendly, human support — no scripts, no judgement, and definitely no silly questions.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Just give us a shout. We’ll help you get it sorted — smooth, simple, and stress-free.