4.9
4.6Railcards in the UK: Prices and Information
At Omio, our aim is to make booking a trip as simple as possible. How you ask? By allowing you to search, compare and book trains in the UK and mainland Europe—all in one place. In the UK, if you're a British citizen or a permanent resident, you can apply for a railcard and save a third on train travel.
Although Omio does not sell railcards, you can attach them to your Omio account right away. You can purchase a railcard at your local train station or by searching online.
Save a third on train tickets
Travelling by train in the UK? You should think about picking up a railcard if you regularly hop on a train. In the Omio app, you can store your train tickets in Apple Wallet and, when selected, the railcard discount will be applied.
Railcards are annual discount cards which give you up to a third off train tickets. More specifically, they give discounts when you buy Off-Peak train tickets. Apply for one online in a few simple steps.
Types of Railcards
There is a railcard for everyone: 16-25 Railcard, 26-30 Railcard, Disabled Persons Railcard, Family & Friends Railcard, Senior Railcard, Two Together Railcard, 16-17 Saver.
Popular Train Routes
Railcard FAQ's
Who can get a railcard?
Most age groups can get a railcard. If you consider yourself over a certain age group then you can get the Senior Railcard. If you are Blue Badge holder you can get the Disabled Railcard, for example. Pick up the right one for you depending on your age group. in 2018 it is possible for the over 25s to get a railcard during the trail period of the 26-30 Railcard. The company is testing the 25-30 Railcard to see how many people buy it. Make the most of it and get yours now so you can start saving off train travel.
Can I use my railcard on the Tube?
If you have to travel across London to reach your destination, you can get a discount when travelling across two main stations. If you link your Railcard to your Oyster card you can also get money off the Travelcard; no matter how much you travel and use the Oystercard, the amount will be capped for the day at £8.25. Without a railcard it would get capped to £12.50. Remember that these caps are off-peak pay as you go caps and is only activated after 09:30 or 10:00 that morning.
Can I use my railcard before 10am?
You can travel at any time of day with your railcard. Please note that there is a minimum fare which has to be paid between the hours of 4.30-10am which starts at £12. Try to travel during Off-Peak hours to ensure the railcard discount can be applied.
Can I give my railcard to someone else?
Unfortunately not. The railcard is personal to you and the photo must match the holder. If you want to share your railcard with a partner, the best one to buy would be the Two Together Railcard to get rail fares with a discount together.
How do I buy a railcard?
You can easily buy a railcard by going to a ticket office in train station. Bring a passport photo with you, as well as a form of ID. If you bring these items you can pay on the spot and they will print out a dated railcard for you which you can put alongside your tickets in the plastic wallet they provide. Alternatively, you can order one online and a card will be delivered in a few weeks. This card is plastic like a credit card.
When will my railcard arrive?
If you order it online, it will take a few weeks. If you go to the station (recommended) you can pick one up within a few minutes. Remember to bring a passport photo and a form of ID. You can then select the respective railcard in the drop-down list upon paying for your ticket.
How long is the railcard valid for?
The railcard is valid for one year normally, unless you buy a three-year card (valid only for certain railcards). Once the date on your railcard has passed, the railcard is no longer valid and cannot be used. It will not renew automatically; you need to buy another railcard for the year at the station.
Should I bring to my railcard with me?
If you buy an off-peak ticket and your railcard discount is applied, then you must bring it with you for each train journey. If you do not bring your railcard with you on your journey, you may have to pay a penalty or the difference of a full priced ticket.
