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What Is a Railcard?
A Railcard is a discount card that saves 33% on most UK rail fares. There are several types available, costing between £30 and £35 per year. The most popular for commuters are the 16-25 Railcard, the 26-30 Railcard, and the Two Together Railcard.
When Is a Railcard Worth It?
A Railcard pays for itself as soon as you have saved more than its cost in discounts. At 33% off, a £30 Railcard pays for itself after you have spent £91 on eligible rail fares. For most regular commuters buying individual tickets, this happens within the first two weeks.
Note that Railcard discounts do not apply to season tickets, so they are most valuable for flexible or part-time commuters buying individual tickets rather than season ticket holders.
Which Railcard Should I Get?
If you are aged 16-25, get the 16-25 Railcard. If you are aged 26-30, get the 26-30 Railcard. If you regularly travel with the same person, the Two Together Railcard saves both of you 33% and costs £30 in total. If you commute in the South East, the Network Railcard at £35 covers most routes in the region.
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