Frequently Asked Questions?

Most frequently asked questions

  • How do I buy a Senior Railcard?
    A:

    You can buy your Senior Railcard online or at a staffed station Ticket Office.

    To buy online, simply click ‘’Buy Now’’ on the website homepage and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to provide a valid passport or UK driving licence or EEA National Identity Card number to prove your date of birth and a digital passport-style photo if you have selected 'Digital' under 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like' section.

    Once your online payment has been successful you will receive an email confirmation and acknowledgement of your application number (this confirmation cannot be used to buy discounted tickets).

    If you have purchased a plastic Senior Railcard, please allow 10 days for delivery. You can choose to pay for ‘Special Delivery’, but you will have to place your order before 15:45pm to guarantee that your Railcard is delivered within 2 days (Monday to Thursday) or 3 days (Friday to Sunday).

    If you are unable to wait for your Senior Railcard to be delivered to you, you can also download and complete an online application form and go to any staffed station Ticket Office to apply in person. You will need to provide a valid passport or UK driving licence or EEA National Identity Card number to prove your date of birth.

    If you have purchased a digital Senior Railcard, a download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. 

    You will not be able to travel on discounted tickets until you have your Railcard.

  • What do I do if my Railcard is lost or damaged?
    A:

    If you bought your Railcard online, please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account and apply for a replacement. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active Senior Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’. Select lost or damaged, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen. You will also have to pay a £10 administration fee.

    Please note that you can only apply for a replacement Railcard 10 days after the date of original purchase and only 1 replacement may be issued in a 12-month period.

    If you bought it at a station, provided you can produce the completed "Receipt" portion of your original application form, then you can apply for your lost or damaged Railcard to be replaced at any staffed station ticket office. You will also have to pay a £10 administration fee.

  • My Railcard has not arrived in the post. What can I do?
    A:

    You will need to wait 10 days, then go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the Senior Railcard website homepage to log in to your account and apply for a replacement. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active Senior Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’. Select ‘lost’, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen. Please check that your address is correct before you order.

    You will be sent a free replacement provided you do this within 30 days of your application date. If 30 days has passed from your date of purchase you can still request a replacement card, but you will have to pay a £10 replacement fee.

    You will not be able to travel on discounted tickets until you have your Railcard.

  • How long do I have to wait for my Railcard to arrive?
    A:

    If you have ordered a plastic Senior Railcard online, please allow 10 days for delivery. If you paid for Special Delivery and placed your order before 15:45pm, your Railcard will be delivered within 2 days (Monday to Thursday) or 3 days (Friday to Sunday).

    If you have purchased a digital Railcard, it will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. 

    You cannot travel on discounted tickets until you have received your Railcard.

  • How do I purchase my Railcard online?
    A:

    Please click ‘’Buy Now’’ on the website homepage and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to provide a valid passport or UK driving licence or EEA National Identity Card number to verify your date of birth online and a digital passport-style photo if you have selected ‘Digital’ under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section.

    If you have ordered a plastic Senior Railcard, please allow 10 days for delivery. You can choose to pay for ‘Special Delivery’, but you will have to place your order before 15:45pm to guarantee that your Railcard is delivered within 2 days (Monday to Thursday) or 3 days (Friday to Sunday).

    If you have ordered a digital Railcard, a download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. 

    You will not be able to travel on discounted tickets until you have your Railcard.

  • Is my phone compatible for a digital Railcard?
    A:

    The Railcard App is available to download from the Apple Store and the Google Play store.

    The App is only compatible with devices that have the following software: Apple iOS 14.0 and above and Android 7.0 and above.

    The Railcard app is not compatible with Windows Phones.

  • Can I use the Railcard in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland?
    A:

    Railcards can be used for rail discounts in the area known as Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). They cannot be used for rail travel in either in Northern Ireland nor the Republic of Ireland.

    If you live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland you can buy a Railcard to use for travelling in Scotland, Wales or England. 

  • What is a download code?
    A:

    The download code allows you to add a purchased digital Railcard to the Railcard app on your device. It is found within the email confirmation you would have received after we have approved your Railcard application.

    If you have purchased your Railcard from the Railcard website you will need to click 'Manage my Railcard' on the website or homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, please click ‘Get a new download code’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Railcard to a new device.

    If you are asked to remove 1 device, click the Bin icon next to the device you want to remove your Railcard from and then click 'Remove'. The system will generate a new download code for you which can now be used to add your Railcard to your device.

    Click here for more information on download code and managing your Railcard.

    Please note that the Railcard app is available to download from the Apple Store and the Google Play store.

  • I can’t find my download code
    A:

    Check your mailbox (including your junk mail) for an email from our Railcard team.

    If you still can’t find it, you will need to click 'Manage my Railcard' on the website or homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, please click ‘Get a new download code’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Railcard to a new device.

    If you are asked to remove 1 device, click the Bin icon next to the device you want to remove your Railcard from and then click 'Remove'. The system will generate a new download code for you which can now be used to add your Railcard to your device.

    Click here for more information on download codes and managing your Railcard.

    Please note that the Railcard app is available to download from the Apple Store and the Google Play store.

     

  • My download code won’t work
    A:

    If your download code isn’t working, it is likely that it has expired or has been used to activate your Railcard on too many devices. You can only store your digital Network Railcard on a maximum of 2 devices, so you may need to remove it from an existing device to add it to a new one. 

    If you have purchased your Railcard from the Railcard website you will need to click 'Manage my Railcard' on the website or homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, please click ‘Get a new download code’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Railcard to a new device.

    If you are asked to remove 1 device, click the Bin icon next to the device you want to remove your Railcard from and then click 'Remove'. The system will generate a new download code for you which can now be used to add your Railcard to your device.

    If the problem persists, please contact the customer services team on 0345 3000 250.

    Click here for the step by step guide on how to generate a new download code.

  • How do I make a complaint?
    A:

    In the first instance please contact Railcard Customer Services who will endeavour to resolve any issues that you have. 

    We're open from 07:00am to 22:00pm everyday of the year except for Christmas day.  You can:

    Email us:         railcardhelp@nationalrail.co.uk

    Call us on:       0345 3000 250

    Write to:           

    National Railcards

    PO box 8626

    SWADLINCOTE

    DE11 1JA

     

    If you are not satisfied with the resolution we give, you are entitled to contact:

    www.transportfocus.org.uk/help/rail-complaints

    http://ec.europa.eu/odr/

  • Will I have to pay the full fare if I forget to bring my Railcard when I travel?
    A:

    Yes. You must show your valid Senior Railcard (digital or plastic) when you buy your ticket and travel on the train. Failure to present a valid Railcard will mean you have to pay a full fare or you may on certain services be liable for a Penalty Fare.

    A train company will normally allow you to claim back this extra expense on the first occasion in each year where this happens providing you can show that you owned a Railcard before you started your journey.

    Each train company will have their own process for doing this. You will need to provide proof of your Railcard and either the original and additional tickets that you have purchased, or if you have not yet paid, details of the notice to pay or notice of Penalty Fare. Where you have already paid for additional tickets you should contact the relevant train company’s customer services department; in the case of a notice to pay or notice of Penalty Fare, you should follow the instructions included on how to challenge or appeal the charge.

  • Can I buy a Railcard at a rail station?
    A:

    Yes. You can buy a 1-year Senior Railcard over the counter at all staffed stations ticket offices. You will be required to provide your passport or UK driving licence or birth certificate or EEA National Identity Card as proof of your date of birth.

  • Can I renew my station-purchased Railcard online?
    A:

    Railcards issued at stations cannot be renewed online. You will need to create an account and purchase a new Railcard.

    To buy a new Senior Railcard, please go to the website homepage, click ‘Buy Now’ and follow the instructions on the screen. You will be asked to provide either a passport or driving licence number or EEA National Identity Card and you will also need to provide a digital passport-style photo if you have selected 'Digital' under 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like' section.

  • Do I need to prove my eligibility again if I am applying online?
    A:

    Not if you already hold a Senior Railcard that was issued by our online service. Please note that Railcard issued at a station cannot be renewed online. You will need to create an account and purchase a new Railcard.

    To buy a new Railcard, please go to the website homepage, click ‘Buy Now’ and follow the instructions on the screen. You will be asked to provide either a passport or driving licence or EEA National Identity Card number and you will also need a digital passport-style photo if you have selected ‘Digital’ under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section.

  • Can I use my Senior Railcard at any time of day?
    A:

    Your Railcard is not valid during the morning peak period when travelling between two stations in the Network Railcard area of validity.  Check locally to confirm morning peak times as these do differ.  This restriction does not apply on public holidays.

  • What is a digital Railcard?
    A:

    Digital Railcards are stored within the Railcard app on your smart phone or tablet, meaning there’s no need to carry the physical card around with you. They can be stored on up to two devices and used quicker than plastic Railcards as they do not need to be sent in the post.

    Click here for more information on managing your Railcard

  • Can visitors to Britain buy a Railcard online?
    A:

    Yes, you can.

    Simply click ‘Buy Now on the website homepage to get started. When you get to the question 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like' select 'Digital' and follow the instructions on the screen to complete your purchase.

    You can also buy a Railcard at Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport rail stations, Luton Airport Parkway and Manchester Airport – but NOT at London Heathrow Airport.

  • Can I buy tickets at a discounted rate before my Railcard arrives?
    A:

    No. You must carry your Railcard with you on any journey where you have bought discounted tickets with the Railcard.

    Therefore, if you buy discounted Railcard tickets before you receive your Railcard, you do this at your own risk.

  • Can I travel on discounted tickets if my Railcard expires before I complete my journey?
    A:

    No. You will not be able to travel with your discounted tickets if your Senior Railcard has expired. Discounted tickets are only valid if you are using them with a valid Railcard. You will need to renew your Senior Railcard before you begin and complete your journey.

    Click here for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

    If you have selected 'Digital' under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section, your digital Senior Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your digital Railcard. 

  • Senior Railcard Terms & Conditions
    A:

    Please click on https://www.senior-railcard.co.uk/help/railcard-terms-conditions/ for important terms and conditions that you need to understand before you use your Railcard.

  • Can I use my Railcard in conjunction with Train Company special offers?
    A:

    Yes. You can use it with the 2FOR1 Days Out Guide promotions and most offers given by train companies. Please note that your Railcard may get you the full 1/3 discount on some Train Company special offers, but many offers include a smaller discount or no discount at all. It's best to ask at your local station for details of a specific offer, or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.

    Alternatively, you can visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.

  • Will I receive the Railcard discount on any chargeable items I take on the train with me?
    A:

    The Railcard discount does not cover charges on various articles or animals.

    For details about which items carry a charge, and details of the charges, please call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.

  • Can I use my Railcard to buy my ticket on the train rather than at a station?
    A:

    Only if there is no ticket office, or the ticket office is closed and there is no ticket machine available to buy your discounted ticket at the station at which you began your journey. If this is the case you can buy your discounted ticket from ontrain staff.

    Otherwise, if ticket facilities were available at the station you could be charged the full price Standard Single fare.

  • Can I use my Railcard to buy tickets for other people?
    A:

    No. The Railcard is for your use only, and provides discounts only on tickets bought for your own use. It does not cover anyone accompanying you.

  • Can I reserve my seat if booking a ticket in advance?
    A:

    Yes, providing that there are reservations available on the service on which you are travelling. Many train companies will allow you to reserve a seat free of charge on longer distance journeys.

    Please check with the local ticket office staff before buying tickets.

  • How do I renew my Senior Railcard online?
    A:

    Please click ‘Renew my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to account. Once logged in, click ‘Renew’ under your expired or soon to expired Railcard, select 'Digital' or ‘Plastic’ under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section and follow the instruction on the screen to complete your purchase.

    Click here for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

  • What do I do if my Railcard is stolen?
    A:

    To replace a stolen Railcard you bought online, please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’. Select ‘stolen’, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen. You will have to provide a crime reference number, or a document given to you by the Police for a free replacement. You can also call our Helpline on 0345 3000 250.

    To replace a stolen Railcard you bought at a station, please go to a station with your crime reference number/documentation given to you by the police and some form of identification to be issued with a free replacement Railcard.

  • Are there any offers I can benefit from as a Railcard holder?
    A:

    Yes. Please visit the ‘Offers & Competitions’ page for more details.

  • How do I add a digital Railcard to my phone?
    A:

    If you have already purchased a digital Senior Railcard, you should have received an email which contains a download code. You will use this download code to add your digital Senior Railcard on your phone or device.

    First, you will need to download the Railcard app from the Apple Store or the Google Play store. Once downloaded, open the app and tap on the ‘+’ symbol on the ‘Your Railcards’ screen. The ‘Add Railcard’ screen will then show, and you will need to tap on the ‘+’ symbol under ‘Add an existing Railcard’ to enter your download code and add your Senior Railcard.

    Click here for the step by step guide on how to add a digital Railcard to your phone.

  • How can I buy a digital Railcard?
    A:

    Digital Railcard can be bought online only. Please click 'Buy Now' on the website homepage to get started. When you get to the question ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’, select digital and follow the instructions on the screen to continue with your purchase.

    In most cases, your digital Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. 

    Click here for more information on managing your Railcard

  • What happens if I lose my device?
    A:

    If you lose the device where your digital Senior Railcard was downloaded, you will need to log in to account and remove it from the lost device.

    Simply click ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Senior Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’ and select the device you want to remove.  Once you have removed one device on your account, please click ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your digital Senior Railcard to a new device.

    Please note that you can only store your digital Railcard on a maximum of 2 devices.

  • How quickly will I get my new digital Railcard?
    A:

    In most cases, your digital Senior Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your digital Senior Railcard.

     

  • How can I remove my Railcard from an existing device?
    A:

    Please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Senior Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’ and select the device you want to remove.  Once you have removed one device on your account, please click ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your digital Senior Railcard to a new device.

  • Can I renew to a digital Railcard?
    A:

    Yes! You can renew your digital Railcard within 30 days of its expiry to a digital Railcard.

    Simply click ‘Renew my Railcard’ on the homepage, enter your log in details, click on ‘Renew’ under your expired or soon to expired Railcard, select 'Digital' under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section and follow the instruction on the screen to complete your purchase.

    Click here for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

     

  • I have a plastic Railcard, can I swap it for a digital one?
    A:

    You cannot swap a plastic Railcard to a digital Railcard. However, when the time comes to renew your Railcard you can do this online and choose to have a digital Railcard.

    Click here for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

  • Why can’t I add my Railcard to another device?
    A:

    You can store your digital Railcard on up to two devices at a time.

    If you want to add it to a third, you will need to remove it from one of your existing devices through your account.

    Simply go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Senior Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’ and select the device you want to remove. Once you have removed one device on your account, please click ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Senior Railcard to a new device.

  • How do I unblock my Railcard?
    A:

    You will need to contact our customer support team on 0345 3000 250 so that we can better understand the activity that has caused your Railcard to be blocked.

    If appropriate, they will be able to help you get back online with your Railcard.

  • Why has my Railcard been blocked?
    A:

    If we detect suspicious activity on your Railcard, it will be blocked until we have had the chance to speak to you.

    During this period, your Railcard will no longer be valid for travel.

    If your Railcard has been blocked, you will need to contact our customer support team on 0345 3000 250.

    **Excessive device changing can result in a Railcard being blocked**

  • What happens if I have no battery life or can’t show my Railcard?
    A:

    If you don’t have any battery life, or have forgotten your device, it won't be possible to check that your Railcard discount is valid.

    You could be asked to buy a single ticket for your journey, or be issued with a Penalty Fare.

    If you do get caught out while travelling, you can make one claim a year to be refunded for any extra fare or penalty you incur.

    For a list of train companies in Great Britain, and their details, click here.

     

  • Can I have a plastic and digital version of my Railcard?
    A:

    Unfortunately, you can only have one version of your Railcard – either plastic or digital. Once you have purchased your Railcard you cannot change the type of Railcard you have.

  • How can I change my personal details if I am an online Railcard customer
    A:

    Please go to "Manage my Railcard" on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, on the top right of your account summary page, please click on your ‘Menu Profile’ and select ‘Personal Details’. You will be given the option to update or change your personal details, including your address.

    Or you can also click on https://secure.railcard.co.uk/account/personal-details, enter your log in details and the ‘Manage Personal Details’ page will show. You can now change or update your personal details including your address.

  • The system won't accept my driving licence details - can you help?
    A:

    If you are using a driving licence to apply, please make sure that the name you use to apply for your Railcard is typed into your application in exactly the same format in which it is shown on your driving licence.

    This means that if an apostrophe or hyphen in your name has been left out of your name on your driving licence you need to leave it out of the name you use for your Railcard.

    For example, if your name is “O’brian” and it is shown as “Obrian” (without the apostrophe) on your driving licence, then you should type it as “Obrian” in your Railcard application.

  • The system says my passport is “invalid”. What can I do?
    A:

    We accept machine readable passport codes from all countries except for those issued in the Philippines and Bangladesh prior to 2010. So, if you have a valid passport your passport code should work.

    When inputting your passport details into the system please ensure you are entering all characters including each chevron “<” where it appears on your passport. You will need to input:

    • 10 digits or characters into the first box
    • three letters in the second box identifying your nationality
    • seven digits in the third box
    • an F or M identifying your gender in the fourth box
    • seven digits in the fifth box
    • the last two digits of your passport code in the sixth box. If you only have one digit in this section, please add a 0 in front of it. 

    If all the above information is correct and the system says that your number is still invalid, please check that the information you have supplied on the Cardholder Details page is correct. You must:

    • use your full name as it is shown on your passport. Do not use any shortened version of your name (for example, “Bob” when you are “Robert” on your passport)
    • put your personal name in the “Your First Name” field and your family name in the “Your Surname” field
    • make sure that your gender is as it is shown on your passport

     

  • I wear a burka or a niqab – will I have to show my face in the photograph?
    A:

    If you opt for a digital Railcard, you must provide a photograph. The photo should have been taken with nothing covering the outline of eyes, nose or mouth. The rail industry applies the same rules as the DVLA and Passport Agency, so photos with a person wearing a full facial burka / niqab (a veil that covers the face) are not acceptable. If a member of rail staff is unable to validate that the person on your Railcard is you, the Train Companies reserve the right to charge you the full price Standard Single fare for your journey as if no ticket was purchased before starting the journey and in some cases a Penalty Fare.

  • What methods of payment are accepted?
    A:

    We accept online payment via credit and debit cards. The cards accepted are: Visa, Visa Debit, Visa Electron, MasterCard, MasterCard Debit, Maestro and Solo.

    We cannot accept American Express or Diner's Club.

  • I have a promotion code to use towards the cost of my Railcard – it is not working. What can I do?
    A:

    Please check that you have read each character of the code correctly. We do try to use codes that are easy to read, but occasionally applicants might confuse,

    • the letter “I” with the number “1”
    • the letter “O” with the number “0”(zero)
    • the letter “S” with the number “5”.

     

    If any of these characters appear in your code, please try their alternatives. If this does not work please, call us on 0345 3000 250 and we will be able to check the status of the code you have.

  • Can I use my Railcard to save on more than just train travel?
    A:

    Yes. Please visit the ‘Offers & Competitions’ page for more details.

  • I bought my current Senior Railcard from the online service, it is about to expire, how do I renew it?
    A:

    You can renew your Senior Railcard bought online within 30 days of its expiry to a digital or a plastic Railcard.

    Click here for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

  • What happens if I don’t have reception or I am offline?
    A:

    Railcard are available offline for a period of up to 72 hours. The Railcard app on your device will continue to show your digital Railcard as long as your mobile device has connected to the internet at some point within the last 72 hours. However, you will need an internet connection to buy your digital Railcard or add it to a new device.

  • Can I claim a refund if I don't use my Railcard?
    A:

    No. Unfortunately, once a Railcard has been issued it is non-refundable.

  • Can I use my Railcard on Sleeper Trains?
    A:

    Travelling on a Sleeper Train usually requires two payments: one for the rail ticket and one for the berth. The Railcard will give you a discount on the rail ticket element, but not on the berth fee. From time to time, the different Train Companies providing sleeper services may advertise special offers for Railcard holders.

  • Why would the taxpayers have to pay for a Railcard refund or extension?
    A:

    Due to the pandemic far fewer people have been travelling by train. This means that the government is offering additional financial backing to the rail industry so that services keep running to support the economy.

  • Can I buy a Senior Railcard in advance of my 60th birthday?
    A:

    If you order online then yes, you can order one up to 14 days in advance of your 60th birthday.

    Please note that you cannot buy Railcards in advance of your 60th birthday from rail stations.

  • Why can’t the train companies pay for the extension?
    A:

    Due to the pandemic fewer people have been travelling by train. Funding is currently being used to keep services running to support the economy. 

  • Which train companies give Railcard discounts?
    A:

    You can use your Railcard on all franchised train operating companies that provide services within England, Scotland and Wales.

    Railcards do not give discounts on Eurostar services, Charter services, and Heritage Railways unless state otherwise.

  • I bought my Railcard from a rail station and all of the information on it has faded. What can I do?
    A:

    Railcards issued at stations are printed on paper. On rare occasions, the way that the surface of the Railcard interacts with the plastic in some ticket wallets destabilises the print and makes it fade. If this has happened to your Railcard you can take it into a staffed rail station and they will replace it free of charge. Most stations will be able to check the validity of the Railcards by running it through the ticket–issuing machine to check when it was originally issued.

  • I am getting the message "Internal Server Error" during the application process. What can I do?
    A:

    The “Internal Server Error” message is a generic error message which relates to issues to do with the way your browser is interfacing with the Railcard website. Sometimes this problem can occur if you are using compatibility mode in Internet Explorer (versions IE10 and lower).  

    In Internet Explorer 10 you can click the compatibility mode button to switch it on or off. 

    In Internet Explorer 11 there is no compatibility mode button so to access the Compatibility settings you will need to click on the Settings icon. In the menu that is subsequently displayed you will find “Compatibility View Settings” – click this. In the Settings panel that displays, make sure that railcard.co.uk is not the box entitled, “Websites you’ve added to compatibility view”.  If it is please click on the entry and click the remove button, then click to close it.

  • Can I use a provisional driving licence to apply online?
    A: Yes. Provisional driving licences can be used to demonstrate your age to our online system
  • Can I get a discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards with a Railcard?
    A: No, we’re sorry but the Railcard gives no discount on these types of ticket.
  • What happens if I don't have my Railcard with me and I have to buy a new ticket or pay a Penalty Fare?
    A:

    If you are travelling by train on a ticket with a Railcard discount, you must travel with your valid Railcard. If you forget your Railcard you will either be required to buy a new ticket or you may on certain services be liable for a Penalty Fare. However, a train company will normally allow you to claim back this extra expense on the first occasion in each year where this happens.

    Each train company will have their own process for doing this. You will need to provide proof of your Railcard and either the original and additional tickets that you have purchased, or if you have not yet paid, details of the notice to pay or notice of Penalty Fare. Where you have already paid for additional tickets you should contact the relevant train company’s customer services department; in the case of a notice to pay of notice of Penalty Fare, you should follow the instructions included on how to challenge or appeal the charge.


Can't find an answer? 

If the answer to your question is not in the above or you are having problems purchasing your Railcard, you can contact us

Train Companies

If you have any questions concerning rail ticket prices or journey planning National Rail Enquiries will be happy to help you.

If you have any comments about a specific rail journey please contact the train company that provides the service. To find their contact details see the list of Train Operating Companies

 

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Create an account
 
2
Add your details
 
3
Prove your
eligibility
 
4
Review and
secure payment