Frequently Asked Questions?

Most frequently asked questions

• 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. 

  ---

• 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 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.

  ---

• 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.

  ---

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

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

  ---

• 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.

  ---

• 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.

  ---

• 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.

  ---