Exclusive: Half a century on, there’s a discount waiting for everyone – but subject to a tangle of terms and conditions
Railcards in the UK offer discounted train fares to specific groups. Types include the 16-17 Saver (50% off), 16-25 Railcard (34% off), Senior Railcard (34% off, with rush-hour restrictions), Disabled Persons Railcard (34% off for eligible individuals and companions), Two Together Railcard (34% off for pairs traveling together), Family & Friends Railcard (34% off for groups with children), and Veterans Railcard (34% off for those with military service). Prices for most railcards increased by £5 on March 2, 2025, with some costing £80 for three years. The rail industry is considering the effectiveness of age-based railcards, with arguments for a national railcard system, as seen in Germany, to broaden accessibility and encourage more train use.
