Train discounts and railcards

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All information correct as at July 2023, but subject to change.

Minimum fares and time restrictions apply to some Railcards. Check before you buy the Railcard or any tickets using it. This page does not cover the full range of railcards available for purchase. Check rail operators' websites or ask at a station. 

Railcards are usually issued alongside a photocard – both of these must be shown when buying a discounted ticket and when travelling. You can buy railcards digitally and upload photos to get the card straightaway.  See Managing Your Digital Railcard for the app you need and further information. 

Remember: if you order a plastic card online, you will need to allow time for delivery. 

16 to 17 saver railcard

Costing £30 for one year, the 16 to 17 Saver is the national railcard for 16 and 17 year-olds. It gives 50% off standard Season tickets as well as Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance and tickets for travel at any time of the day. 

The 16 to 17 Saver is valid for one year or up until your 18th birthday, whichever comes first. However, if you buy a season ticket with a 16 to 17 Saver discount before it expires, you can continue to use it for up to 4 months after the expiry date. The expiry date and the date that you can use your season ticket until are shown on the 16 to 17 Saver.

Find out more and apply at 16 to 17 saver.

16 to 25 railcard

The 16 to 25 railcard offers 33% off a wide range of tickets for those not travelling each day (subject to a minimum fare). This card is aimed at leisure travel - it cannot be used for season tickets. 

This card costs £30 for one year or £70 for three years. 

Unizone rail ticket (college and university students)

The Unizone ticket gives unlimited discounted travel for a fixed price for those who study in or around Brighton or Worthing. To qualify for a Unizone ticket, a student needs a valid 16–17 Saver or 16–25 Railcard (see above on how to get one of these) and valid ID confirming attendance in further or higher education.

Find out more on the Southern website.

Disabled Persons Railcard

This card offers 33% off of adult rail fares for travel on the National Rail network in Great Britain. Companions also get 33% off their rail fare. There are no time restrictions on the Disabled Persons Railcard, so it can be used at any time of the day.

It costs £20 for a one-year card or £54 for a three-year card.

See Transport if you’re disabled – GOV.UK for more information.

You may qualify for a card if you:

  • receive disability-related benefits
  • are registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
  • are registered as visually impaired
  • have epilepsy.

Senior Railcard

A Senior Railcard costs £30 for one year and £70 for three years (online only).  Anyone aged 60 or over can buy one.  It is not valid for morning peak travel in London and the South East. For more information see the link:

You will need valid ID to apply for a card.

All railcards must be carried and be valid at the time of your journey. 

If you are an unemployed jobseeker ask your local job centre if they have a discount card. They may offer a JobCentre Plus travelcard for a limited period of time during your job search or when you first start work. 

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