How to Save Big on Train Travel in the UK

Train fares in the UK are climbing again in 2025 – but that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price.

With the right Railcard, you could get a third off most ticket prices and save hundreds each year!

Whether you’re a student, senior, family or someone who enjoys the odd weekend getaway – a Railcard could quickly pay for itself (and then some). Most Railcard holders break even after just two journeys.

NetVoucherCodes are all about helping you save money and travel for less, which is why we’ve found the most popular Railcards in 2025, average savings, what to watch out for, and how to get an even better deal by combining your card with discount codes, cashback and clever booking tricks.

Why Railcards Are More Popular Than Ever

With regulated train fares rising by 4.6% in March 2025 (Department for Transport), it’s no surprise that travellers are turning to Railcards in record numbers. There are now over 7 million Railcards in circulation, and last year alone, Railcard holders took over 210 million discounted journeys, collectively saving nearly £1 billion, according to the Railcard.co.uk Annual Report.

The average Railcard user now saves around £158 per year, and nearly 13 million Brits are still missing out, despite being eligible!

What Are the Different Types of Railcards in 2025?

Most Railcards give a 1/3 off rail fares and cost £35 per year, or £80 for three years.

Here are some of the most popular ones:

Railcard	Who It’s For	Savings / Benefit
16-25 Railcard	Young adults and students	Average saving: £208/year
26-30 Railcard	Millennials and young professionals	Average saving: £281/year
Two Together Railcard	Two adults travelling together	Average saving: £104/year
Senior Railcard	Over-60s	Average saving: £112/year
Family & Friends Railcard	Adults with children	1/3 off adults – 60% off kidsAverage saving: £122/year
Disabled Persons Railcard	Eligible disabled travellers + one companion	£20/yearAverage saving: £126/year
Veterans Railcard	UK Armed Forces veterans	Average saving: £112/year
Network Railcard	Residents of London & South East	Average saving: £154/year
16-17 Saver	Teenagers aged 16-17	50% off all fares

*Prices and average savings are based on official data from Railcard providers and industry reports, reflecting typical usage over 12 months before deducting the cost of the Railcard.

Are Railcards Worth It?

We would say so. Paying just £35 annually for a Railcard could save you more than one train journey in some instances.

Based on prices from Trainline.com, a return trip from London to Edinburgh costs *£150. With a Railcard, this would be reduced to just £99, saving you £51 on just one trip! And the more you travel, the more these savings add up.

And if you want even more value for money, a 3-year Railcard will cost you just £26.67 per year. Or, if you have Tesco Clubcard points, you can use £17.50 in vouchers to get a Railcard for half price.

Things to Consider Before You Buy

Peak time restrictions

Before investing in a railcard, it’s important to consider when you’ll be travelling and if your railcard will be valid on your journeys. Certain railcards have peak-time restrictions, affecting when and how you can use them. 

For instance, the Two Together Railcard and Family & Friends Railcard are not valid during morning peak hours (before 09.30 am on weekdays). The Network Railcard also has the same restrictions but is valid at any time on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays and off-peak times (from 10.00 am on weekdays).

Minimum Fare Requirements

Some railcards also have minimum fare requirements during selected times of the day. For example, age-related railcards like the 16-25 Railcard and the 26-30 Railcard have a minimum fare requirement of £12 on journeys before 10.00 am on weekdays.

Regional Travel Limits

You can buy railcards by region if you tend to travel within the same area, but be aware that these are limited to that postcode and can’t be used on cross-country travel. 

The Network Railcard is only valid in the London and South East area, while regional railcards like the Cotswold Line Railcard and Cumbrian Railcard can only be used on certain routes to and from these regions.

It’s also important to remember that if you book a train using a railcard, you must present it either physically or digitally alongside your ticket during your journey or risk paying a fine. Your railcard will only be valid for the named cardholder and can’t be transferred or shared (apart from the Family & Friends railcard).

Extra Ways to Save with Your Railcard

Swap Tesco Vouchers for a Railcard

If you regularly shop in Tesco, you can trade in £17.50 worth of Clubcard points for a 1-year Railcard worth £35 – essentially getting it for half the price! This means you can turn your everyday savings into travel savings, which is perfect if you’re collecting points anyway.

Use Railcard Promo Codes

We love Trip.com and TrainPal as they often run exclusive offers for new customers, including 25% off digital Railcards. You can download these for free on your smartphone or Android, making it easy to book your travel and add your tickets to your wallet while on the go.

Check NetVoucherCodes for Deals

Before you buy, make sure to check the Travel section at NetVoucherCodes. We regularly update it with offers from Trip.com, Railcard and many more, so you might find a discount code or offer to help cut the cost of your Railcard or tickets.

Save with a Gold Card

If you or someone in your household has an annual season ticket, you might be eligible for a Gold Card. As a Gold Card holder, you’ll get the chance to buy a Railcard for just £10, including 16-25, Senior, Family & Friends, plus more options. If you’re a season ticket holder, it’s worth checking if you qualify!

2 For 1 Entry at Popular Attractions

One of the best Railcard Perks is that it’s not just train fares you can save money on, but you can also get 2-for-1 entry to tons of popular attractions in the UK when you travel by train. Visit Days Out Guide online for the full list of activities & attractions which are eligible. Then simply show your train ticket to claim the deal.

Get Cheaper Tube Travel in London

If you’re travelling in London, link your Railcard to your Oyster card to save 1/3 off when you travel off-peak with pay-as-you-go fares on the Tube, Overground and DLR. You’ll need to register your Oyster card at a London station first, but once it’s set up, you’ll save automatically!

Save More with Advance Fares

If you really want to make the most of your Railcard, try booking your tickets early. Advance fares already offer a big discount, and with your Railcard on top, you’ll save even more! This is a great way to save money, especially on longer journeys like trips from London to Edinburgh or Manchester.

If you’re planning to take even a couple of train journeys this year, you should certainly consider a Railcard. With average savings of over £150 per year, it doesn’t take long to get your money’s worth. Plus, with money-saving opportunities like Clubcard vouchers or promo codes, it could be even cheaper!
Before you book, make sure to pop over to our Travel Deals section. We update it daily with the latest Railcard offers, train ticket discounts and travel savings to help you get where you’re going for less.