Image
Image

RailCard Discount Codes & Deals for January 2026

NVC logo

Save up to 30% at RailCard with 6 working discounts & deals

RailCard Shopping & Savings Guide

Image

I've been writing content and blogging for NetVoucherCodes for over six years since completing my degree. My studies have helped me develop skills to thoroughly research & curate the best money saving advice for our users.

- Ellie Macsymons

How to use a RailCard Discount Code

Railcard purchase form displaying options for a 1-year digital pass and a promotional code input field.
  1. Take your pick from the RailCard promo codes available and click copy.
  2. Find out which RailCard you’re eligible for and add it to your online basket.
  3. There you’ll find a promotional code box where you can paste the code you’ve found on NetVoucherCodes.
  4. Click 'Apply Code' to see your discount.
  5. Finally, complete your order and enjoy fantastic savings on your future train fares.

RailCard FAQs

Can I use my RailCard to save on First Class tickets?

+

How much does a Railcard cost?

+

Can I save money on the cost of buying a Railcard?

+

Which Railcard should I get to save the most money?

+

Does a Railcard work on all train tickets?

+

Do Railcards help save money on Season Tickets?

+

Can I get a refund on train tickets bought with a Railcard?

+

Why we love shopping at RailCard

Our favourite thing about Railcard is the savings it guarantees. With up to 33% off train tickets all year round, you can save on everything from daily commutes to long-distance journeys. There are different Railcards available to suit your lifestyle including options for 16-25s, 26-30s, Seniors, Families & Friends and Disabled Persons.

What makes Railcard especially good value is how quickly it pays for itself. Many users make back the cost in just a few journeys, with average annual savings of up to ÂŁ172 for frequent travellers. Railcards also unlock exclusive offers and promotions, helping you save even more beyond standard ticket discounts.

The most popular rail cards are the 16-25-year-old rail cards, perfect for those in full-time education who commute regularly. I myself have taken advantage of the Two Together rail card, which allows me and my partner to save a third on our train fares when we travel together.

Three passenger trains on tracks under an arched train station roof.

I also know many older family members who take advantage of the Senior Railcard which helps over 60s save a third of their money when purchasing train tickets.

Anyone can benefit from the railcard savings available, all you need to do is check which rail card you’re eligible for and you can begin saving on your train fares up and down the country.

Railcards can also be used to save on season tickets, advanced fares and so much more! Make sure you also add a RailCard voucher code to your order to save on your initial purchase!

How to save money at RailCard without a discount code

Enjoy extra RailCard benefits

Owning a RailCard not only allows you to save every time you travel on the train, but you’ll also gain access to huge savings on a number of the National Rail’s retailer partners.

  • You can save on family days out, festival and theatre tickets and also receive free trials and so much more when you check out the special offers and competitions which come with owning a RailCard.

Save on a Railcard with Student Discount

Take advantage of the student discount available with Student Beans and you can save extra money on a 16-25 railcard online.

  • All you need to do is verify your student status and apply your unique student discount code at the checkout and you’ll enjoy additional savings on already bargain prices!

Combine your RailCards

A lot of our customers don’t know that many of the railcards available can be used together, meaning you can take advantage of double the amount of savings ↗!

  • Banks such as Santander offer their very own railcard with selected bank accounts and these railcards can be used alongside a RailCard purchased online via the National Rail.

How to Save Money on Train Tickets Across the UK with Railcard

Train travel in the UK doesn’t have to be expensive especially if you know where to look for savings. Whether you’re commuting, planning a day trip or booking a long-distance journey, there are plenty of ways to cut the cost of rail travel. Here’s our guide to getting cheaper train tickets.

Get a Railcard (or 16-17 Saver)

One of the simplest ways to save on train fares is to use a Railcard, which gives you up to 1/3 off most rail fares across the UK. With Railcards typically costing ÂŁ35 for one year (or ÂŁ80 for three years), many travellers find they make their money back in just one or two journeys.

Before you buy, it’s always worth checking our page for a Railcard discount code, which can help reduce the upfront cost even further.

A fanned display of UK Railcards, including Veterans, 16-17 Saver, Two Together, 16-25, Family & Friends, Senior, and Disabled Persons types.

Book Train Tickets in Advance

Booking train tickets early is one of the most effective ways to save money. Advance fares are usually released around 12 weeks before travel, and the cheapest tickets often sell out first. If you know your travel dates, booking as soon as tickets are available can result in significant savings compared to buying on the day.

Travel Off-Peak Where Possible

If you’re flexible about when you travel, you’ll usually pay less by avoiding peak times. Trains during weekday rush hours (typically 7-9am and 5-7pm) are more expensive, while midday, evening and mid-week travel tends to be cheaper. Travelling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays is often more cost-effective than Fridays or weekends.

Consider a Season Ticket for Regular Journeys

If you make the same journey regularly, a Season Ticket could work out cheaper than buying individual tickets. Weekly, monthly or annual Season Tickets can offer good value for commuters, and tools like National Rail’s calculators make it easy to compare costs before committing.

Use Journey Planners and Fare Finders

Fare-finding tools can help uncover cheaper routes and ticket combinations you might not spot otherwise. Using a journey planner allows you to compare different times, routes and ticket types to find the lowest available fare for your journey.

Avoid Booking Fees

Some ticket retailers charge booking or transaction fees, which can increase the total cost. To avoid unnecessary charges, look for fee-free booking options or use platforms that link directly to train operators without adding extra costs.

A modern dark green and yellow train stopped at a bustling station platform under an arched ceiling.

Take Advantage of Rail Promotions

Train operators regularly run promotions and special offers from discounted routes to age-specific deals. Keeping an eye out for these promotions can help you save even more, especially when combined with a Railcard discount.

Don’t Be Afraid to Book Late

While booking early is usually best, it’s still possible to find good Advance fares close to the travel date on certain routes. If your plans change or you’re travelling last minute, it’s worth checking for remaining Advance tickets before defaulting to more expensive walk-up fares.

Look at Group and Family Savings

If you’re travelling with others, group discounts can help reduce the cost per person. GroupSave and family-friendly Railcards can make train travel much more affordable when travelling together.

Know Your Refund Rights

If your train is cancelled or significantly delayed and you choose not to travel, you’re usually entitled to a full refund. Understanding your rights can help you avoid losing money when things don’t go to plan.

Combine Your Savings

The biggest savings usually come from combining methods such as using a Railcard, booking in advance, travelling off-peak and applying a Railcard voucher code where available. With a bit of planning, train travel across the UK can be far more affordable than you might expect.