Aged 16 to 25
You don’t need to be a student — it’s about your age.
- Buy or renew a 1-year card up to the day before your 26th birthday
- Buy a 3-year card before your 24th birthday
- At 16 or 17? Compare it with the 16-17 Saver
The independent 16-25 Railcard guide
A third off train fares if you’re 16 to 25
Who can get a 16-25 Railcard (mature students too), what it costs, what it takes off, the catches — and whether it’ll pay for itself on your trips. Plain English, with sources.
Will it pay for itself? Who can get one
Checked 17 October 2026 against the official railcard site and terms. We don’t sell railcards — buy from the official site.
The 16-25 Railcard in four numbers
All key figures
16-25 Railcard, 1 year£35Digital or plastic · Checked 17 October 2026
16-25 Railcard, 3 years£80Online only · Checked 17 October 2026
The discount1/3 offMost rail fares in Great Britain · Checked 17 October 2026
Weekday morning minimum fare£12Mon–Fri, journeys starting 04:30–09:59 · Checked 17 October 2026
Is it for you?
Three quick ways in, depending on who you are.
Mature students
Aged 26 or over and in full-time education? You can still get one.
- More than 15 hours a week, at least 20 weeks a year
- Open University, distance and part-time courses don’t count
- 1-year card only, endorsed by your college or university
Parents
Buying one for your teenager or student? You can — online.
- Choose “The Railcard is for someone else” when you buy
- Only the named holder can use it
- See if it’ll pay for itself with our calculator
Calculator
Will a railcard pay for itself on your trips?
Pop in how many tickets you buy a year and what one usually costs. We take a third off, subtract the price of the card (£35 for 1 year or £80 for 3 years), and tell you how many trips it takes to break even. We don’t save your figures.
The guides
All guidesGetting one
Using it
Renewals & problems
Quick answers
All questionsWho can get a 16-25 Railcard?
Anyone aged 16 to 25 — you don’t have to be a student. Mature students aged 26 or over can get one too, if they’re in full-time education (more than 15 hours a week, for at least 20 weeks a year).
How much does a 16-25 Railcard cost?
£35 for one year or £80 for three years. Digital and plastic cards cost the same.
Should I get the 3-year card?
If you’re under 24 and will keep using trains, £80 is £25 less than three 1-year cards, according to the official site. It’s sold online only, mature students can’t have it, and railcards can’t be refunded — so if you’re not sure, the 1-year card is safer.
I’m 25. Is it still worth buying one?
Buy a 1-year card before your 26th birthday and you can use it for the full year, even after you turn 26. After that, look at the 26-30 Railcard — or, if you’re a full-time student, renew as a mature student.
Where do I buy one?
From the official 16-25 Railcard site, or at a staffed station ticket office (1-year card only). Retailers such as Trainline sell it too (digital only). You can’t buy it in the Railcard app.
Digital or plastic — which is better?
They cost the same and give the same discount. Digital usually arrives straight away; plastic is posted (allow up to 10 days). You can’t switch between them until you renew.
Before you buy
Three things people miss
- Weekday mornings: before 10am, Monday to Friday, there’s a £12 minimum fare — not for Advance tickets, public holidays or July and August. The morning rule
- No refunds: railcards can’t be refunded once issued. 1-year or 3-year?
- Carry it: without your railcard (or with a flat phone) you can be charged the full fare. Forgotten cards
Buy from the official 16-25 Railcard site
Independent guide — not the official Railcard website and not connected to National Rail, the Rail Delivery Group or train companies. Buy railcards from the official railcard site.