Questions & answers
16-25 Railcard questions answered
Short answers to what people ask most, each linked to the guide with the detail and the sources.
Getting one
Who 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).
More detail: Who can get a 16-25 Railcard?
How much does a 16-25 Railcard cost?
£35 for one year or £80 for three years. Digital and plastic cards cost the same.
More detail: How much is a 16-25 Railcard? 1-year or 3-year
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.
More detail: How much is a 16-25 Railcard? 1-year or 3-year
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.
More detail: Who can get a 16-25 Railcard?
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.
More detail: How to buy a 16-25 Railcard — digital or plastic?
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.
More detail: How to buy a 16-25 Railcard — digital or plastic?
Can I buy one for my child?
Yes. Buy it online and choose “The Railcard is for someone else”. Only your child can use it.
More detail: Who can get a 16-25 Railcard?
I’m 16 or 17. Which railcard should I get?
Look at the 16-17 Saver: it gives 50% off — including Season tickets — in England and Wales. You can also have a 16-25 Railcard at 16 or 17.
More detail: Other railcards for 16-17s and 26-30s
Is this the official 16-25 Railcard website?
No. This is an independent guide, not connected to National Rail, the Rail Delivery Group or any train company. Buy your railcard from the official 16-25 Railcard site.
Using it
Can I use it before 10am?
Yes, but on weekdays, for journeys starting from 04:30 to 09:59, there’s a £12 minimum fare. That doesn’t apply to Advance fares, on public holidays, or at all in July and August.
More detail: A third off — and the £12 weekday morning rule
Does it work at weekends?
Yes — and the minimum fare only applies Monday to Friday, so you get the full third off at weekends.
More detail: A third off — and the £12 weekday morning rule
Does it work on Advance tickets and First Class?
Yes on Advance tickets, in Standard and First Class. First Class fares that aren’t Advance get no discount.
More detail: Which tickets the 16-25 Railcard works on (and which it doesn’t)
Does it work on Season tickets or Eurostar?
No. Season tickets (including Travelcard Seasons) and Eurostar get no 16-25 Railcard discount.
More detail: Which tickets the 16-25 Railcard works on (and which it doesn’t)
Can I use it on the Tube?
Not on most Tube tickets. But you can add it to a registered Oyster card for a third off off-peak pay as you go, or get a third off an Anytime Day Travelcard bought with a train ticket from outside London (a minimum fare applies).
More detail: London: Oyster, Travelcards and contactless
Does it work with contactless?
Not at the time of checking — railcard discounts can’t be linked to a contactless bank card or phone. Use Oyster instead.
More detail: London: Oyster, Travelcards and contactless
How many phones can my digital railcard be on?
Up to two at a time. Moving it to a new phone is free.
More detail: Digital or plastic: carrying your railcard and the rules on the train
Renewals & problems
When can I renew?
Online, up to 30 days before your card runs out. A 1-year card can also be renewed at a staffed ticket office. Cards bought at a station can’t be renewed online.
More detail: Renewing your 16-25 Railcard
What happens if I forget my railcard?
You may have to pay the full fare, or a Penalty Fare on some services. Train companies normally let you claim the extra back once a year if you can show you held a valid railcard. A flat phone battery counts as forgetting it.
More detail: Lost, stolen or forgotten 16-25 Railcard
I’ve lost my railcard, or it was stolen. What now?
A replacement costs £10, or is free if it was stolen and you have a crime reference number. Online cards can be replaced once every 12 months, from 10 days after purchase.
More detail: Lost, stolen or forgotten 16-25 Railcard
Can I get a refund on my railcard?
Not once it’s been issued. Trainline’s own policy is different: cards bought there are usually refundable within 14 days if unused and not downloaded.
More detail: Lost, stolen or forgotten 16-25 Railcard
Saving more
How much will I save?
A third off most fares. The official site says 16-25 Railcard holders save £4.93 a journey on average, and railcard holders save £212 a year on average — though that yearly figure is for all railcards combined.
More detail: Is a 16-25 Railcard worth it?
Is there a free 16-25 Railcard?
Santander’s Edge Student current account has included a free 4-year Santander 16-25 Railcard. The account has its own conditions and the offer may have changed, so check Santander’s current terms.
More detail: Money-saving rail tips for 16-25s