Whether you’re hopping on a train for a day out exploring a new city, escaping to the countryside, catching up with friends, or visiting family, having a Railcard can seriously slash the cost of your journey. With the potential to save you up to a third off most train tickets, a Railcard is an essential item for any frequent traveller looking to keep their rail expenses down.

With so many of us relying on trains to get us from A to B, being savvy about savings is a must. A Railcard provides the perfect solution, offering tasty discounts on nearly every rail journey you take. Take just one long trip or a few shorter jaunts and you’ll likely have already recouped the cost of your year’s Railcard. And the best part? There’s bound to be a Railcard option perfectly suited to you and your travel needs.

How Do Railcards Work?

A Railcard is essentially a yearly or three-yearly discount card that knocks up to a third off the price of most rail fares. You can choose to have it in digital format on your mobile device or opt for the traditional plastic card version.

Annual Railcards typically cost around £30, while a three-year card will set you back roughly £70 – working out at just over £23 per year, an absolute bargain! For those with disabilities, the one-year Disabled Persons Railcard is an even better value at only £24, with £54 covering you for three years.

The Different Types

With nine main Railcard varieties on offer, there’s something for everyone:

• 16-17 Saver
• 16-25 Railcard
• 26-30 Railcard
• Disabled Persons Railcard
• Family & Friends Railcard
• Network Railcard
• Senior Railcard
• Two Together Railcard
• Veterans Railcard

You can apply online for either a digital or physical Railcard, or pop into any staffed station ticket office to purchase a plastic card in person. The process is refreshingly straightforward whether getting one for yourself or as a gift.

For some Railcard types like the 16-25 and 26-30 versions, you’ll need to provide proof of ID. Accepted forms are a passport, driver’s licence (excluding Northern Irish licences), or EEA National Identity Card.

How Much Can I Save?

In a word – loads! With a Railcard, you can get an impressive one-third discount on the majority of train fares. At just £30 for a year’s discounted travel or £70 for three years, your Railcard will have paid for itself after just one or two longer journeys.

If you’re aged 16 or 17, you qualify for the 16-17 Saver option, which provides an epic 50% discount on most tickets, even season tickets for daily commuters!

Top Tips to Maximise Savings

Book in Advance: For upcoming journeys, get organised and book your tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of travel. Rail operators typically release advance fares around three months prior, so get in early for the biggest discounts. Advance tickets are cheap but inflexible, so avoid if you might need to change plans.

Until the end of 2021, passengers can amend the date and time on Advance tickets up until 6pm the day before travel for free, with just any fare difference to pay. Off-Peak and Anytime tickets are also included in this policy.

1. Season Tickets

For regular journeys like your daily commute, consider an annual season ticket. National Rail has a handy season ticket calculator to help you work out if it’s cheaper than buying individual tickets. On routes like Waddon to London, monthly season tickets beat weekly ones.

2. Smart Ticketing

Be ready for smart ticketing, coming to all English and Welsh franchises by the end of 2018. This tech allows tickets to be hosted on your mobile or collected at stations with no physical document needed.

3. Savvy Journey Planning

You’ll find the biggest savings by avoiding peak weekday travel between 7-9am and 5-7pm when commuter crowds cause prices to spike. Cheaper tickets are available if you can travel mid-week rather than Fridays and weekends. Aim for off-peak Tuesday or Wednesday morning departures.

If circumstances mean you can’t travel after booking, you’re entitled to a full refund for cancelled or delayed trains under National Rail’s conditions. In other cases, a maximum £10 admin fee may apply. Non-refundable tickets like Advance fares are the exception.

4. First Class Luxury for Less

With a Railcard like the 16-25, Senior, Two Together or Disabled Persons option, you’ll get a third off First Class fares too. Or try booking well in advance when the price difference between Standard and First can be tiny. Many train firms allow affordable weekend upgrades either pre-booked or purchased on the day.

Get Your Railcard Today!

So what are you waiting for? Whether you’re a regular rail traveller or just looking for sustainable transport options, having a Railcard makes perfect sense. With massive savings and flexible choices available, get yours now and start exploring Britain’s towns, cities and beautiful countryside for less!