Student Railcard UK: Save Big on Travel Costs in 2025

Travelling in the UK can be an expensive affair, especially for students who are on a budget. Whether it is commuting from universities to student accommodation or to discover new places, transportation is something you can't avoid. Students who travel frequently can use UK railcards to make transportation convenient and affordable. In this blog, we will go through types of rail cards, and the benefits of railcards.  

A railcard is simply a discount card to make travel more affordable. It offers a 30% discount on fares in off-peak travel. There are various types of rail cards. 16-25 railcards and 26-30 railcards are the most popular types of railcards. 

Different Types of Railcards

Railcards provide access to affordable transportation. The average cost for a railcard is £30 for 1 year and £70 for 3 years. These are the top Railcards for travel discounts in the London Travel Zones.

16-17 Saver

The 16-17 Saver is a railcard for travellers aged between 16-17 years. This railcard allows owners to enjoy 50% off on regular, off-peak travel, advance and season tickets. You can save up to  £367 per year with a 16-17 saver rail card.

16-25 Railcard

If you are between 16-25 years old, then you can use a 16-25 railcard. It offers a 1/3 off rail travel discount on all your fares for transportation. You can save up to £192 per year on your fares with a 16-25 railcard. You can link 16-25 rail cards to Student Oyster cards for additional savings.

26-30 Railcard

If you are between 26-30 years old, then you can opt for a 26-30 railcard. It offers a 1/3 off rail travel discount and you can save up to £258 per year with a 26-30 railcard.

Family & Friends Railcard

If you are seeking group travel discounts, then the Family & Friends Railcards are the perfect choice for you. The Family & Friends Railcard offers great discounts on rail travel. Adults can get 1/3 off on rail travel while children can get 60% off. You can save up to  £116 annually or £5.20 per journey with this railcard. If you are planning to stay in the UK for a longer period, then the 3-year railcard can be a great option for you. It is more cost-effective than buying a single-year card repeatedly.

Network Railcard

Network railcard allows you to access 1/3 off on rail fairs in London and South East London. You can save up to £138 annually with the Network Railcard. It is best suited for people who travel frequently in London and South East London. 

Senior Railcard

For people who are 60 years or older, the Senior Railcard offers 1/3 off on rail fairs. It will help you save £96 annually. 

Two Together Railcard

For people who travel together, railcards play an important role in making transportation costs low. It allows you to avail discounts of 1/3 off on rail fares for you and the person who travels with you. Two Together Railcard allows you to save up to £97 annually. It is ideal for couples who travel together.

Disabled Person Railcard

Students with disabilities can apply for a Disabled Person Railcard for discounts on travel costs in the UK. This card provides discounts of up to 1/3 off on rail fares for people with disabilities and one adult companion. It costs just £20 for one year and £54 for three years. You can save up to £113 annually with a disabled person railcard.

Veteran Railcard

Veteran railcard allows UK veterans to get access to 1/3 off on rail fares on most travels. Veteran Railcard is for those who served in His Majesty’s Force or UK Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.

Benefits of Having a Railcard

Having a railcard can significantly reduce your cost of travel. There are several benefits of a railcard that enhance your travel experience in the UK. You can save money with discounts that come with a railcard.

Financial Savings

One of the most important benefits of a rail card is it allows you to get 1/3 off on rail fares on your journeys. Students can get a discount on their return journey as well. A railcard is a smart investment for students travelling frequently. A railcard significantly reduces the cost of travel for daily commutes and long-distance travel. Railcards allow students to plan their travel without worrying about additional costs.

Flexibility in Travel

This flexibility benefits students with varying schedules who want to visit city hotspots and discover new places. There are plenty of routes and modes of travel available. Students can use the London Overground, tubes, buses, and trams to travel around the city. Varying schedules and methods of transportation provide flexibility to students. 

Convenience

It is easy to apply for a rail card, you can buy it online and at ticketing offices. Once obtained, you can use it multiple times for the duration of its validity. You can also link your railcard with Oyster Cards which allows you to travel seamlessly across London. You can renew your railcard in two ways, online and offline. For offline renewal, all you need is your current Railcard and a form of identification. For online renewal, you can simply log into your account, click the Railcard you want to renew, check the details are correct, select the duration and type of card you want to renew and pay.

Linking Student Railcard to Oyster Card

Linking your rail card to your Oyster card will give you additional benefits. It is an excellent way to maximize your savings as a student.

Here’s how you can link your Student Railcard to your Oyster Card

1. Visit the Underground, Overground or any national rail ticketing office with your railcard and oyster card. 
2. Provide both cards to TfL ticketing staff. Request them to add your discount entitlement to your oyster card. They will ask for an expiry date for the number on your rail card. 
3. Once processed, you can see the discount when you top up the Oyster card or check the balance.

Linking a UK rail card to an Oyster card is easy. One thing you have to keep in mind is that you should carry both an oyster card and a rail card with you while travelling. 

Conclusion

A student rail card offers numerous benefits that make travelling for students more affordable and accessible. Railcards are suitable for everyone, each catering to different needs. The financial savings, convenience and flexibility in travel make rail cards a must-have for students. It is an excellent investment for students who are planning to travel regularly in the UK. Whether you are commuting to university or exploring the UK during your vacation, consider getting a rail card to save on transportation. It could be one of the best decisions you make during your time in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions on Railcard

What is a rail card?

A railcard is a discount card on transportation fares. A railcard offers significant discounts on train fares and makes travelling affordable for students. Railcards are not limited to students only, families, veterans, couples can also take advantage of railcards. 

Is the railcard worth it?

A railcard is an investment that saves money on every journey you take. Students can get discounts on travel for both long journeys across the country and intercity travel. Railcards offer the best discounts on travel in the UK. Students who are on a budget can take advantage of railcards to travel within the UK.

Can a foreigner get a UK Railcard?

Anyone can apply for a Railcard, whether you are from the UK or an international student. If you are a mature student above age 25, you can apply for a 1- year railcard. You have to prove your student status in a full-time course to qualify for the UK Railcard.

Can students travel anywhere in the UK with railcards?

You can use railcards to book tickets across the national rail network. Railcards will offer discounts on your train fares wherever you travel in Great Britain. Railcards have an expiry date as well. Students can get discounts on travel fares as long as the UK Railcard is valid.