Railcards

A Railcard is a personalised travel pass that entitles the holder to discounts on train travel in Scotland and across the UK. Valid for either one or three years, most Railcards offer the holder a saving of at least 1/3 off selected train tickets. All Railcard terms and conditions vary so always read the details for your specific Railcard before buying your discounted ticket and travelling. For frequent travellers the savings can be huge.

Most Railcards give you two options when you buy them. You can either buy an annual Railcard, valid for one year from the date of purchase, or choose one that is valid for three years.

Railcard prices vary. Most Railcards tend to cost £30 for one year and £70 for three years (if applicable.) A Disabled Persons railcard costs £20 for one year and £54 for three years. Please note that not all Railcards can be purchased for three years. Railcards can be purchased online through the Railcard app or from a booking office. Most people find they make the cost of their Railcard back within just a few journeys with their saving of 1/3 off their rail fare.

Railcards help you save at least 1/3 off your train fare every time you travel. For most people, this means that with the Railcard discount they make back the cost of the railcard in just a couple of journeys. Some Railcards also give you access to other discounts on days out, theatre tickets and more.

For most Railcards there are two ways to buy:

• You can either fill in a paper form and take it along to a station booking office.
• You can buy your Railcard online. When you buy your Railcard online you have the option of downloading it to your phone and storing it within the Railcard app. Or, you can opt to have a plastic card posted out to you.

The exception to this is if you are buying a 26-30 Railcard as this is a digital-only Railcard.

Visit Railcards | Digital Railcard and Prices | National Rail to buy your Railcard.

To get a Railcard you first need to fit in with the specific Railcard’s eligibility. There are lots of types of Railcards available with varying eligibility so there should be one that works for you.

Most Railcards are available online or at a station ticket office.

To apply for your Railcard, you will need to fill in an application (either on paper or online) and make the payment using a valid debit or credit card. You are then able to enjoy train fare discounts and travel straight away with your new Railcard.

Yes. If you have booked a ticket and gained the Railcard discount you must show your Railcard alongside your rail ticket when travelling. If you cannot show your Railcard or do not meet the terms and conditions of the Railcard you are carrying, you will be asked to purchase a new train ticket at full price.

Yes. When you buy your Railcard online through the Railcard website choose a Digital Railcard. Once purchased you will receive a download code to add it to the Railcard App on your phone.

The majority of Railcards have restrictions during peak times. There are some exceptions, and some instances where a minimum fare is offered but this varies depending on routes and operators. Therefore, you must check the terms and conditions of your specific railcard before you purchase to ensure it is suitable for your needs

You can use your Railcard to book tickets online, from a station ticket office or from a ticket vending machine. When booking your train tickets online or from a ticket vending machine, select your specific railcard from the dropdown menu. This will then show you the ticket price including your discount. When buying from a ticket office, you will need to show your Railcard to the staff member for them to process your discounted ticket. You must then carry your Railcard with you when you travel.

You can save up to a third off the standard rail ticket price. You can also use your Railcard to get a further discount off Advance tickets, which can lead to hugely discounted train tickets. Advance tickets can be booked up to twelve weeks in advance with most train operators. Remember to check the terms and conditions of your specific railcard before you purchase.

If you bought your original Railcard online, you can renew it online by logging into your Railcard account at www.railcard.co.uk. If you bought your original Railcard from a ticket office, you can either go along to your nearest staffed station and purchase a new one or buy a new one online when your current one expires. For all Railcards, except the 26-30 Railcard, you have the option to have your Railcard delivered as a plastic card or you can use it as a Digital Railcard, stored within the Railcard App on your phone.

No, we don’t sell Railcards on the ScotRail website. To buy a Railcard online you need to visit www.railcard.co.uk. You can then redeem your Railcard discount when buying rail tickets on our website.

For most Railcards, if you apply for a digital Railcard, you will receive it immediately after making your application. There are exceptions to this, and some Railcards ask you to allow up to five working days for your application to be approved. Please check your Railcard at www.railcard.co.uk for specific timescales.

No, you cannot use someone else's Railcard. A Railcard is non-transferable, and the named cardholder must be able to show identification when travelling if asked.