16-25 Railcard

Please note, the ‘Off-Peak fares all day long’ trial runs between 2 October 2023 and 31 March 2024. The terms and conditions of the 16-25 Railcard are not controlled by ScotRail. You can still benefit from reduced fares as Off-Peak tickets will be valid all day. However, the minimum fare for travel during the peak times will still apply. Click here to find out more about this six-month trial and what it means for all tickets and railcards.

1/3 OFF rail fares with the 16-25 Railcard. If you're aged 16-25 or are studying full time, you can get 1/3 off all train travel for just £30 a year.

They’re meant to be the best years of your life, so make the most of being able to travel at a great discounted price. Enjoy time exploring different universities and visiting friends, take a trip home to see the folks, head into town for some shopping, or just go about your daily life.

The railcard is here for you to enjoy whenever you make an off-peak journey. It’s valid for travel all over the UK, not just in Scotland.

1/3 off train tickets for anyone aged 16-25, and students

Travel Scotland using your 16-25 Railcard and sample incredible experiences with your friends and loved ones

For students or those ages 16-25. Perfect for teenagers, students graduates and young professionals","title":"For students or those ages 16-25. Perfect for teenagers, students graduates and young professionals

1 or 3 year validity available. Just £30 for 1 year or £70 for 3 years

Get 1/3 off your rail fares with the 16-25 railcard if you're aged 16-25, or if you’re a full-time student - at any age.

  • You can buy a 1-year 16-25 railcard up to the day before your 26th birthday.

  • You can buy a 3-year 16-25 railcard up to the day before your 24th birthday to last until you’re 27.

Find out more or apply for the 16-25 Railcard here

Share happy times together when you travel Scotland by rail with your 16-25 Railcard

Buy a 1-year 16-25 Railcard for £30. 0r a 3-year for £70 (save £20). Buy now

Frequently asked questions about the 16-25 Railcard

You can use your 16-25 railcard at any time for Peak and Off-Peak travel. It offers you a discount on any journey across the network, but for journeys made between 04.30-09.59 Monday to Friday, there is a minimum fare of £12. If you travel on weekends, Public Holidays or during July and August there is no minimum fare.

A 16-25 railcard can be purchased as a physical or digital card allowing you all of the same benefits – to be kept as a plastic card, or handily available on your mobile device, whichever your preference.

A 16-25 Railcard costs £30 for 1 year or £70 for 3 years.

When buying your railcard, you have two options of purchase:

Purchase your railcard online

The quickest and easiest way to purchase your 16-25 railcard is online, right here

Choose either ‘Buy 1-year for £30’ or ‘Buy 3-year for £70’, whichever is the preferable option for you to get your railcard.

All you need is:

  • A valid passport or UK driving licence to verify your identity
  • A digital passport-style photo saved to your computer, table or mobile phone (which will go onto your railcard)
  • Proof of eligibility if applying as a student
  • A debit or credit card

You can select a plastic card to be delivered, or to have a digital railcard, via mobile device. To store your railcard, your mobile device requires iOS 13.4 and above, or Android’s Lollipop installed. From here, you can access your Railcard straight away using the download code you will be sent by email.

Purchase at a staffed station ticket office

You can buy a 16-25 Railcard at any staffed station ticket office—and is possible to do so on the day you are travelling—just ensure the ticket office is open.

If you're applying at a station for the first time you'll need to complete an application form - at most stations they’re available, but to save time it’s a good idea to fill in the form before you get there. You can print and fill in the application form, which is available to download here, and bring the form alongside either of the following:

  • A valid passport or UK driving licence to verify your identity
  • A digital passport-style photo saved to your computer, table or mobile phone
  • Proof of eligibility if applying as a student
  • A debit or credit card

You’ll need to have your Railcard with you to be able to get a discount on your rail ticket, so be sure to leave enough time before your journey for the Railcard to reach you.

If you're a mature student, please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be approved.

You can save 1/3 off Standard Advance, Standard Anytime tickets and Off-Peak fares. If you fancy a First-Class journey, you can save 1/3 off this too.

You can use your 16-25 railcard at any time for Peak and Off-Peak travel. It offers you a discount on any journey across the network, but for journeys made between 04.30-09.59 Monday to Friday, there is a minimum fare of £12. If you travel on weekends, Public Holidays or during July and August there is no minimum fare.

Anytime you book train tickets using your 16-25 railcard you must have it with you whenever you travel by train. If you aren’t able to show your railcard, either physically or digitally, or it has expired, you will be charged the full fare.

Your 16-25 railcard can be renewed when it is within 30 days of expiring. This can be done online here—even if you haven’t done it this way before—by clicking the ‘Renew’ button, and logging into your account. Just check all your details are correct, pay and you’re done.

Do make sure to update any of your details on the review page before submitting. You should receive emails with reminders that your railcard is due for renewal, however it remains your responsibility to check it is in date before buying or using discounted tickets.

Yes, you can. As long as you are studying for more than 15 hours per week, at least 20 weeks per year. Some courses do not qualify so take a look and check at https://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/using-your-railcard/are-you-eligible/

If you purchased a digital version of your 16-25 railcard it is available for you to use straight away. You can download it via a code sent to your registered email address which will also provide details on how to store it on your phone.

If you purchased a plastic railcard you should allow up to 5 working days for it to be delivered. Paying for ‘Special Delivery’ will mean your railcard is delivered within two days (Monday to Thursday) or three days (Friday to Sunday) if you place your order before 3:45pm.

Please note, you cannot travel using discounted tickets until you have received your railcard as you are required to have it with you on each journey.

If you're looking for a student railcard, this could be the one for you. The 16-25 Railcard is available for those studying for more than 15 hours per week, at least 20 weeks per year - regardless of your age. Some courses do not qualify so take a look and check at https://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/using-your-railcard/are-you-eligible/