If you have purchased a digital Family & Friends Railcard, it will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. You cannot travel on discounted tickets until you have received your Railcard.
When can I start using my Railcard?
You can buy Network Railcard discounted tickets for travel any time on weekends and public holidays or from 10:00am Monday to Friday. You may be able to start your journey a little earlier than 10:00am, see the time restriction easements section for details or check at your local station.
Can I apply Railcard after booking?
Can I apply a Railcard discount retrospectively? No. Please double check your Railcard discount has been applied before booking your tickets.
How long does it take for Railcard to be active?
Once you complete your purchase, your new Railcard will appear with the status "Active". Railcards cannot be renewed until they are within 30 days of the expiry date.
How does my Railcard work?
You can use your Railcard to buy tickets online, at a ticket office, from a ticket machine, and over the phone. When you enter a journey into our Journey Planner, you can add the number and type of Railcards you wish to use. It is possible to add multiple Railcards for different people who are travelling.
Do they check for railcards on trains?
Yes. You must show your valid Railcard when you buy your ticket. You also need to have your Railcard with you on each journey and present it to staff when your ticket is checked aboard the train.
How long does it take to get a Railcard at the station?
Apply in personYou can also apply for your Railcard by visiting any staffed station ticket office and get your Railcard on the same day! Just be sure to allow yourself plenty of time between purchasing your Railcard and when you need to depart for your journey.
Is a Railcard active as soon as you purchase it?
Do you need a photo for a Railcard?
Under 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like' you can select if you want a 'Digital' or a 'Plastic' Railcard. You will be asked to provide a digital passport-style photo if you select 'Digital'. You do not need a photo if you have ordered a 'Plastic' Network Railcard.
How do I activate my digital Railcard?
If you have already bought a digital Railcard, you should have received a 'digital Railcard Download code' on both the purchase confirmation page and by email. Once you've got this code, go to the Railcard app, tap on the '+' button in the top left of the screen and enter your code.
Is a Railcard instant?
In most cases, you should get your digital Railcard instantly after following the steps in the 'How do I add a digital Railcard to my device' section below.
Can railcards be bought at the station?
At a stationYou can also apply for your Railcard by visiting any staffed station ticket office within the Network Railcard area and get your Railcard on the same day! Just be sure to allow yourself plenty of time between purchasing your Railcard and before you need to depart for your journey.
What documents do I need for a Railcard?
You will be required to provide your passport or UK driving licence or birth certificate or EEA National Identity card as proof of your date of birth and a passport-style photo. A: Please go to "Manage my Railcard" on the website homepage to log in to your account.
How soon do you get a digital Railcard?
Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed and approved. Once approved, your Disabled Persons Railcard will be available to use straight away.
Why doesn t my digital Railcard work?
If your download code isn't working, it is likely that it has expired or has been used to activate your Railcard on too many devices. You can only store your digital 16-25 Railcard on a maximum of 2 devices, so you may need to remove it from an existing device to add it to a new one.
Do you have to be from the UK to get a Railcard?
National railcardsThey cost £30 (£20 for the Disabled Persons card). Not just for Brits! You don't need to live in Britain or be a UK citizen to be eligible. However, they can only be posted to UK addresses.