C2.1 Railcard¶
Railcards
Trains are a primary form of public transport in Britain, so upon arrival, it's generally advisable to get a Railcard. This gives you a discount on train fares, and the cost of the card is often recouped after just a few journeys or one long trip. The discount is typically around one-third off. Furthermore, this Railcard can also provide discounts or benefits with the rail company's partners, though you should check the official website regularly to see what specific benefits are available.
Travelling around Britain usually involves taking trains; it's very convenient as trains go almost everywhere. However, it's not cheap – sometimes even more expensive than flying. For example, a flight to a certain destination might cost just over £30, while the train fare to the same place could also be over £30, or even £40-£50.
Essentially, large and small cities across Britain are connected by rail. Travelling from one village to another, you'll find either a standard train station (with a building, ticket office, toilets, a shop, and staff) or a very basic, open-air halt (with just two benches, a timetable board, and a station sign, often in a remote location with nothing else around).
There are several types of Railcards available; just apply for the one that suits you:
16-25 Railcard: For those aged 16-25. Saves 1/3 on train tickets.
Senior Railcard: For those aged 60 and over. Saves 1/3 on train tickets.
Two Together Railcard: Requires two named people to travel together. Saves an average of £129 per year and offers special partner discounts.
Disabled Persons Railcard: For persons with a disability.
26-30 Railcard: For those aged 26-30. Saves 1/3 on train tickets for a year.
Family & Friends Railcard: Children aged 5-15 get 60% off. One card can be used for up to four adults and four children.
Network Railcard: For travel in the South East region. For ages 16 and over. Saves an average of £191 per year, including partner discounts.
16-17 Saver: For ages 16 or 17. Offers 50% off standard Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance, and Season tickets.
Veterans Railcard: If you are a veteran of the UK Armed Forces, you may be eligible. Saves 1/3 on most rail fares.
The savings from these cards are significant, averaging around £159 per year. For example, a fare from Manchester to UCL would be £45.25 instead of £68.60, and from Glasgow to the University of Leeds it would be £33.90 instead of £51.40. These discounted prices generally apply outside of morning peak hours.
How to use this Railcard
First, apply for and obtain a Railcard. Then, purchase the corresponding discounted train tickets. Finally, carry your Railcard with you when you travel by train.
Among international students in the UK, the most commonly applied for card is generally the 16-25 Railcard. Although this card is intended for those aged 16 to 25, if you are a full-time student over the age of 25, you can also apply for it by providing proof of your student status. Therefore, this guide will focus on this specific card. The application process for other cards is largely the same, with only the eligibility requirements differing slightly.
How to Apply for the 16-25 Railcard
1) First, go to the website [https://www.railcard.co.uk/], select [16-25 Railcard], click the blue arrow to proceed, and then click [Buy Now]. (Please note: Renewals are also done on this page – next to 'Buy Now' there is an option to 'Renew my Railcard').
2) Select the validity period for your Railcard: either a 3-year card for £80 or a 1-year card for £35. (Reminder: You can purchase or renew a 1-year 16-25 Railcard up until the day before your 26th birthday and use it for its full term. If you opt for the 3-year validity, the latest you can purchase it is the day before your 24th birthday, meaning it will expire the day before your 27th birthday). Then, choose between a 【Digital】 card or a 【Plastic】 physical card.
3) Prepare your proof of identity, such as a driving licence, passport, or national ID card. If you are a mature student over 25, you must first complete the 【mature student application form】 and have it signed or stamped by your university's student centre, along with providing relevant proof. (Reminder: Mature students over 25 must be enrolled at a recognised college or university, studying for more than 15 hours per week for at least 20 weeks per year. Acceptable proof includes a student photocard or a letter proving your enrollment in full-time education. Note that Open University, distance learning, and part-time courses do not qualify.)
Follow the steps to enter your name, date of birth, upload documents, etc., then proceed to payment. Once completed, you will receive your Railcard. If you opted for a physical card, allow a few days for delivery – typically 5 working days. If you paid extra for 'Special Delivery', you should receive it in about 2-3 days. For a digital card, it is usually available almost immediately. A download code for the digital card will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download and use the Railcard.
Reminder: You must always carry this card with you when travelling by train. Ticket inspectors on trains will ask to see your Railcard. If you do not have it with you, you may be required to pay the full fare for your journey or be issued a penalty fare. For a first offence, you can appeal by contacting the relevant train company. However, getting a refund is not guaranteed, even if your reason seems valid. A successful appeal might only result in a travel voucher equivalent to the extra amount paid, which can only be used on that specific train company's services and has an expiry date.
Reminder: Using someone else's Railcard is a serious offence if discovered. This constitutes identity fraud and can lead to being taken to court, where you would likely need to enter a guilty plea. This results in a criminal record. Subsequently, for any future job applications or situations where you are asked about 'any convictions', you would have to declare 'yes' and provide an explanation. Therefore, never use another person's Railcard.