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How old do you have to be?

To apply for a 16-25 Railcard, you need to be between 16 and 25 years old. Applying for one means you can get a third off the price of most rail fares wherever you are in the country.

Are there any restrictions?

Only you can use your 16-25 railcard, so you won't be able to get any discounted fares for your friends or members of your family.

If you want to use your card before 10.00 am on a weekday, there is a minimum fare that you'll have to pay.

Finally, you can only use your railcard on single or return journeys. You won't be able to get any discount on a season ticket or monthly rail pass.

How much does it cost?

A 16-25 Railcard costs £28 for a year. Once your card has expired, you can renew it for the same amount as long as you're still between 16 and 25 years old.

16-25 Railcards that last for three years are available for £65, which saves you even more money. You can get one of these up until the day before your 24th birthday.

How to apply

You can buy a 16-25 Railcard at most railway stations. You'll need to fill in an application form and hand it in, along with a form of ID. This can be:

• your passport
• your driving licence
• your birth certificate
• your International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

You'll also need a passport sized photo.

You can also buy a railcard over the phone. Make sure you have your form of ID ready.

You can also apply online by using your passport or driving licence number and an appropriate photo.

• Apply online for a 16-25 Railcard Opens new window

• Download a 16-25 Railcard application form (PDF, 144K) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

Other discounts on rail travel

If you don't qualify for a 16-25 Railcard, there are other ways to save some money on a train journey.

Group discounts

Many rail companies offer special fares for people travelling in groups. Group fares can save you a lot of money if you're planning a shopping trip with your friends or a weekend away. Contact the rail company you'll be travelling with to see what sort of group tickets they offer.

Child fares

Most rail companies also have discounted child fares if you're under 16. Check with the rail company you'll be using to find out if they offer cheaper tickets for children.