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Eligibility

  1. Can I obtain a 16-25 Railcard as a Mature Student aged over 26?
  2. Can visitors to Great Britain buy the 16-25 Railcard?
  3. What evidence do I need to prove I am 16-25?
  4. What happens if I have my 26th birthday before my Railcard runs out?

 

1. Can I obtain a 16-25 Railcard as a Mature Student aged over 26?

If you are 26 or over, you will need proof that you are a full-time student at a recognised educational establishment.  You must attend for over 15 hours a week and for at least 20 weeks a year.  You can either show an ISIC card (International Student Identity Card)or have the 'Mature Students Only' section of the application form completed and certified.  Because we need to see this proof, you must apply at a staffed station ticket office or rail appointed Travel Agent.  NUS cards will not be accepted as proof of age/educational status (Open University, distance learning and part-time courses do not qualify). 

Please see details in the application form, which you can download here

For details of ISIC see www.isic.org

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2. Can visitors to Great Britain buy the 16-25 Railcard?

Yes, provided they are aged 16 to 25.  Purchases can be made online (with a valid passport or UK driving licence) -given you can provide an address in Great Britain. 

Alternatively you can purchase a Railcard from a staffed train station in England, Scotland or Wales.  The Railcard can be purchased at Gatwick Airport and Stansted Airport rail stations, Luton Airport Parkway and Manchester Airport.  Purchase is not available at London Heathrow Airport. 

You will be required to complete an application form, provide proof of age, one passport size photo and payment.  The Railcard will be issued for use straightaway and is normally valid for 12 months.  For those who are mature students i.e. over 25, then you will also need to produce an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) to qualify.  For details of ISIC see www.isic.org

However you should also consider the BritRail Pass if making a visit to this country.  For details about BritRail see raileurope.com

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3. What evidence do I need to prove I am 16-25?

If you're buying online, you will need a valid UK passport or driving licence number to verify your eligibility. To complete the application process you also need to upload a digital passport style photo.

If you're applying for your first Railcard at a staffed train station, or rail appointed travel agent you'll need one of the following to prove your age:

  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Driving licence
  • ISIC card

NUS cards are not accepted as proof of age.

You'll also need a passport size photograph and £24. Stations and agents accept cash, cheques, debit, credit and charge cards or postal orders.

If you're renewing your Railcard then you'll need to complete the application form, and take your:

  • Existing Railcard
  • Photocard
  • £24

These will automatically be accepted as proof of age.

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4. What happens if I have my 26th birthday before my Railcard runs out?

You can buy or renew your 16-25 Railcard up to and including the day before your 26th birthday and keep using it until its expiry date.  So, even if you turn 26 during the validity of your Railcard you can still make huge savings.

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