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  1. Can I use my Railcard at any time of day?
  2. Can I use my Railcard on any Train Company?
  3. Can I use my Railcard if I purchase my ticket on the train?
  4. Can I use my Railcard to buy tickets for other people?
  5. Will I have to pay the full fare if I forget to bring my Railcard when I travel?
  6. Can I reserve my seat if booking a ticket in advance?
  7. Can I obtain discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards with a 16-25 Railcard?
  8. Can I use my Railcard on Sleeper Trains?
  9. Can I use my Railcard for tickets on the London Underground?
  10. Will I receive the Railcard discount on any chargeable items I take on the train with me?
  11. What happens if I have my 26th birthday before my Railcard runs out?  
  12. Can I use my Railcard in conjunction with Train Company special offers?
  13. Can I use my Railcard to save on more than just train travel?
  14. Can I still use my 'Young Persons Railcard' or 'Young Persons Photocard' now that the name has changed?

 

1. Can I use my Railcard at any time of day?

Yes you can, however for all journeys made at or before 10am, Monday to Friday (excluding July & August and Public Holidays), a minimum fare applies.  If you travel regularly before 10am, then a weekly or monthly season ticket may be more appropriate.  Here is some more information about minimum fares

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2. Can I use my Railcard on any Train Company?

Yes. Your Railcard is accepted by all of the Train Companies who operate Passenger Railway Services in Great Britain except Eurostar.  Special excursions and charters are also excluded.

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3. Can I use my Railcard if I purchase my ticket on the train?

If the opportunity exists to buy your ticket before you board the train, then you must do so, otherwise you could be charged the full price Standard Single fare.  However, if there is no ticket office, or the ticket office is closed and there is no ticket machine from which to buy your discounted ticket, then you will be able to purchase your discounted ticket on board the train from the conductor.

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4. Can I use my Railcard to buy tickets for other people?

No.  The Railcard is for your use only, and provides discount only on tickets purchased for your own use.  It does not cover any accompanying adults or children.

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5. Will I have to pay the full fare if I forget to bring my Railcard when I travel?

Yes.  You must show your valid Railcard and Photocard when you buy your ticket.  You must also have your Railcard and Photocard with you on each journey and present to staff when your ticket is checked aboard the train.  Failure to present both your Railcard and Photocard will mean a full fare is payable, which is not refundable.

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6. Can I reserve my seat if booking a ticket in advance?

Yes.  Many Train Companies will allow you to reserve a seat free of charge on longer distance journeys.

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7. Can I obtain discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards with a 16-25 Railcard?

No, the Railcard offers no discount on these ticket types. 

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8. Can I use my Railcard on Sleeper Trains?

Travelling on a Sleeper Train requires two payments, one for the rail ticket and one for the berth.  The Railcard will give you a discount on the rail ticket element, but not on the berth fee. From time to time, the different Train Companies may advertise special offers for Railcard holders.

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9. Can I use my Railcard for tickets for travel on the London Underground?

All discounted rail tickets bought using your Railcard routed 'between London termini' are valid for cross-London transfer on the London Underground. Off-Peak Day Travelcards (All Zones only) are also available, subject to a minimum fare.  Please note, however, that you cannot use your Railcard to obtain a discount when purchasing tickets from a London Underground booking office.

If you have an Oyster card, you can get your Railcard discount loaded on to your Oyster card to save 1/3 on the daily cap on pay as you go.

 

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10.  Will I receive the Railcard discount on any chargeable items I take on the train with me?

The Railcard discount does not cover charges on accompanied articles or animals.  For details of which items carry a charge, and details of the charges, please call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.  

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11.  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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12. Can I use my Railcard in conjunction with Train Company special offers?

Your Railcard may get you the full 1/3 discount on some Train Company special offers, but many special offers include a smaller discount or no discount at all. 

It's best to ask at your local station for details of a specific offer or call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or go to nationalrail.co.uk

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13. Can I use my Railcard to save on more than just train travel?

We've worked with partners to give you some great Railcard Offers  It's best to check the details for these on the website.

If you're opted in to receive emails from us, every few months we will make sure you know about these massive offers.

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 14. Can I still use my 'Young Persons Railcard' or 'Young Persons Photocard' now that the name has changed?

Yes, your Young Persons Railcard is still completely valid (until it expires), in fact it's even better!  Find out more about the changes and discounts on Advance fares.

You can also continue to use your Young Persons Photocard.