There’s every reason to be happy if you’re aged 16 to 25 (or a student), because the 16 -25 Railcard gives you 1/3 off rail fares when you go by train.
The 16-25 Railcard is the perfect travel companion for young adults and students, offering significant savings on journeys across Great Britain. Whether you are heading to university, visiting friends, or exploring new cities on the London Northwestern Railway network, this card helps your money go further.
- Who it’s for: Anyone aged 16-25 or mature students in full-time study.
- The Discount: 1/3 off a wide range of tickets, including Standard Anytime, Off-Peak, and Advance fares.
- The Cost: Just £35 for one year or £80 for three years
What is a 16-25 Railcard?
The railcard for 16-25 year-olds (sometimes called the "Young Person's Railcard") is a national discount scheme. It is designed to lower the barrier for young people to travel by train for leisure, study, or work.
- Standard fare savings: Enjoy 1/3 off Anytime and Off-Peak tickets.
- Advance ticket deals: Use your discount on top of already cheap affordable Advance fares for long-distance trips.
- First class upgrades: Get 1/3 off First Class Advance tickets when you want to travel in extra comfort.
- Digital convenience: Choose a digital version to keep your railcard safely on your phone.
Key benefits
- Mature student eligibility: If you are over 25 and in full-time education (15+ hours a week for at least 20 weeks a year), you can still claim the same 1/3 discount.
- Substantial savings: With an average annual saving of £189, the card typically pays for itself after just a few trips.
- First class advance: Save 1/3 on First Class Advance tickets for extra comfort on long-distance LNR routes.
- Partner rewards: Your railcard unlocks exclusive deals on restaurants, hotels, and days out.
Essential requirements & restrictions
The "Must-Know" rule: A £12 minimum fare applies to journeys made between 04:30 and 10:00, Monday to Friday. This does not apply on Public Holidays or during July and August.
- Eligibility: You can buy a 1-year card right up until the day before your 26th birthday.
- Excluded tickets: The discount cannot be used for Season tickets or Eurostar travel.
- Advance tickets: The £12 minimum fare does not apply to Advance tickets, which remain discounted at all times.
How to buy
- Online: The quickest way to apply is online via the official website. You will need a digital passport-style photo, a valid debit or credit card, and proof of age (Passport, UK Driving Licence, or EEA National Identity Card).
- At the Station: You can buy a 1-year 16-25 Railcard at any staffed ticket office by bringing proof of identity and a physical photo.
- App/Digital: Digital railcards are available instantly upon approval and can be stored in the Railcard app on up to two devices.
How to use
- Booking: Select "16-25 Railcard" from the dropdown menu when booking your tickets through the LNR website or app.
- On the Train: You must have your valid Railcard (digital or physical) with you to present to the conductor alongside your ticket.
- London Underground: Link your 16-25 Railcard to your Oyster card at a Tube station to receive 1/3 off Off-Peak pay-as-you-go fares and daily caps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Having a 16-25 Railcard effectively cuts your travel costs by 33%. For a student or young worker, this can mean the difference between staying home and enjoying a weekend away.
No, LNR does not fulfil Railcard orders directly. Fulfilment is managed by ATOC Ltd (trading as Rail Delivery Group) on behalf of all UK train companies.
Yes, you can use a Trainline 16-25 Railcard, or one bought directly from us. Simply select the "16-25 Railcard" option in the journey planner when booking to see the discounted price.
The 3-year card costs £80. This is the most popular choice for undergraduates as it covers the duration of a standard degree and offers a £25 saving over buying three annual cards.