60% off kids' fares. Plus 1/3 off adult fares when you go by train with a Family & Friends Railcard.
With a Family & Friends Railcard, you’ll unlock 60% discount for the kids and 1/3 off adult fares right across the national rail network, including along London Northwestern Railway lines!
At just £35 for one year or £80 for a three-year card, it’s an investment that pays for itself in just a few trips - whether you’re exploring the capital or heading further afield.
Check out our guide below to find out eligibility and discover how to get your next family adventure on track for less with a Family & Friends Railcard.
Buy a Family & Friends Railcard
Benefits of Family & Friends Railcards
Family and Friends Railcard discounts give you:
- 1/3 off rail fares for up to four adults
- 60% off rail fares for up to four children aged 5–15
- Travel flexibility with up to two adults named on one card, so either can use it when travelling with the kids
- Unlimited use, so you can hop aboard together and enjoy discounted train travel as often as you like
Eligibility and restrictions
The best part of family train trips is that children under 5 always travel for free, and once they’re ready for their own seat, the Family & Friends Railcard steps in to keep the savings going for everyone aged 5–15!
Any adult over 16 can pick up a Family & Friends Railcard, provided you have at least one child aged 5-15 in your group. To make sure your journey runs smoothly, make sure you:
- Stick together: For your discounts to count, at least one of the named cardholders and one child aged 5 to 15 years old must be travelling in the group at all times.
- Keep your card ready: Whether you prefer a physical card in your wallet or the digital version on your phone, you’ll need to have your Railcard handy to show our onboard team during your trip.
If your child celebrates their 16th birthday before your one-year Family & Friends Railcard expires, they can continue to travel at the discounted child rate until the card runs out. If you’ve opted for the three-year Railcard, they can keep enjoying a child’s fare right up until the day before they turn 17!
How to get your Family & Friends Railcard
Getting your family adventures started with a Railcard is quick and easy. You can choose the format that works best for you, either a digital version for your smartphone or a classic physical card, and fill out the online application to start saving.
- A photo: A clear, digital passport-style headshot.
- Payment: A valid credit or debit card.
If you opt for a digital Family & Friends Railcard, you’ll receive an instant download code. This links directly to the Railcard app on your phone, ensuring you’re always ready to board and never have to worry about leaving your card behind.
If you’d rather have a physical Railcard for your wallet, your card will arrive at your door within 10 days.
Buy a Friends & Family Railcard
How to use your Railcard
You can use your Family and Friends Railcard discount on most National Rail services, making it an easy way to save on day trips, weekends away and school holiday travel together.
When buying your tickets online or via an app, select the Family & Friends Railcard option before searching for tickets, and the discount is automatically applied to eligible fares.
If you’re buying your tickets at the station, present your Railcard to station staff and your discount will be applied to your journey.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can't use your Family & Friends Railcard for journeys between two stations in the London and South East area during morning peak time, Monday to Friday. This restriction doesn't apply on public holidays.
For full terms & conditions, please visit: https://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/about-railcard/travel-times-tickets/
The Railcard costs just £35, so after a couple of trips, the card will have paid for itself! If you’re looking for an even better value for your Friends and Family Railcard, purchasing a three-year card costs £80, saving you an extra £25 on your Railcard!
Up to four adults and up to four children can travel together using the same Family and Friends Railcard, as long as one adult travelling is named on the Railcard and the group consists of at least one child fare.
Any adult can buy a Friends and Family Railcard, and they must be travelling as a group, including at least one person named on the card and one child, for the discounted price to be valid. The named Railcard holder must also be there for the entire journey with any accompanying passengers in the group.