Young Person’s Railcard

If you’re moving to London from other parts of the UK, there’s probably going to come a time, when you want to go and visit family and friends from your home towns. Obviously there are various methods of transport you can take – you can drive, or take a coach, but possibly the most popular way of getting home is to take the train.

Now, if you’re new to the UK, you’ll have to learn the unfortunate fact that train travel in this country isn’t cheap. But there are ways around softening the blow and getting more value for money from your rail fare. For a start, many train companies offer really low advance fares, if you book your tickets a few months in advance. However, this isn’t exactly great for spontaneity.

So, if you’re aged between 16 and 25, the answer is to invest in a 16-25 railcard, formerly known as the Young Person’s Railcard.

This railcard, which costs £26 for the year, gives holders 1/3 off rail fares around Britain, however, there is a minimum fare applicable on trains before 10am Monday to Friday, except during July and August. As well as receiving this ticket discount, you can also pick up a free StudentDiscounts card, which offers savings on great brands like Dominos pizzas, Faith (shoes), Peacocks,  Game.co.uk and many more.  With your railcard, you’re also eligible to free YMCA membership for 1 year and 15% off with Contiki holidays for 18-35s!

In order to obtain a railcard, you can either apply online or at a manned ticket office. You’ll need a valid passport or UK driving licence, a digital uploadable passport photo (for online applications, just a normal passport photo is sufficient when applying at a railway station) and to be between the ages of 16 and 25, or to be over 26 and be able to prove that you’re in full-time education as a mature student. Unfortunately NUS (National Union of Students) cards are not accepted as proof of age or of educational status.  Also, Open University or distance learning students do not qualify for the railcard.

For young people who are moving to London for the first time from overseas, investing in a railcard is a great way to see other parts of the UK. A great book to read is Time Out’s ‘Great Days out from London’ which offers an amazing range of things to do within reach of London. From beaches to woodland walks, canal boats to steam trains, the book is packed full of inspiration! Combine it with your railcard and make the most of living in the UK.