Table of Contents
Can you pay on the train with a Railcard?
Only if there is no ticket office, or the ticket office is closed and there is no ticket machine available to buy your discounted ticket at the station at which you began your journey.
Can someone with a Railcard buy me a ticket?
No. The Railcard is for your use only, and provides discounts only on tickets bought for your own use. It does not cover anyone accompanying you.
Can I use my Railcard to buy tickets online?
Yes, you can use your Railcard to buy tickets online.
Can I use my Railcard on Trainline?
Yes. Although your Railcard will live in your Trainline App, it can still be used with tickets bought elsewhere.
How many tickets can you buy with a Railcard?
You can purchase tickets for yourself and up to three adults travelling with you and they will also get up to 1/3 off their rail fare. Plus, you can take up to four children (aged 5 to 15 years) with you and save 60% on each child fare.
Do you have to show your Railcard on the train?
Yes. You must show your valid 16-25 Railcard (digital or plastic) when you buy your ticket and travel on the train. If you bought your Railcard at a station, both the paper printed Railcard and the photocard must be presented.
Is the Trainline Railcard the same as the National Rail Railcard?
National Rail is the overarching national body, Southern is the company that runs the train, and Trainline is just a commercial reseller. So whether you go through National Rail or Southern’s site makes no difference – you will end up buying the ticket from Southern.
What happens if u get caught without a Railcard?
If you forget your Railcard you will either be required to buy a new ticket or you may on certain services be liable for a Penalty Fare. However, a train company will normally allow you to claim back this extra expense on the first occasion in each year where this happens.
Do Railcards get scanned?
Yes, they check your railcard every time they check your ticket. If your railcard hasn’t arrived by the time you travel, you’ll need to order new tickets.