FAQs

• Can I use my Railcard at any time of day?
• Can I use my Railcard on any Train Company?
• Can I use my Railcard if I buy my ticket on the train?
• If I am using my Family & Friends Railcard, can the second named cardholder also get discounts on a different journey?
• Can I use my Railcard to buy tickets for other people?
• Will I have to pay the full fare if I forget to bring my Railcard when I travel?
• Can I reserve my seat if booking a ticket in advance?
• Can I get a discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards with a Family & Friends Railcard?
• Can I use my Railcard on Sleeper Trains?
• Can I use my Railcard for tickets for travel on the London Underground?
• Will I receive the Railcard discount on any chargeable items I take on the train with me?
• Can I use my Railcard in conjunction with Train Company special offers?
• Can I use my Railcard to save on more than just train travel?
• Can I still use my Family Railcard now the name has changed to “Family & Friends Railcard”?

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

Yes you can, except on journeys in London and the South East (Monday to Friday morning peak services). This includes Gatwick Express, most South West Trains services to and from Waterloo, and routes shown in red on the Network Railcard map.

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 Britain, except Eurostar. Special excursions and charters are also excluded.

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

We prefer it if you can buy your ticket before you board the train. 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 available to buy your discounted ticket, then you can buy your discounted ticket from the conductor on board.

4. If I am using my Family & Friends Railcard, can the second named cardholder also get discounts on a different journey?

No. You must always present the Family & Friends Railcard to buy discounted tickets. If the second named cardholder is travelling by train to a different location, we’re sorry that they can’t use the Family & Friends Railcard to get discounts.

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

No. The Railcard is for use by you and your second named adult. The named cardholder must travel for the entire journey with any passengers who have been bought discounted tickets.

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

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

7. 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.

Please check with the local ticket office staff before buying tickets.

8. Can I get a discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards with a Family & Friends Railcard?

No, we’re sorry but the Railcard gives no discount on these ticket types.

9. 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.

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

When you buy discounted rail tickets using your Railcard for London mainline train stations, they are valid for use on the London Underground if you need to use the tube to get to the mainline train station. Off-Peak Travelcards (All Zones only) are also available, subject to a minimum fare.

However, we’re sorry that you can’t use your Railcard to get a discount when buying tickets from a London Underground booking office.

11. 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 various 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.

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. Alternatively, you can visit nationalrail.co.uk.

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

We've worked with partners to give you some great offers. It's best to check on the site for details.

If you're opted in to receive emails from us, we will contact you every few months with our latest offers.

14. Can I still use my “Family Railcard” now the name has changed to “Family & Friends Railcard”?

Of course. Your current Family Railcard is still completely valid. In fact it's even better! Find out more about the changes and discounts on Advance fares.