Frequently Asked Questions?

Most frequently asked questions

  • How do I buy my Network Railcard?
    A:

    You can buy your Network Railcard online or at a staffed station Ticket Office within the Network Railcard area.

    To buy online, simply click ‘Buy Now’ on the website homepage and follow the instructions on the screen. Under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ you can select if you want a ‘Digital’ or a ‘Plastic’ Railcard. You will be asked to provide a digital passport-style photo if you select ‘Digital’. You do not need a photo if you have ordered a ‘Plastic’ Network Railcard.

    A Digital Network Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download you Railcard.

    If you have ordered a plastic Network Railcard, please allow 10 days for delivery. You can choose to pay for ‘Special Delivery’, but you will have to place your order before 15:45pm to guarantee that your Railcard is delivered within 2 days (Monday to Thursday) or 3 days (Friday to Sunday).

    If you are unable to wait for your Network Railcard to be delivered to you, you can download and complete a Network Railcard application form and go to any staffed station ticket office in the Network Railcard area to apply in person.

    Please note, Network Railcards are not available for sale at ticket offices managed by London Underground or from Heathrow Airport.

     

  • What do I do if my Network Railcard is lost or damaged?
    A:

    If you bought your Network Railcard online, please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account and apply for a replacement. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active Network Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’. Select lost or damaged, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen. You will also have to pay a £10 administration fee.

    Please note that you can only apply for a replacement Railcard 10 days after the date of original purchase and only 1 replacement may be issued in a 12-month period.

    If you bought it at a station, provided you can produce the completed "Receipt" portion of your original application form, then you can apply for your lost or damaged Railcard to be replaced at a staffed station ticket office in the Network Railcard area. You will also have to pay a £10 administration fee.

  • How long do I have to wait for my Railcard to arrive?
    A:

    If you have ordered a plastic Network Railcard online, please allow 10 days for delivery. If you paid for Special Delivery and placed your order before 15:45pm, your Railcard will be delivered within 2 days (Monday to Thursday) or 3 days (Friday to Sunday).

    If you have purchased a digital Network Railcard, it will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. 

    You cannot travel on discounted tickets until you have received your Railcard.

  • Can I use my Network Railcard at any time of day?
    A:

    You can buy Network Railcard discounted tickets for travel any time on weekends and public holidays or from 10:00am Monday to Friday. You may be able to start your journey a little earlier than 10:00am, see the time restriction easements section for details or check at your local station. 

    The 10:00am Monday to Friday time restriction applies to all types of tickets. 

  • What discounts do I get?
    A:

    A Network Railcard gives you up to 1/3 off most standard adult rail fares for travel in the Network Railcard area, subject to the minimum fare. 

    The added benefit is that up to three adults can travel 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.

    For details on what tickets you can and can't get Network Railcard discounts on, see the using your Railcard page. 

    Please note, Network Railcard discounts are not available on Oyster pay as you go.

  • Is there a minimum fare?
    A:

    The minimum discounted adult fare payable is £13 on all journeys Monday to Friday (does not apply at weekends or on Public Holidays).

    The minimum discounted child fare payable is £1 at all times

    The minimum fare payable for Anytime Day Travelcards is £22.60 at all times, when bought as part of your ticket to London from outside London Zones 1-9.

    Minimum fares apply to each individual travelling, not to the total value of tickets purchased.

  • What is a download code?
    A:

    The download code allows you to add a purchased digital Railcard to the Railcard app on your device. It is found within the email confirmation you would have received after we have approved your Railcard application.

    If you have purchased your Railcard from the Railcard website you will need to click 'Manage my Railcard' on the website or homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, please click ‘Get a new download code’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Railcard to a new device.

    If you are asked to remove 1 device, click the Bin icon next to the device you want to remove your Railcard from and then click 'Remove'. The system will generate a new download code for you which can now be used to add your Railcard to your device.

    Click here for more information on download code and managing your Railcard.

    Please note that the Railcard app is available to download from the Apple Store and the Google Play store.

  • I can’t find my download code
    A:

    Check your mailbox (including your junk mail) for an email from our Railcard team.

    If you still can’t find it, you will need to click 'Manage my Railcard' on the website or homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, please click ‘Get a new download code’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Railcard to a new device.

    If you are asked to remove 1 device, click the Bin icon next to the device you want to remove your Railcard from and then click 'Remove'. The system will generate a new download code for you which can now be used to add your Railcard to your device.

    Click here for more information on download codes and managing your Railcard.

    Please note that the Railcard app is available to download from the Apple Store and the Google Play store.

     

  • My download code won’t work
    A:

    If your download code isn’t working, it is likely that it has expired or has been used to activate your Railcard on too many devices. You can only store your digital Network Railcard on a maximum of 2 devices, so you may need to remove it from an existing device to add it to a new one. 

    If you have purchased your Railcard from the Railcard website you will need to click 'Manage my Railcard' on the website or homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, please click ‘Get a new download code’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Railcard to a new device.

    If you are asked to remove 1 device, click the Bin icon next to the device you want to remove your Railcard from and then click 'Remove'. The system will generate a new download code for you which can now be used to add your Railcard to your device.

    If the problem persists, please contact the customer services team on 0345 3000 250.

    Click here for the step by step guide on how to generate a new download code.

  • How do I make a complaint?
    A:

    In the first instance please contact Railcard Customer Services who will endeavour to resolve any issues that you have. 

    We're open from 07:00am to 22:00pm everyday of the year except for Christmas day.  You can:

    Email us:         railcardhelp@nationalrail.co.uk

    Call us on:       0345 3000 250

    Write to:           

    National Railcards

    PO box 8626

    SWADLINCOTE

    DE11 1JA

     

    If you are not satisfied with the resolution we give, you are entitled to contact:

    www.transportfocus.org.uk/help/rail-complaints

    http://ec.europa.eu/odr/

     

  • Will I have to pay the full fare if I forget to bring my Network Railcard when I travel?
    A:

    Yes. You must show your valid Network Railcard (digital or plastic) when you buy your ticket and travel on the train. Failure to present a valid Railcard will mean you have to pay a full fare or you may on certain services be liable for a Penalty Fare.

    A train company will normally allow you to claim back this extra expense on the first occasion in each year where this happens providing you can show that you owned a Railcard before you started your journey.

    Each train company will have their own process for doing this. You will need to provide proof of your Railcard and either the original and additional tickets that you have purchased, or if you have not yet paid, details of the notice to pay or notice of Penalty Fare. Where you have already paid for additional tickets you should contact the relevant train company’s customer services department; in the case of a notice to pay or notice of Penalty Fare, you should follow the instructions included on how to challenge or appeal the charge.

  • My name has changed; can I get my Network Railcard changed?
    A:

    If you bought your Network Railcard online, you will need to call our helpline on 0345 3000 250 to order a replacement. You will also have to pay a £10 administration fee and you will be required to email us a copy of either your Enrolled Deed Poll or Marriage Certificate.

    If you bought your Network Railcard at a station you will need to take your Network Railcard to a staffed station ticket office in the Network Railcard area along with a copy of either your Enrolled Deed Poll or Marriage Certificate.

  • Where can I buy tickets with my Network Railcard?
    A:

    You can buy your Network Railcard discounted tickets online or at any National Rail station (ticket machine or ticket office) within the Network Railcard area.

  • Can I use my Network Railcard for tickets for travel on the London Underground?
    A:

    You cannot buy Network Railcard discounted tickets for journeys wholly on the London Underground and Docklands Light Railway. However discounted tickets bought for cross-London rail journeys which involve travel on the London Underground are permitted.

  • What happens if I have no battery life or can’t show my Railcard?
    A:

    If you don’t have any battery life, or have forgotten your device, it won't be possible to check that your Railcard discount is valid.

    You could be asked to buy a single ticket for your journey, or be issued with a Penalty Fare.

    If you do get caught out while travelling, you can make one claim a year to be refunded for any extra fare or penalty you incur.

    For a list of train companies in Great Britain, and their details, click here

  • How quickly will I get my new digital Railcard?
    A:

    In most cases, your digital Network Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your digital Network Railcard.

  • Can visitors to Britain buy a Network Railcard online?
    A:

    Yes, you can.

    Simply click ‘Buy Now on the website homepage to get started. When you get to the question 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like' select 'Digital' and follow the instructions on the screen to complete your purchase.

     

  • Can I buy tickets at a discounted rate before my Railcard arrives?
    A:

    No. You must carry your Railcard with you on any journey where you have bought discounted tickets with the Railcard.

    Therefore, if you buy discounted Railcard tickets before you receive your Railcard, you do this at your own risk.

  • Can I travel on discounted tickets if my Railcard expires before I complete my journey?
    A:

    No. You will not be able to travel with your discounted tickets if your Network Railcard has expired. Discounted tickets are only valid if you are using them with a valid Railcard. You will need to renew your Network Railcard before you begin and complete your journey.

    Click here for a step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

    If you have selected 'Digital' under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section, your digital Network Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your digital Network Railcard. 

  • Can I use my Railcard in conjunction with Train Company special offers?
    A:

    Yes. You can use it with the 2FOR1 Days Out Guide promotions and most offers given by train companies. Please note that your Railcard may get you the full 1/3 discount on some Train Company special offers, but many 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 03457 48 49 50.

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

     

  • Can I use my Network Railcard to buy tickets for other people?
    A:

    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.

    All passengers taking advantage of the Network Railcard discount must travel with the Railcard holder throughout the entire journey. 

  • Can I use my Railcard to buy my ticket on the train rather than at a station?
    A:

    Only if there is no ticket office, or the ticket office is closed and there is no ticket machine available at the station at which you began your journey.  If this is the case, you can buy your discounted ticket from on-train staff or at your destination station.

    Otherwise, if ticket facilities were available at the station you could be charged the full price of Standard Single fare tickets.

  • Will I receive the Railcard discount on any chargeable items I take on the train with me?
    A:

    The Railcard discount does not cover charges on various articles or animals.

    For details about which items carry a charge, and details of the charges, please call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50. 

  • Network Railcard Terms and Conditions
    A:

    Please click on https://www.network-railcard.co.uk/help/railcard-terms-conditions/ for important terms and conditions that you need to understand before you use your Railcard.

  • Can I reserve my seat if booking a ticket in advance?
    A:

    Yes, providing that there are reservations available on the service on which you are travelling. Many train companies will allow you to reserve a seat free of charge on longer distance journeys.

    Please check with the train company you are travelling with or staff at the local ticket office before buying tickets.

  • Can I laminate the paper Railcard I have bought at the station to protect it?
    A:

    No. Please do not laminate your Railcard. In most instances the heat of laminating machines will turn the surface of your Railcard black, damaging it and making it illegible. If this happens you will need to buy a replacement Network Railcard (for a fee of £10 if you have had no previous replacements).

    Laminated Railcards cannot be accepted by rail staff as the lamination makes it difficult to validate that is has not been tampered with.

    To protect your Railcard please keep it in a plastic ticket wallet which is available for free from any staffed station ticket office.

  • Do I need to provide ID proof to buy a Network Railcard?
    A:

    No. Just your name, address and basic information is required.

  • Can I renew my station purchased Railcard online?
    A:

    Railcards issued at stations cannot be renewed online. You will need to create an account and purchase a new Railcard.

    To buy a new Network Railcard, please go to the website homepage, click ‘Buy Now’ and follow the instructions on the screen.

    If you have selected 'Digital' under 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like', you will be asked to provide a passport style photo.

  • How do I renew my Network Railcard online?
    A:

    Please click ‘Renew my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to account. Once logged in, click ‘Renew’ under your expired or soon to expired Railcard, select 'Digital' or ‘Plastic’ under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section and follow the instruction on the screen to complete your purchase.

    Click here for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

  • Can I claim a refund if I don't use my Railcard?
    A:

    No. Once a Railcard has been issued it is non-refundable.

  • What do I do if my Network Railcard is stolen?
    A:

    To replace a stolen Network Railcard you bought online, please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active Network Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’. Select ‘stolen’, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen. You will have to provide a crime reference number, or a document given to you by the Police for a free replacement. You can also call our Helpline on 0345 3000 250.

    To replace a stolen Network Railcard you bought at a station, please go to a staffed station ticket office in the Network Railcard area with your crime reference number/documentation given to you by the police and some form of identification to be issued with a free replacement.

  • Am I eligible to buy a Network Railcard?
    A:

    Anyone 16 years and above can buy a Network Railcard.

  • Can I buy a 3-year Network Railcard?
    A:

    No. There is currently no three-year option for the Network Railcard. 

  • How do I add a digital Railcard to my phone?
    A:

    If you have already purchased a digital Network Railcard, you should have received an email which contains a download code. You will use this download code to add your digital Network Railcard on your phone or device.

    First, you will need to download the Railcard app from the Apple Store or the Google Play store. Once downloaded, open the app and tap on the ‘+’ symbol on the ‘Your Railcards’ screen. The ‘Add Railcard’ screen will then show, and you will need to tap on the ‘+’ symbol under ‘Add an existing Railcard’ to enter your download code and add your Network Railcard.

    Click here for the step by step guide on how to add a digital Railcard to your phone.

  • How can I buy a digital Railcard?
    A:

    Digital Railcard can be bought online only. Please click on 'Buy Now' from the homepage to get started. When you get to the question ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’, select ‘Digital’ and follow the instructions on the screen to continue with your purchase.

    In most cases, your digital Network Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. 

    Click here for more information on managing your Railcard

  • What happens if I lose my device
    A:

    If you lose the device where your digital Network Railcard was downloaded, you will need to log in to your account and remove it from the lost device.

    Simply click ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Network Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’ and select the device you want to remove.  Once you have removed one device on your account, please click ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Network Railcard to a new device.

    Please note that you can only store your digital Railcard on a maximum of 2 devices.

  • How can I remove my Railcard from an existing device?
    A:

    Please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Network Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’ and select the device you want to remove.  Once you have removed one device on your account, please click ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Network Railcard to a new device.

  • Can I renew to a digital Railcard?
    A:

    Yes! You can renew your Railcard within 30 days of its expiry to a digital Railcard.

    Simply go to ‘Renew my Railcard’ on the website homepage, enter your log in details, click on ‘Renew’ under your expired or soon to expired Railcard, select 'Digital' under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section and follow the instruction on the screen to complete your purchase.

    Click here for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

  • I have a plastic Railcard; can I swap it for a digital one?
    A:

    You cannot swap a plastic Railcard to a digital Railcard. However, when the time comes to renew your Railcard you can do this online and choose to have a digital Railcard.

    Click here for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

  • Why can’t I add my Railcard to another device?
    A:

    You can store your digital Railcard on up to two devices at a time.

    If you want to add it a third, you will need to remove it from one of your existing devices through your account.

    Please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Network Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’ and select the device you want to remove.  Once you have removed one device on your account, please click ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Network Railcard to a new device.

  • What is a digital Railcard?
    A:

    Digital Railcards are stored within the Railcard app on your smart phone or tablet, meaning there’s no need to carry the physical card around with you. They can be stored on up to two devices and used quicker than plastic Railcards as they do not need to be sent in the post.

    Click here for more information on managing your Railcard

  • What happens if I don’t have reception or I am offline?
    A:

    Railcard are available offline for a period of up to 72 hours. The Railcard app on your device will continue to show your digital Railcard as long as your mobile device has connected to the internet at some point within the last 72 hours. However, you will need an internet connection to buy your digital Railcard or add it to a new device.

  • How do I unblock my Railcard?
    A:

    You will need to contact our customer support team on 0345 3000 250 so that we can better understand the activity that has caused your Railcard to be blocked.

    If appropriate, they will be able to help you get back online with your Railcard.

  • Why has my Railcard been blocked?
    A:

    If we detect suspicious activity on your Railcard, it will be blocked until we have had the chance to speak to you.

    During this period, your Railcard will no longer be valid for travel.

    If your Railcard has been blocked, you will need to contact our customer support team on 0345 3000 250.

    **Excessive device changing can result in a Railcard being blocked**

  • Can I have a plastic and digital version of my Railcard?
    A:

    Unfortunately, you can only have one version of your Railcard – either plastic or digital. Once you have purchased your Railcard you cannot change the type of Railcard you have.

  • How can I change my address details if I am an online Railcard customer?
    A:

    Please go to "Manage my Railcard" on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, on the top right of your account summary page, please click on your ‘Menu Profile’ and select ‘Personal Details’. You will be given the option to update or change your personal details, including your address.

    Or you can also click on https://secure.railcard.co.uk/account/personal-details, enter your log in details and the ‘Manage Personal Details’ page will show. You can now change or update your personal details including your address.

  • What methods of payment are acceptable?
    A:

    We accept online payment via credit and debit cards. The cards accepted are: Visa, Visa Debit, Visa Electron, MasterCard, MasterCard Debit, Maestro and Solo.

    We cannot accept American Express or Diner's Club.

  • I wear a burka or a niqab – will I have to show my face in the photograph?
    A:

    If you select 'Digital' under 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like', you must provide a passport style photo. The photo should have been taken with nothing covering the outline of eyes, nose or mouth. The rail industry applies the same rules as the DVLA and Passport Agency, so photos with a person wearing a full facial burka / niqab (a veil that covers the face) are not acceptable. If a member of rail staff is unable to validate that the person on your Railcard is you, the Train Companies reserve the right to charge you the full price Standard Single fare for your journey as if no ticket was purchased before starting the journey and in some cases a Penalty Fare.

  • I have a promotion code to use towards the cost of my Railcard – it is not working. What can I do?
    A:

    Please check that you have read each character of the code correctly.

    We do try to use codes that are easy to read, but occasionally applicants might confuse;

    • the letter “I” with the number “1”
    • the letter “O” with the number “0” (zero)
    • the letter “S” with the number “5”

    If any of these characters appear in your code, please try their alternatives. If this does not work, please call us on 0345 300 0250 and we will be able to check the status of the code you have.

  • Can I buy a Network Railcard for another person?
    A:

    Yes, you can buy the Network Railcard for another person online as long as they are aged 16 years old or over.

    To order the Railcard, click ‘Buy Now’ on the website homepage to get started. When you get to the question, "Who is the Railcard being purchase for?" select the option " The Railcard is for someone else" and follow the instructions on the screen to continue with your purchase. You will be asked to register if you do not already have an account or log in using your registered email address and password. You will also be asked to provide a digital passport-style photo if you select ‘Digital’ under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section.

  • Is there a charge for changing any details on the Network Railcard? E.g. incorrect spelling of name.
    A:

    If you have made an error in your application you must let us know at the first available opportunity. We will then investigate the matter and advise of how it can be resolved.

  • Is the Network Railcard transferable?
    A:

    No. The named Network Railcard holder must be in possession of the Railcard at all times and is the only one able to use the Railcard to purchase discounted tickets.

  • I will not have a Railcard at the time of travelling, what should I do?
    A:

    Discounted tickets are only valid if you have your Network Railcard with you while travelling.  

    If you do not have your Network Railcard for your journey you will need to go to the ticket office to pay the difference between the Network Railcard discount fare and the full fare for the relevant ticket for the journey you are making.  

  • I want to travel with more people in my group, what should I do?
    A:

    In most cases you will be able to simply buy the additional tickets for travel on your chosen service with your Railcard online, via telesales or at a station. 

    Please note, the maximum group size travelling on discounted tickets with one Network Railcard holder is 4 adults (including the cardholder) and 4 children.  

  • I want to travel with less people in my group, what should I do?
    A:

    As long as the Network Railcard holder is with the party, the number of accompanying people can reduce without affecting the validity of the discounted tickets of those still travelling. Please be aware however that the accompanying individuals must make the complete trip with the cardholder - if they try to join the group at a station later in the journey or try to leave the group at a station before the destination of the group their ticket will not be valid.

    You may be able to apply for a refund on any unused tickets. Check the ticket terms and conditions on nationalrail.co.uk for further details.

  • Can the children or adults be replaced with other names as the group has changed?
    A:

    In all cases the Network Railcard holder will always need to be travelling otherwise none of the tickets will be valid. With regard to the accompanying passengers, rail tickets should only be used by the individuals for whom the Railcard holder bought them.

  • I lost the Railcard and am travelling now with the discounted tickets what should be done?
    A:

    If you do not have your Network Railcard in your possession when travelling, you are unable to use discounted tickets.

    Prior to boarding the train, you can go to the ticket office and pay the difference between the Railcard discounted fare and the full fare for the relevant ticket for your journey.

    Alternatively, you can purchase a new Network Railcard at the station or a digital Railcard online to take advantage of the discounted tickets you have already purchased.

  • Can I purchase First Class tickets with my Network Railcard?
    A:

     No. The Network Railcard only gives discounts on standard class tickets.

  • Are there any offers I can benefit from as a Railcard holder?
    A:

    Yes. Please visit the ‘Offers & Competitions’ page for more details.

  • Can I get a discount on period Travelcards or Season tickets with a Network Railcard?
    A:

    No. A Network Railcard will not give you discounts on Travelcards valid for more than one day or Season Tickets. 

  • How far in advance can I renew my Network Railcard?
    A:

    You can renew your Railcard up to 30 days in advance of the expiry date.

    Click here for a step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

  • Can I travel with a Network Railcard discounted ticket in the evening peak?
    A:

    Yes, subject to the terms and conditions of the ticket type you have purchased for travel. 

    You can use your Network Railcard to get discounts on tickets for travel from 10:00am Mondays to Fridays and at any time on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.

    Please note, the 10:00am Monday to Friday Network Railcard time restriction applies to all ticket types.
     

  • Why can’t the Network Railcard be used before 10:00am Monday to Friday?
    A:

    The Network Railcard is designed to promote off-peak leisure travel. This means that it encourages people to use trains outside of the busy commuting period which occurs before 10:00am Monday to Friday.

  • What tickets can I get a Network Railcard discount on?
    A:

    A Network Railcard gives discounts on the following tickets for travel in the Network Railcard area, subject to the appropriate minimum fare and the 10:00am Monday to Friday time restriction:

    • Anytime tickets
    • Off-Peak tickets
    • Anytime Day Travelcard (when bought as part of your ticket to London from outside London Zones 1-9)

    You can also save on inclusive train and bus 'PLUSBUS' tickets, and journeys to the Isle of Wight using Wightlink or Red Funnel (Ferries or ‘Red Jet’) services.

    Minimum fares and child supplement fares for journeys to the Isle of Wight also apply, so check for details at your local staffed station before planning your journey.

    Please note:

    • Some tickets may have conditions or restrictions that will apply, such as time restrictions for return travel from central London.
    • Not every ticket type is available for every journey that you may wish to make.
    • Minimum fares apply for all journeys Monday to Friday - see Minimum Fares section for details. 
  • Why would the taxpayers have to pay for a Railcard refund or extension?
    A:

    Due to the pandemic far fewer people have been travelling by train. This means that the government is offering additional financial backing to the rail industry so that services keep running to support the economy.

  • Why can’t the train companies pay for the extension?
    A:

    Due to the pandemic fewer people have been travelling by train. Funding is currently being used to keep services running to support the economy. 

  • Can I buy a Network Railcard?
    A:

    Yes. If you are aged 16 or over you can buy a Network Railcard.

  • I already have a Railcard, can I also buy a Network Railcard?
    A:

    Yes, if you hold any other Railcard you can still buy a Network Railcard.

  • What tickets can’t I get a discount on?
    A:

     A Network Railcard will not give you discounts on Advance tickets, Season Tickets, First Class tickets, Oyster pay as you go, Eurostar tickets, special excursions or charter trains, or in conjunction with some Train Company special offers. 

    Network Railcard discounts are not always available on bus links, especially those to airports e.g. Railair Links. You cannot buy discounted tickets for journeys wholly on the London Underground and Docklands Light Railway, or Travelcards valid for more than one day. 

    If you travel outside the Network Railcard area you can only use the Network Railcard to the boundary and will have to buy full price tickets for the journey outside the area. You must purchase these tickets before you cross the boundary and the train you are travelling on must stop at the boundary station.

  • Do all passengers travelling with Network Railcard discounted tickets have to complete the same journey as the Network Railcard holder?
    A:

    Yes. All passengers taking advantage of the Network Railcard discount must travel with the Railcard holder throughout the entire journey. 

    If members of the group are only travelling one way, then they can be added to the group in order to obtain a discount but must travel with the Railcard holder for the course of the one way journey. 

  • If I have lost my card more than once, do I get a replacement or will I have to buy a brand new Network Railcard?
    A:

    Only one replacement may be issued in a 12 month period for lost or damaged Railcards and a £10 administration fee is payable. If you need further replacements a new Network Railcard will need to be purchased.

  • I have purchased a Network Railcard, however I have changed my mind and wish to get a different Railcard, can I do this?
    A:

    No. Once a Network Railcard has been issued it is non-refundable.

  • What happens if I don't have my Railcard with me and I have to buy a new ticket or pay a Penalty Fare?
    A:

    If you are travelling by train on a ticket with a Railcard discount, you must travel with your valid 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.

    Each train company will have their own process for doing this. You will need to provide proof of your Railcard and either the original and additional tickets that you have purchased, or if you have not yet paid, details of the notice to pay or notice of Penalty Fare. Where you have already paid for additional tickets you should contact the relevant train company’s customer services department; in the case of a notice to pay of notice of Penalty Fare, you should follow the instructions included on how to challenge or appeal the charge.

  • I bought my Railcard from a rail station and all of the information on it has faded. What can I do?
    A:

    Railcards issued at stations are printed on paper. On rare occasions, the way that the surface of the Railcard interacts with the plastic in some ticket wallets destabilises the print and makes it fade. If this has happened to your Railcard you can take it into a staffed rail station and they will replace it free of charge. Most stations will be able to check the validity of the Railcards by running it through the ticket–issuing machine to check when it was originally issued.


Can't find an answer? 

If the answer to your question is not in the above or you are having problems purchasing your Railcard, you can contact us

Train Companies

If you have any questions concerning rail ticket prices or journey planning National Rail Enquiries will be happy to help you.

If you have any comments about a specific rail journey please contact the train company that provides the service. To find their contact details see the list of Train Operating Companies