FAQs

• Can I use my Senior Railcard at any time of the day?
• Can I use my Railcard on any train company?
• Can I use my Railcard if I buy my ticket on the train?
• 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 obtain discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards with a Senior Railcard?
• Can I use my Railcard on Sleeper Trains?
• Can I use my Railcard for tickets 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?

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

Yes you can. Railcard discounts are not available on tickets for morning peak period services, for journeys wholly within London & South East Network Railcard area on Mondays to Fridays. (The exceptions to this discounted fare rule are when you travel at weekends and on Public Holidays).

For a map of the Network Railcard area and further details click here www.senior-railcard.co.uk/restrictons

The times of morning off-peak services do vary by route and are normally related to the availability of Off Peak  Day tickets. It's best to check with ticket office staff before buying your tickets.

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 Great Britain. However your Railcard is not valid for travel on Railair services (except through tickets between Heathrow Airport and Reading station), Eurostar, special excursions or charters, some coach/bus links, season tickets including Travelcard Season tickets, some Advance Purchase tickets and some Train Company special offers, for example Advance tickets.

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 Anytime Single Fare and in some cases, a penalty 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. Can I use my Railcard to buy tickets for other people?

No. The Railcard is for your use only, and provides discount only on tickets bought for your own use. It does not cover any accompanying adults or children.

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

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

6. Can I reserve my seat if booking a ticket in advance?

Yes. Many train companies allow you to reserve a seat free of charge on longer distance journeys.

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

7. Can I get a discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards with a Senior Railcard?

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

8. 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.

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

When you buy discounted rail tickets using your Railcard for London mainline rail stations, they are valid for use on the London Underground if you need to use the tube to get to the mainline rail station. Off-Peak Day Travelcard (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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

We've worked with partners to give you some great Offers. If you're opted in to receive emails from us, we will contact you every few months.