Customer Information -
Timetables are changing 15 December
 More Information
Customer Information -
Short notice cancellations
 Check before you travel
Northern logo
Buy tickets
Looking for something?
Service Updates
Looking for something?

Explore for less with a Railcard

Do you travel on the trains regularly? We can help you find the perfect Railcard for you. Offering up to ⅓ off most rail fares, Railcards are an excellent way to explore. Whether you’re a young person looking to broaden your horizons, wanting to take the children to the beach for a weekend break or wanting to discover the glorious Esk Valley through to Whitby, a railcard not only saves money, but opens up the way to more experiences.

What is a Railcard?

A Railcard is a discount card allowing you to save up to 1/3 off the price of train tickets. They are a great way to secure cheap rail fares. 

How do I buy a Railcard?

Buying a railcard could not be simpler. Typically, only costing £30 for a whole year, they can be easily purchased from your local station. Already got a Railcard? Set off on your next adventure and start enjoying the rewards of your Railcard with Northern’s Journey Planner! Tickets can be purchased via the free downloadable app, streamlining your travel experience.

Types of Railcard

There are numerous types of Railcards, suiting different individual needs. You may well be eligible for several. Here’s all you need to know:

Veterans Railcard

The Veterans Railcard provides rail discounts to ex-armed forces members. If you retired from Her Majesty's Armed Forces (Reserve or Regular) and are no longer eligible for a HM Forces Railcard, this is the railcard for you.
Find out more

16-17 Saver Railcard

Anyone aged 16 or 17 can now enjoy 50% off Standard, Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance and Season tickets. Saving you money on journeys through England and Wales, travel as often as you like. Head to town for retail therapy, to the coast for a day in the sun, music ...
Find out more

Dales Railcard

For only £10 a year, you can save a ⅓ off most local rail fares. Just perfect for a day out, visiting friends and family, or a shopping trip to your nearest town. Up to four children (ages 5 to 15 inclusive) can travel with a railcard holder and the child fare is based on an 81% discount on the adult fare.
Find out more

Esk Valley Railcard

The popular Esk Valley Railcard saves you ⅓ off the majority of local rail fares, for only £10 annually. Not only that, but you’ll also gain other benefits, including ⅓ off North Yorkshire Moors and the Esk Valley Railways. Who can apply for the Esk ...
Find out more

Disabled Persons Railcard

If your disability makes train travel difficult, you may qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard. With no time restrictions, you and a friend can travel across the country with ⅓ off all rail fares. Costing just £20 a year, you can enjoy trips out as often ...
Find out more

Two together Railcard

Allowing you and a friend to travel countrywide, saving ⅓ off all rail fares, as often as you wish. For just £30 a year - £15 each, you both can explore, shop, have fun, and much, much more. You can use your Two Together Railcard to travel anywhere in Great Britain on the National Rail network.
Find out more

16-25 Student Railcard

If you’re aged between 16 and 25, or a full-time student, then for just £30 a year, you can get ⅓ off eligible train tickets. With no limit to the number of times you can use the card in the year, it won’t take long before you make your money back, and then you’ll be quids in!
Find out more

Senior Railcard

Life just gets more exciting when you reach your 60th birthday, so with a Senior Railcard, there’ll be no stopping you. Offering ⅓ off countrywide rail fares for only £30 a year, you can travel where you like and as frequently as you wish - go and see ...
Find out more

Family and Friends Railcard

A Family and Friends Railcard offers you multiple benefits for just £30 per year. Giving you ⅓ off rail fares for up to 4 adults, and up to 4 children aged 5 - 15, a huge 60% off. Travel together whenever you like, and having two adults named on the Railcard ...
Find out more

MyCumbria Card

With a MyCumbria card, residents of Cumbria can get a 34% discount on journeys operated by Northern and TransPennine Express wholly within Cumbria.
Find out more

Frequently Asked Questions 

Frequently asked questions about buying a Railcard.

Railcards are essentially discount cards for train tickets. You can save up to 1/3 off most rail fares, including Advance tickets. 

You can still travel but you'll have to pay the full fare until you can show your Railcard again. You should order a replacement ASAP or choose a digital Railcard that is always with you on your mobile device. 

Yes. If you’re travelling with a group and some members of your party have Railcards, you can select and add more than one Railcard when booking your train tickets.

Northern App

Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.

  • iOS App Store
  • Android Google Play

Northern App

Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.

  • iOS App Store
  • Android Google Play