If you’re aged between 16 and 25, or a full-time student, then for just £35 a year, you can get one-third off eligible train tickets with a 16-25 Student Railcard. 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!
Read on to learn how the Student Railcard works, who's eligible, where to buy, additional railcard benefits and more.
What is a 16-25 railcard?
A 16-25 Student Railcard is a discount card that allows young people aged between 16 and 25 to save up to 1/3 on eligible train tickets. Full-time students aged 26 and over are also eligible for a 16-25 Railcard.
What is a 16-25 railcard?
A 16-25 Student Railcard is a discount card that allows young people aged between 16 and 25 to save up to 1/3 on eligible train tickets. Full-time students aged 26 and over are also eligible for a 16-25 Railcard.
Am I eligible for a 16-25 Railcard?
If you’re aged between 16 and 25, then you’re automatically eligible, and once you turn 26, your card will still be valid until it expires. That's right, you don't have to be a student to be eligible, if you've graduated but you are still under 26, you can use this railcard. Not just for the under 25s, you can also get a 16-25 railcard if you are a mature student attending university or college full time.
How much is the 16-25 Railcard?
At just £35 for a whole year’s discounted rail travel, or a bargain £80 for 3 years, the 16-25 railcard makes for exceptional value for money.
How much can I save with a 16-25 Railcard?
A 16-25 Railcard gives you one-third off Standard Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance tickets when you travel after 10:00 Monday to Friday and any time at weekends and on Public Holidays. The average person saves £212 a year, but with no limit to the number of times you can use your card in a year, the possible savings that you can make are huge!
Want to make those savings go further? Explore our student weekend trips for your next adventure across the North.
Save up to £15.80 visiting Manchester
Save 1/3 on trips between Manchester and Leeds. Explore a new city, discover the hottest spots, or get away for a weekend for less.
Save up to £25.08 on trips to York
Full of history, cobblestoned streets, hidden gems and incredible food - experience York for 1/3 less with a Student Railcard.
Save up to £15.80 on travel to Leeds
Another big student city, Leeds offers great markets, restaurants, bars and nightlife. Explore it for less with a Student Railcard.
Save even more with the Northern App
Save even more when booking your rail tickets with the Northern App. With zero booking fees, you'll have more money in your pocket to enjoy while you travel.
Where can I use the 16-25 Railcard?
You can use your 16-25 railcard to travel anywhere throughout Great Britain on the National Rail Network. The 16-25 railcard can also be used on the London Underground by loading the discount onto a physical Oyster card.
Why choose a 16-25 Railcard?
A 16-25 railcard offers great value for money, perfect for those using the train to commute to school and university or when heading into town for a bit of shopping or to meet up with friends. Store your railcard on your mobile device so that it's with you wherever you go.
Benefits of a 16-25 student railcard
Save more for sunny days
Save on your travel to work and class so you have more money to put toward sunny days seeing the sights across the North.
Get 20% off experiences
On top of saving on travel you can also save on things like Virgin Experience Days, which offer 20% off to Student Railcard holders.
Nights out made easy
Enjoy events across the North for less and get from A to B with ease even after dark, all while saving 1/3 on travel.
Where can I buy the 16-25 Railcard?
You can purchase the 16-25 Railcard via our app or website.
Alternatively, you can buy your railcard at any staffed station ticket office, or over the phone on 0345 3000 250. All you need is proof of age, a digital passport-style photo, and a debit or credit card to make your payment. Choose to have a physical card sent to you, or you can have a digital 16-25 railcard on your phone.
What is the difference between a 16-25 Railcard and a 16-17 Railcard?
The 16-25 Student Railcard offers travellers aged 16 to 25, as well as full-time mature students, one-third off Standard Anytime and Off-Peak tickets. This Railcard can be used to travel at any time of day, but a minimum fare of £12 will apply between 4:30am and 10am on weekdays.
The 16-17 Saver Railcard offers 50% off Standard, Anytime, Off-Peak and Season tickets for any young person aged 16 or 17. With this railcard, you can travel at any time of the day.
Get a 16-25 Railcard
Apply for a 16-25 Railcard via the Northern App and start saving on your travel, plus enjoy no booking fees.
T&Cs apply. Railcards can be used for 1/3 off on most fares and ticket types. Minimum fares and eligibility criteria apply. Visit northern.co.uk/tickets/railcard for full details.
Not eligible for a 16-25 Railcard? There are a number of other Railcards available, including the options below:
16-17 Saver Railcard
A 16 - 17 Railcard allows any young person aged 16 or 17 to enjoy 50% off Standard, Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance and Season tickets. Saving you money on journeys through the UK, travelling as often as you like.
Two Together Railcard
A Two Together Railcard allows you and a friend to travel countrywide, saving one-third off all rail fares, as often as you wish. For just £35 a year - £17.50 each, you both can explore, shop, have fun, and more.
Family and Friends Railcard
A Family and Friends Railcard offers you multiple benefits for just £35 per year. Giving you one-third off rail fares for up to 4 adults, and up to 4 children aged 5 - 15, a huge 60% off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about buying a 16-25 Railcard.
Yes! If you're over 25 and you are in full-time education, you could still be eligible for a 16-25 Railcard.
If you're studying at university or college for 15 hours or more a week, for 20 weeks of the year or more you're eligible to apply for a 16-25 Railcard.
Yes, in order to purchase a 16-25 Railcard, and a number of our other Railcards you must provide a photograph to upload or send off as part of your application.
Yes, the 16-25 Railcard can be used during Peak hours.
One of the easiest and quickest ways to apply for a 16 – 25 Railcard is via our website or the Northern App.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.