Here's why a Railcard is the Christmas gift that keeps on giving, no really - from 16 to 60-year-olds, there's a card for everyone
Give the gift of money-saving this Christmas!
If you know someone who loves a family day out then a Railcard could make the perfect Christmas gift - here's why.
While buying for your kids is usually pretty simple - the top Christmas toys of the year are always sure to impress - if you're buying for teens or looking for gifts for grandparents it's not always so straightforward. But we've found a gift that works for everyone - and it can be used all year round - so your last-minute Christmas gift search ends here.
Whether you've got kids who are to and from university, a parent who wants to be able to visit their grandkids more often or a family member who's keen to explore every part of Britain, a Railcard will allow them to do all this while saving at least 1/3 of their travel costs for a whole year. From 16-year-olds to 60-year-olds, there's a card for everyone.
The best Railcards to buy this Christmas
Family & Friends Railcard - £30 for 1 year, £70 for 3 years | Trainline
Use this Railcard for up to four adults and four children (5-15 years old). Adults get 1/3 off and children get a 60% discount - at least one adult and one child must travel together.
- Family & Friends Railcard - £30 for 1 year, £70 for 3 year
s| Trainline
Two Together Railcard - £30 for 1 year | Trainline
1/3 of rail travel for you and one other person when you travel together using this Railcard. A great option for couples, friends, colleagues and flatmates who regularly catch the train together.
- Two Together Railcard - £30 for 1 year | Trainline
16-17 Saver - £30 for 1 year | Trainline
With this Railcard, those aged 16-17 will get 50% off most tickets, including Seasons, so it's perfect for school and college students.
- 16-17 Saver - £30 for 1 year | Trainline
16-25 Railcard - £30 for 1 year, £70 for 3 years| Trainline
Does what it says on the tin - 1/3 off travel across Great Britain for those aged 16-25 and a great option for students, graduates and young professionals.
- 16-25 Railcard - £30 for 1 year, £70 for 3 years| Trainline
26-30 Railcard - £30 for 1 year | Trainline
Just like the 16-25 Railcard, this version gives 1/3 off train travel for those who sit in the age bracket of 26-30 years old.
- 26-30 Railcard - £30 for 1 year | Trainline
Senior Railcard - 30 for 1 year, £70 for 3 years | Trainline
1/3 off travel for those aged 60+ with this Railcard, making it a great gift for grandparents who want to visit more often.
- Senior Railcard - 30 for 1 year, £70 for 3 years | Trainline
Network Railcard - WAS £30 for 1 year | Trainline
Travellers in the South-East of England can get 1/3 of travel after 10am with this Railcard (or any time on weekends and public holidays). This one's a great option for commuters.
- Network Railcard - WAS £30 for 1 year | Trainline
How much do Railcards cost?
Railcards usually cost £30 for a year or £70 for three years - though with a third off travel they quickly pay for themselves.
Not sure which Railcard you're eligible for? Use Trainline's Railcard finder. Simply input your age, who you normally travel with and whether you travel in the South East, and it will tell you which Railcard is best for you.
When can I use a Railcard?
How and when you use a Railcard depends on the type you have. As a general rule, all Railcards can be used for discounted train fares during Off-Peak times, weekends, and public holidays.
Some, like the age-related Railcards, can be used during Peak times with a minimum fare, and there's also a Disabled Persons Railcard that can be used at any time.
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Where can I travel using a Railcard?
Where you can travel using your Railcard depends on which one you buy. Although, unless you've opted for the Network Railcard (only valid on journeys starting and ending in the South-East Network Railcard zone), you will be able to use it on the vast majority of routes in the UK.
Trainline also offers SNCF Railcards, which allows you to explore France by train on national, regional and local routes - including high-speed trains from Paris train stations. And the great news is they also have SNCF Black Friday deals.
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Ellie is GoodtoKnow’s Family News Editor and covers all the latest trends in the parenting world - from relationship advice and baby names to wellbeing and self-care ideas for busy mums. Ellie is also an NCTJ-qualified journalist and has a distinction in MA Magazine Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and a first-class degree in Journalism from Cardiff University. Previously, Ellie has worked with BBC Good Food, The Big Issue, and the Nottingham Post, as well as freelancing as an arts and entertainment writer alongside her studies. When she’s not got her nose in a book, you’ll probably find Ellie jogging around her local park, indulging in an insta-worthy restaurant, or watching Netflix’s newest true crime documentary.
- Selina MaycockSenior Family Writer
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