Benefits of the 16-17 Saver
Who is eligible for the 16-17 Saver?
To be eligible for the 16-17 Saver Railcard, users must be either 16 or 17 years of age. The Railcard is valid for one year following the date of purchase, meaning it can still be used when you are 18 (though it cannot be purchased at this age). Applying for this Railcard for 16-year-olds bridges the gap for when they are no longer eligible for child train fares, and takes the sting out of the transition to expensive adult fares.
Apply for your 16–17 Saver and start saving now!
Where can I use my 16-17 Saver?
The 16–17 Saver Railcard is valid across the National Rail network for train travel in England and Wales, except on Eurostar, ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper services, and on TfL services unless the journey is part of a National Rail through ticket. This discount is available to all 16 and 17 year olds, including UK residents, international students and visitors.
How to apply: What documents do I need?
The 16–17 Saver online application can be completed through the TrainPal app for quick and easy processing. All you need is:
- A smartphone with the TrainPal app installed.
- Proof of age: The 16–17 Saver Railcard is age-dependent, so you’ll need to provide a valid passport, National ID card or UK driving licence.
- A good-quality digital passport-style photo for the photocard.
And you’re ready to go! Head to the app and start your application now.
How much can you save with a 16-17 Saver?
The 16–17 Railcard lets you enjoy half-price train fares, offering significant savings even when compared with other Railcards, which usually offer just 33%. When you buy discount train tickets with this Railcard, you can enjoy an average of 16–17 Saver savings of up to £406.00 (based on average annual savings made by cardholders between April 2024 and March 2025)!
As this discount can be used on Advance tickets, which already offer the greatest savings opportunity, you can benefit from incredibly cheap rail travel for students and young people aged 16 to 17. Check out the routes below to see what kind of savings you can make on popular routes, such as London to Manchester.
Ticket types and time restrictions of the 16-17 Saver
Standard Anytime & Anytime Day (Singles & Returns)
Standard Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak (Singles & Returns)
Standard Advance
Season Tickets (Weekly, Monthly, and Annual)
Gatwick Express
Stansted Express
Heathrow Express
London Travelcards (When bought as part of a ticket from outside London Zones 1-9)
Most Rail Rover fares
PLUSBUS day tickets (1/3 off discount)
ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper services
Eurostar international tickets
First Class fares
Oyster Pay As You Go (PAYG)
TfL travels wholly on the London Underground or DLR
Special excursion or Charter trains
Certain coach/bus links, including Railair services
Cross-Solent journeys (ferry links to/from the Isle of Wight)
16-17 Saver vs. 16-25 Railcard: Which one should I get?
The 16–17 Saver and the 16–25 Railcard are the best Railcards for students, but you may be wondering which one is right for you. While both cards offer great value, the 16–17 Saver Railcard serves to bridge the gap between child and adult tickets for late teens in the short term, offering significant discounts on almost any fares. The 16–25 Railcard, however, offers longer-term, slightly lower discounts, but comes with a minimum fare during morning rush hours.
| Feature | 16-17 Saver | 16-25 Railcard |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Ages 16 and 17 (and 18 if purchased before 18th birthday) | Ages 16–25 (or mature students) |
| Price (1-Year) | £35.00 | £35.00 (£80.00 for three years) |
| Discounts | 50% Off | 1/3 Off |
| Min. Fare | None (Save on any applicable fares) | £12.00 minimum for journeys before 10 am, Mon-Fri* |
| Season Tickets | (50% Off) | |
| First Class | No | First Class Advance Tickets |
| Oyster Discount | | (1/3 off Off-Peak PAYG) |
| Use in Scotland | Most National Rail (No ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper) | Full National Rail |
How to choose the right Railcard for you?
Choosing the right Railcard for you will heavily depend on what type of rail travel you most frequently require. The 16–17 Saver offers incredible savings on daily commuting, but for example, if you regularly take the Tube, there may be a better option for you. So which Railcard is right for a commuter like you?
Choose the 16–17 Saver
for The Daily Student Commuter
You're a young student who regularly needs to travel to college, school, or an apprenticeship each morning.
The 16–17 Saver Railcard will give you 50% off Season Tickets with no minimum fare, and can also be used on morning peak hour fares before 10:00 – perfect for daily commuters who want to save big!
Choose the 16–25 Railcard
for The London & Underground Commuter
Choose 16–25 Railcard
for The Longest-Distance 'Comfort' Traveller
You enjoy the extra legroom of First Class on long trips.
While the 16–17 Saver Railcard offers higher discounts on National Rail, it is strictly for Standard Class only. The 16–25 Railcard allows you to apply train discounts to First Class advance tickets, so you can benefit from that extra bit of comfort.
How to buy and use the Digital Railcard on TrainPal
Step 1
Log in or register your TrainPal account
Step 2
Select the Railcard
Step 3
Enter your information
Step 4
Verify with a digital passport-style photo and ID
Step 5
Complete the purchase on TrainPal
Step 6
Activate with any train ticket purchase within 180 days
FAQs about 16-17 Saver
What is a 16-17 Saver Railcard?
The 16–17 Saver Railcard is a national Railcard that bridges the gap between child fares and more expensive full adult fares. It allows 16 and 17 year olds to benefit from half-price train tickets on most fares, and costs £35.00.
Can I use the 16-17 Saver on all train operators?
No, the 16–17 Saver cannot be used on all train operators, although it is valid on most National Rail services in England and Wales. Services where it cannot be used include ScotRail and the Caledonian Sleeper. It is also not valid for use on the Eurostar, or on tickets exclusively on the London Underground and DLR services in London Zones 1–9.
Can I use it for Season Tickets?
Yes, the 16–17 Saver Railcard 50% discount can even be applied to Season Tickets, allowing you to get Weekly, Monthly and Annual Season Tickets at half price.
Which railcard is best for a 16-year-old?
While the 16–25 Railcard offers longer-term discounts of 33% and can be linked to Oyster cards, the 16–17 Saver is usually the best railcard for a 16-year-old. The higher discount of 50% compared to 33% and the lack of minimum fare offers significant savings on train travel.
How long does a 16-17 Saver last?
The 16–17 Saver is valid for one year from the day you purchase the Railcard. If you buy your Railcard just before turning 18, you can still enjoy a full year of 50% discounts before your 19th birthday. Find out more about recent validity period changes here.
When can I use a 16-17 Saver Railcard?
A major benefit of the 16–17 Saver Railcard is that it can be used at any time, without any peak-time restrictions! There is no minimum fare requirement, even on peak fares before 10:00 on weekdays.
Can I use a 16-17 Saver for my Oyster card?
No, unfortunately, you cannot use the 16–17 Saver discount on your Oyster card for pay-as-you-go travel. We suggest opting for the 16+ Zip Oyster photocard for London-specific travel, or using your 16–17 Saver Railcard on Travelcards purchased as part of a National Rail ticket from outside London.
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