Benefits of the Network Railcard
Who is eligible for the Network Railcard?
Anyone over 16 is eligible for the Network Railcard and can enjoy train discounts in South East England and London. Application is open to residents of Great Britain as well as international visitors.
The Network Railcard is valid for one year and cardholders can benefit from a group travel discount of 33% for up to 3 adults travelling with them, and 60% for up to 4 accompanying kids.
Apply now to enjoy these incredible Network Railcard savings!
Where can I use it: The Network Railcard area
The Network Railcard area consists of a designated region in the UK, encompassing London and the South East. Its discount can be applied to National Rail network journeys extending westward to Reading, northward to Cambridge, and southward to Brighton. For precise details on the South East rail coverage area, consult the official Network Railcard website or download the map.
Popular Network Railcard destinations and stations
How to apply for a Network Railcard: What documents do I need?
- A smartphone with the TrainPal app installed
- A debit card to pay the €42.88 Network Railcard cost
- A digital passport-style photo is required for your Railcard
The Network Railcard application can be completed online on the TrainPal app for instant processing. So once you have your documents ready, go ahead and start your Network Railcard application for incredible savings!
How much can you save with a Network Railcard?
Network Railcard holders can get a 33% discount on train tickets for themselves and up to 3 adults and 60% off fares for up to 4 children – an incredible London group travel discount, amounting to an average saving of €188.67 a year (based on average savings made by Network Railcard holders between April 2024 and March 2025, excluding price of Railcard).
Discounts apply to Standard Class Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, making this Railcard perfect for getting discounted South East rail fares for day trips and visiting friends. Take a look at the Network Railcard savings on some eligible journeys below.
Ticket types and time restrictions of the Network Railcard
The Network Railcard offers a flat 1/3 discount on Standard Class fares within the London and South East area. Network Railcard restrictions include a €15.93 minimum fare and the 10:00 AM rule – meaning that on weekdays, discounts only apply after 10:00 AM.
Standard Anytime & Anytime Day (Singles & Returns)
Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak (Singles & Returns)
Anytime Day Travelcards: 1/3 off Zones 1-9 when bought as part of a ticket to London from outside the London Zones area (subject to a €28.91 minimum fare).
PLUSBUS tickets
Isle of Wight Services: Discounts apply to select rail/sea journeys via Wightlink, Red Funnel Ferries, and Hovertravel (must be part of a journey to/from a National Rail station).
Journeys starting or ending outside the Network Railcard area
Advance tickets
First Class
Season tickets
Oyster Pay As You Go fares in London
Eurostar tickets
Special excursions
Charter trains
Bus links
London Underground-only or DLR-only journeys
Time restrictions
Network Railcard minimum fare
| Passengers | Minimum Fare |
|---|---|
| Adult (over 16) | €15.93* |
| Child (5-15) | €1.23 |
| Child (under 5s) | free |
| Anytime Day Travelcards | €28.91 |
Network Railcard vs. Family & Friends Railcard: Which one should I get?
| Feature | Network Railcard | Family & Friends railcard |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Over 16 | At least one child (5-15) must be travelling for the discount to be valid |
| Do you need a child with you? | | |
| Price (1-Year) | €42.88 | €42.88 / €98.01 (3-year) |
| Discounts | 1/3 off for adults 60% off for children | 1/3 off for adults 60% off for children |
| Time restrictions | Not valid before 10am from Monday to Friday | Not valid for morning peak in the London & South East area from Monday to Friday |
| Season Tickets | | |
| Oyster Discount | | |
| Use in Scotland | | |
How to choose the right Railcard for you?
Different travel styles mean a different Railcard will suit you best. If you often travel by train in groups and are unsure which group travel Railcard will be most beneficial for you, we break down the scenarios that suit each type below.
Choose the Network Railcard
for The South East Explorer
You're living in Brighton and frequently take weekend day trips to London, Canterbury or Cambridge, by yourself or with your partner or friends.
In this case, the Network Railcard is the option for you. This is the only Railcard for groups of adults travelling in the London and South East area without kids – you can get a 1/3 discount for you and up to three other adults.
Choose the Family & Friends Railcard
for The Nationwide Holidaymaking Family
Choose the Network Railcard
for The Off-Peak Professional
You're a freelance graphic designer living in St. Albans with a client in Central London who schedules regular afternoon meetings 2–3 times a week.
As your travel is always after 10:00 AM, the Network Railcard's main restriction doesn't affect you, and this option allows you to travel alone, so this is the perfect option for you to enjoy a discount of 1/3 on off-peak travel.
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 Network Railcard
What is a Network Railcard?
A Network Railcard is a regional Railcard that provides train travel discounts within the designated London and South East England rail area. It offers discounts of 1/3 on most fares for the cardholder and up to three accompanying adults, as well as a 60% discount for up to 4 kids. The card costs €42.88 for one year.
Is it worth getting a Network Railcard?
Yes, if you spend more than €128.64 in eligible off-peak train fares within the Network Railcard area each year, then a Network Railcard will be worth getting. At a cost of €42.88, you will make net savings if you spend above €128.64 a year on eligible journeys.
Is the Network Railcard only for London?
No, the Network Railcard extends far beyond London across the South East of England, covering most routes south-east of a line stretching roughly from King's Lynn and Peterborough down to Exeter.How can I buy a Network Railcard?
Network Railcards can be purchased online via the official Network Railcard website or at staffed station ticket offices within the Network Railcard map. You will need a passport-style photo as well as the €42.88 fee.
Does a Network Railcard work everywhere?
No, Network Railcards do not provide discounts for journeys made entirely outside the London–South East Network Railcard area, for example, from Birmingham to Manchester. It also has time restrictions, and is not valid for travel before 10:00 on regular weekday mornings.
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