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How do I buy a Railcard on Trainpal?

Buying a Railcard with TrainPal is quick and simple, and it is one of the easiest ways to save money on your journeys. Whether you are a student heading to university, a parent planning school runs, or someone who travels regularly, there is a Railcard for you.

All Railcards on TrainPal are digital, so you can start using them straight away in the TrainPal app. Buying one is simple: just find the best fit for your age and usage, make sure to use the same account on your TrainPal app for your Railcard and your ticket purchases, and show your Railcard as and when needed.

Choose the Right Railcard
STEP 1

Choose the Right Railcard

Pick the Railcard that matches your age, travel habits, or group size, such as the 16-25 Railcard, Family & Friends Railcard, or 16-17 Saver.
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Add Your Details and Photo
STEP 2

Add Your Details and Photo

Enter your personal information and upload a passport-style photo. Some Railcards will also ask for proof of ID.

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Apply Any Promo Codes
STEP 3

Apply Any Promo Codes

If you have a discount, enter it at checkout to save even more.

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Activate Your Railcard
STEP 4

Activate Your Railcard

After completing your purchase, you will need to buy a train ticket to activate your Railcard in your TrainPal account.

More Student Train Discounts

Being a student in the UK can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money on train travel. Whether you’re moving into student accommodation, heading home for the weekend, or exploring new places with friends, knowing how to find the best train ticket deals can make a real difference. Here are some of the best ways for students to save on UK train fares:

1. Get the Right Railcard:

A 16-25 Railcard gives you up to a third off train fares and is also available to full-time students over 25. The 26-30 Railcard offers the same discount for those in that age group, while the 16-17 Saver Railcard gives up to 50% off. Choose the Railcard that best suits your needs.

2. Book Early:

Advance train tickets are usually much cheaper than buying on the day. Use TrainPal to search and book in advance to secure the lowest prices.

3. Travel Off-Peak:

Avoid peak times to benefit from Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak fares. Add your Railcard for even more savings.

4. Use GroupSave:

If you’re travelling with friends, GroupSave offers a third off Off-Peak fares for groups of three to nine people—perfect for uni trips or weekends away.

5. Try Split Ticketing:

TrainPal can automatically split your journey into multiple tickets to find a lower total fare, often without needing to change trains.

6. Consider a Season Ticket:

If you travel the same route regularly, a Season Ticket can work out cheaper than buying single tickets each time.

7. Look for Exclusive Student Discounts:

TrainPal partners with Student Beans and UNiDAYS to offer exclusive student discounts. Check our student discount page for the latest offers.

8. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates:

Travelling mid-week or adjusting your travel dates can help you find cheaper fares compared to Fridays or Sundays.

9. Check Regional Railcards:

Some areas offer local Railcards, such as the Network Railcard in the South East, which provide extra savings.

By using these student train travel tips and TrainPal’s money-saving features, you can make your journeys more affordable. Start searching for cheap train tickets today!

Explore Trains Travel Guides to Universities

<a href='/guide/trains-to-university-birmingham'>Trains to Birmingham University</a>

Trains to Birmingham University

Hop off at Birmingham New Street and be at the campus in minutes. A fast, easy and affordable journey from almost anywhere in the UK.

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<a href='/guide/trains-to-university-manchester'>Trains to the University of Manchester</a>

Trains to the University of Manchester

Arrive at Manchester Piccadilly and then head to campus by tram, bus or foot. Well-connected routes from across the country make travel a breeze.

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<a href='/guide/trains-to-university-bristol'>Trains to the University of Bristol</a>

Trains to the University of Bristol

Step off at Bristol Temple Meads and reach campus in under 20 minutes. Great links from London, the Midlands and the South West.

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<a href='/guide/trains-to-university-reading'>Trains to the University of Reading</a>

Trains to the University of Reading

Reading station offers quick trains from London and beyond, all placing you just a stone’s throw away from the university.

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<a href='/guide/trains-to-lancaster-university'>Trains to Lancaster University</a>

Trains to Lancaster University

Arrive at Lancaster station and reach campus in minutes by bus or taxi. Northern and TransPennine Express services make travel easy.

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<a href='/guide/trains-to-newcastle-university'>Trains to Newcastle University</a>

Trains to Newcastle University

Newcastle Central puts you right in the heart of the city to get you from station to campus with ease.

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Trains to the University of Edinburgh

Trains to the University of Edinburgh

Arrive at Edinburgh Waverley and be close to campus in minutes, no matter where you’re travelling in from.

Trains to the University of Glasgow

Trains to the University of Glasgow

Glasgow Queen Street and Central stations bring you into the centre of Glasgow and give countless options to reach the campus.

<a href='/guide/trains-to-university-cambridge'>Trains to the University of Cambridge</a>

Trains to the University of Cambridge

Cambridge station connects easily with London, the Midlands and East Anglia. Cycle, bus or walk to campus in under 15 minutes.

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Trains to the University of Oxford

Trains to the University of Oxford

Arrive at Oxford station and reach campus quickly on foot, by bike or by bus. Frequent trains from London and other major cities.