Renew your digital Railcard online
Is it time to renew your Railcard? Why not renew it with us – just sign into your Trainline account and follow our easy steps to get started.
Renewing your digital Railcard by age
Age-based Railcards are great for students, young professionals, and seniors. If you've just come to the end of a 16-17 Saver, it's time for a digital 16-25 Railcard, and after that the 26-30 Railcard.
16-25
Railcard
For ages 16-25
Get 1/3 off train travel across Great Britain. Minimum fare applies
Great for:
Teenagers, students, graduates, and young professionals
1- or 3-year validity available
Save £20 with a 3-year Railcard
Digital only
Railcards live in your account in the Trainline app so you can use them on any of your compatible devices. No download codes are needed!
26-30
Railcard
£30
For ages 26-30
Get 1/3 off train travel across Great Britain. Minimum fare applies
Great for:
Millennials, graduates, and young professionals
Digital only
Railcards live in your account in the Trainline app so you can use them on any of your compatible devices. No download codes are needed!
Senior
Railcard
For ages 60+
Get 1/3 off train travel across Great Britain. Conditions apply
Great for:
Seniors, grandparents, and retirees
1- or 3-year validity available
Save £20 with a 3-year Railcard
Digital only
Your digital Railcard lives on your phone in the account section of the Trainline app. Because it's digital only, you won't need a paper copy of it to use your discount! You can use your Railcard on any of your compatible devices. No download codes are needed.
Renewing your digital Railcard by group
Group-based Railcards are great for couples, friends and families. You don't need to be related or in a relationship to use them. If you're aged 31-59 and don't qualify for an age-based Railcard, these are a good option.
Two Together
Railcard
£30
Must travel together
1/3 off train travel for you and a friend/companion when travelling together. Conditions apply
For ages 16+
Great for:
Friends, couples, flatmates, or colleagues who regularly travel together
Digital only
Railcards live in your account in the Trainline app so you can use them on any of your compatible devices. No download codes are needed!
Family & Friends
Railcard
For up to four adults and four children (5-15 years old)
Adults get 1/3 off, children get a 60% discount. At least 1 adult and 1 child must travel together. Conditions apply
Great for:
Anyone who travels in groups with children – no relation necessary
1- or 3-year validity available
Save £20 with a 3-year Railcard
Digital only
Railcards live in your account in the Trainline app so you can use them on any of your compatible devices. No download codes are needed!
Renewing your digital Railcard by region
Region-based Railcards apply to specific areas in Britain. If you travel within London and the South-East of England, the digital Network Railcard is for you.
Network
Railcard
£30
For travellers in the South-East of England
Get 1/3 off travel after 10:00 am (and any time on weekends and public holidays). Applies only to journeys starting and ending in the South-East Network Railcard zone.
For up to four adults and four children aged 5-15
Children get 60% off
Great for:
Commuters and Londoners
Digital only
Railcards live in your account in the Trainline app so you can use them on any of your compatible devices. No download codes are needed!
Am I eligible to renew my Railcard?
Most Railcards can be renewed no matter how old you are. However, some Railcards are dependent on your age, so you may no longer be able to renew them. Keep reading for more details.
Renewing your 16-17 Saver before you turn 18
You can renew your 16-17 Saver Railcard if you’re still 17 – your Railcard will be valid until the day before your 18th birthday. However, if you’ll be 18 soon, we recommend you buy a 16-25 Railcard as you’ll get 1/3 off rail travel for a longer period of time.
Renewing your 16-25 Railcard before you turn 26
You can renew your 16-25 Railcard before you turn 26 only if it’s due to expire within 30 days. You can buy a 3-year 16-25 Railcard up until the day before your 24th birthday, or a 1-year 16-25 Railcard up until the day before your 26th birthday, meaning your Railcard expiry date would be the day before your 27th birthday.
If your current Railcard is due to expire after your 26th birthday, you won’t be able to renew your 16-25 Railcard, unless you’re a mature student. If you’re not a mature student, we recommend you buy a 26-30 Railcard – it’ll only cost you £30 a year and you’ll keep saving 1/3 on rail travel.
Renewing your 26-30 Railcard before you turn 31
You can renew your 26-30 Railcard before you turn 31 if it’s due to expire within 30 days. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to renew your 26-30 Railcard early if it’ll expire after your 31st birthday. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of other Railcards you can buy – use our Railcard recommender to find the right digital Railcard for you.
How far in advance can I renew my Railcard?
You can renew your Railcard up to 4 weeks in advance of its expiry date. We will let you know when your Railcard is due to expire so you’re ready to renew it online with us.
Can I renew my Railcard after it expires?
Yes, absolutely. If you bought a digital Railcard online with us and it has already expired, you can renew it up to 1 year after its expiry date. For age-restricted Railcards such as the 16-25 Railcard, just make sure you're within the valid age range before renewing your Railcard.
How do I renew my Railcard online?
To renew your Railcard, you first need to have an active Trainline account online. Please note that the minimum Operating System (OS) required to renew your Railcard is iOS 15.0 and above or Lollipop on Android. Don’t have our app yet? Download it now and follow these easy steps to get started.
1
When you search in the app, you may see a message telling you that your Railcard has expired. If so, tap ‘Renew my Railcard’ to start your quick renewal
2
Your expired Railcard lives in your account. If valid, you’ll see the ‘Renew’ button – tap it to get started
3
You’ll see all your Railcard details. If applicable, you’ll also see an option to switch to a 3-year Railcard. If you’re happy with the details, simply tap ‘Continue to pay’. Need to change your details or upload a new photo? No problem! Tap ‘Edit details’
4
Once you confirm all your details, you’ll be taken to the payment page to complete your renewal purchase
5
And that’s it! Your shiny renewed Railcard will continue to save you 1/3 on UK rail travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of renewing with Trainline?
When renewing with us, your Railcard will be digital, meaning it’ll live on your phone, in our app. That means no more fishing around in your wallet for a paper copy, and no more forgetting it at home. Plus, you won’t have to re-enter your details nor go all the way to the station and fill out a form to renew your Railcard – you can do it from the palm of your hand.
Do Railcards renew automatically?
No, unfortunately Railcards do not renew automatically. You need to make sure that your Railcard is renewed if you don’t want to be charged a penalty fare for travelling with an expired Railcard.
Do I need to prove my eligibility again if I am applying online?
No, you won’t need to prove your eligibility again when renewing your Railcard with us, unless you’re a mature student applying for a 16-25 Railcard. If you’re renewing a Disabled Persons Railcard, you may be asked to resubmit evidence of eligibility.
Please note that the Disabled Persons Railcard and the 16-25 Railcard for mature students are not available to buy with Trainline at this time. We are currently working on the ability to verify eligibility.
Do I need a new photo to renew my Railcard online?
No, you won’t need to upload a new photo to renew your Railcard online with us. You’ll just need to be logged into your Trainline account, select the Railcard type you want to renew, confirm your details and then pay for your new Railcard.
Do I need a Trainline account to renew my Railcard online?
Yes, when you renew your Railcard with us, your Railcard will be linked to your Trainline account and will be stored in the Trainline app. Don’t have our app yet? Download it now.
Can I renew my Railcard at a station?
Yes, if you do not wish to renew online, you can also renew your Railcard at a staffed station ticket office. Please note that the 16-17 Saver, 26-30 Railcard, Disabled Persons Railcard and Veterans Railcards are not available to buy/renew at stations.
If I bought my Railcard at the station, can I renew it online with Trainline?
Unfortunately, if you bought your Railcard at a National Rail station, you won’t be able to renew it with us as it will not appear in your Trainline account. However, you can buy a new Railcard online with us after the one you bought at the station expires.
Renew your Railcard and save 1/3 on rail travel in the UK
Planning your next trip but not sure where to go? Check out our travel hub for some of the best inspirational days out you can take by train using your Railcard. Get 1/3 off rail travel and enjoy exploring the UK!
Learn more about UK Railcards
So, now you know all about how to renew a Railcard with us. If you want to find out more about the different types of Railcards available to save on rail fares, check out some of our guides below.