Validity

 

1. Can I use my Railcard at any time of day?

Yes you can, however for all journeys made before 10am, Monday to Friday (excluding July & August and Public Holidays), a minimum fare applies. Here is some more information about minimum fares.

2. Can I use my Railcard on any Train Company?

Yes. Your Railcard is accepted by all of the Train Companies who operate Passenger Railway Services in Great Britain except Eurostar. Special excursions and charters are also excluded.

3. Can I use my Railcard if I purchase my ticket on the train?

If the opportunity exists to buy your ticket before you board the train, then you must do so, otherwise you could be charged the full price Standard Single fare. However, if there is no ticket office, or the ticket office is closed and there is no ticket machine from which to buy your discounted ticket, then you will be able to purchase your discounted ticket on board the train from the conductor.

4. Can I use my Railcard to buy tickets for other people?

Members of HM Forces, including Volunteer Reservists, or a spouse/civil partner of a member may take up to 4 children aged between 5 and 15 years (incl) on the date of travel, for a discount of 81% off the adult fare when travelling in First or Standard class accommodation, subject to a £1 minimum fare.

This concession does not apply if the railcard holder is a dependant of a member of HM Forces aged 16 and 17 years only.

The Railcard does not allow you to purchase tickets for another adult at a discount

5. Will I have to pay the full fare if I forget to bring my Railcard when I travel?

Yes. You must show your valid Railcard and Photocard when you buy your ticket. You must also have your Railcard and Photocard with you on each journey and present to staff when your ticket is checked aboard the train. Failure to present both your Railcard and Photocard will mean a full fare is payable, which is not refundable.

6. Can I reserve my seat if booking a ticket in advance?

Yes. Many Train Companies will allow you to reserve a seat free of charge on longer distance journeys.

7. Can I obtain discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards with the HM Forces Railcard?

No, the Railcard offers no discount on these ticket types.

8. Can I use my Railcard on Sleeper Trains?

Travelling on a Sleeper Train requires two payments, one for the rail ticket and one for the berth. The Railcard will give you a discount on the rail ticket element, but not on the berth fee. From time to time, the different Train Companies may advertise special offers for Railcard holders.

9. Can I use my Railcard for tickets for travel on the London Underground?

With your Railcard you can get 1/3 off a London Zones 1-6 Off-Peak Day Travelcard (subject to a minimum fare) and an Anytime Day Travelcard when bought as part of your journey to London from outside London Zones 1-9 (subject to a minimum fare).
 

With an Oyster card, you can get your Railcard discount loaded onto your Oyster card to save 1/3 on single off-peak pay as you go fares on London Underground and Docklands Light Railway services in London. You will need to have registered your Oyster in your name to do this. Simply take your Oyster card and valid Railcard to a London Underground station and ask a member of staff to set the discount for you. You can also get the discount set at Oyster Ticket Shops and Visitor Centres.


10. Will I receive the Railcard discount on any chargeable items I take on the train with me?

The Railcard discount does not cover charges on accompanied articles or animals. For details of which items carry a charge, and details of the charges, please call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.

11. Can I use my Railcard in conjunction with Train Company special offers?

Your Railcard may get you the full 1/3 discount on some Train Company special offers, but many special offers include a smaller discount or no discount at all.
It's best to ask at your local station for details of a specific offer or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50 or go to nationalrail.co.uk

12.Can I use my existing Railcard after leaving the service?

You are permitted to use the railcard until its expiry date, even if you leave the service before this time. After this date you will no longer be eligible to apply for the railcard (Units have been advised not to withdraw railcards from personnel on termination of service).

13. Can a MOD Rail Warrant be used to purchase a ticket discounted by the HM Forces Railcard?

The use of MOD warrants or any other rail warrant to purchase a railcard discounted ticket is not permitted.