Whether you’re travelling to college, commuting to work or planning a weekend away, the 16-25 Railcard is one of the easiest ways to save on rail travel. With a valid Railcard, you can save one-third on eligible fares, making it easier to enjoy more trips for less throughout the year.
Buy your national rail train tickets online now to enjoy amazing discounts and a superior travel experience. Download the c2c app for the easiest way to purchase digital tickets and get the latest travel updates.
Buy TicketsWhat is a 16-25 Railcard and How Much Does It Cost?
A 16-25 Railcard is a discount card that gives eligible young people one-third off a wide range of rail fares across Great Britain. Sometimes referred to as the young persons’ Railcard in the UK, it’s available to anyone aged 16 to 25, as well as mature students who meet the eligibility requirements.
The Railcard can be used on eligible Standard Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak and Advance fares across the National Rail network. It can also be used during peak weekday travel, although a minimum fare of £12 applies to journeys made between 04:30 and 10:00, Monday to Friday. This minimum fare does not apply at weekends, on public holidays, or during July and August.
16-25 Railcard Prices & Options
Current Railcard prices for ages 16-25 are £35 for one year or £80 for a three-year Railcard. Buying the three-year option before your 24th birthday can offer even greater value if you expect to travel regularly over the next few years.
Eligibility for Students & Under 25s
A Railcard for 16-25-year-olds is available to anyone aged between 16 and 25. Mature students may also qualify for an under-25 Railcard by completing an additional application as part of the registration process.
Why choose c2c?
With c2c you not only get great prices but also a great service!
Easy tickets
Contactless? Season ticket? Railcard? Whichever way you want to manage your tickets with c2c you can use what works for you
Wifi onboard
Stay connected throughout your travels. Need to finish that one email? No problem! Enjoy free wifi on all of our trains
No booking fees
What you see is what you pay. No hidden fees, no extra charges
Trains every 15min
On most of our routes train can run as frequently as every 15min during the day
Where to Buy a 16-25 Railcard & How to Use It on c2c Trains
You can apply online through the official Railcard website or visit a staffed station ticket office to purchase your Railcard. If you choose a digital Railcard, you’ll receive a download code to add it to the Railcard app after your application has been approved.
Once you’ve received your Railcard, simply select it when booking eligible c2c journeys to receive your 16-25 Railcard discount where available.
How to Buy Your Railcard
Applying online is straightforward:
- Complete the application through the official Railcard website.
- Upload your photo and proof of identity.
- Choose a one-year or three-year Railcard.
- Receive your digital download code or request a physical Railcard.
- Start booking discounted journeys with c2c.
If you’d rather apply in person, you can also visit a staffed station ticket office with your completed application, identification and photograph.
Buy ticketsFrequently asked questions
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Can I use a 16-25 Railcard during peak travel times?
Yes. The Railcard can be used during peak travel, although a £12 minimum fare applies to journeys between 04:30 and 10:00 from Monday to Friday. Weekend, public holiday and July or August travel is not subject to this minimum fare. Note that while this July and August summer minimum fare waiver applies to 16-25 Railcards, it does not apply to the 26-30 Railcard.
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What happens if I turn 26 while holding a 16-25 Railcard?
Your Railcard remains valid until its expiry date, even if you turn 26 during the validity period. If you’ve purchased a three-year 16 to 25 Railcard before your 24th birthday, you can continue using it until it expires.
Once it expires, you can seamlessly transition to the 26-30 Railcard to continue saving 1/3 on your rail journeys with c2c.
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How much is a 16-25 Railcard?
A one-year Railcard costs £35, while a three-year Railcard costs £80. Depending on how often you travel, these Railcard deals can quickly pay for themselves through discounted fares.
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Can I travel regularly with my Railcard?
A Railcard is one of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of rail travel if you’re a student or young adult travelling regularly. Once your Railcard is ready, book your next journey with c2c and enjoy savings on eligible train tickets, making it easier to travel more often with cheap train tickets throughout the year.
Buy c2c train tickets with a 16-25 Railcard discount
Buy and use your c2c train tickets your way—whether it’s online, via our app, or with contactless tap-in, it’s quick, convenient, and paper-free.
Contactless
Just touch in and touch out with your card or device.
Skip the queues with the quickest way to travel.
e-ticket
Buy your barcode ticket online and scan at the ticket gates.
Save 1/3rd at weekends when you book in advance
Save 33% or more with a railcard
Smartcard
Load up tickets on c2c Smartcard and app.
Save on repeat journeys with a season ticket
Automatic delay repay
Travel on the underground