UK Trains |
16-25 Rail
Card
Each student will purchase a 16-25
Railcard for travel in the UK.
It will save you money (about 1/3 discount) on
rail trips in the UK as well as discounted fares on Transport for London
(tfl) trips.
You must have
your railcard with you when you travel
(on both train and tfl trips), or you’ll have to
make up the considerable difference in fares between your discounted
ticket and the standard ticket price.
Don't worry if you are over 25, UI
IPO will verify your full-time status on your completed student railcard
application form.
How to Purchase your 16-25 Railcard
Download and complete the application form
<https://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/using-your-railcard/where-to-buy/>.
Even though the website gives you the option, you will NOT be able to
purchase your railcard on-line. Purchase it at a staffed station.
Be sure you’ve read the terms and conditions information (page 3 of the railcard application form).
All students should pack at least two (2) copies of their completed
Railcard application form. Mature students (over 25 years old) must have
the IPO complete the mature student section of the 16–25 Railcard
application form (including an original seal on each copy).
Mature students should bring at least three (3) copies (in case a
station agent denies your request and won’t return your application
form).
Purchase your
railcard directly from the ticketing agent at any staffed rail station
(all London stations [except Heathrow])
upon your
arrival in the
UK.
You’ll need to show the station attendant your passport and
international student photo ID (as proof of full-time status and
identity; it’s a good idea to also have a scanned copy of this ID), as
well as provide a passport-sized and style photo along
with your completed application form.
Using your Railcard
Always carry your Railcard with you.
Conductors check both your ticket and your
railcard. If either is missing, you'll be responsible for paying the
full fare.
You will be responsible for ticketing and paying for your train travel.
You can book your train trips on-line up to 12 weeks in advance for the
lowest fare.
Remember to
“add”
a 16–25 Railcard
to
get the discounted fare when you book
your ticket to get the discount even if you are NOT yet in possession of
it. You will have your railcard by the time you take the trip. Book your
train travel through
<http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/>
or
<http://www.thetrainline.com>
(cheapest fares, U.S. credit cards ok). Choose to pick up your tickets
at London Kings Cross Station (KGX, closest to Victoria Hall Kings Cross, your
London dorm) any time before your
train trip. To collect your tickets from the machine at the
station, you’re required to use the same credit/debit card you used to
purchase the tickets.
Some trips will not require the 12-week advance for the best price
(e.g., off-peak-day returns London King's Cross>Nottingham). Such
tickets can be purchased the same day that you travel.
Class trips not requiring advance purchase
London to Hackbridge
(BedZED), as well as most day return trips (except Oxford).
For train travel to Oxford make sure you purchase
your ticket in advance with the Plus Bus
option <plusbus.info> (£2.80), which allows you unrestricted bus travel for
that day in Oxford. Depending on your plans, you may need a Plus Bus for
Chichester, Nottingham, or Cambridge (prices vary). Include
the Plus Bus option when you buy your train
ticket.
With your 16-25
Railcard, set the
discount concession
on a standard adult Oyster card for travel by tube, overground, and
busses in London.
To get this 33% discount on off-peak travel on your Oyster see seminar
London Transit (TfL) link below for more information.
Setting the discount is free.
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