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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.

The Railcard costs £30 and is good for an entire year from date of purchase.

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 have to make up that difference immediately on board if you don't have your railcard!

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.