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  1. Can I use my Railcard at any time of day?
  2. Can I use my Railcard on any Train Company?
  3. Can I use my Railcard if I purchase my ticket on the train?
  4. If I am using my Family & Friends Railcard, can the second named cardholder also obtain discounts on a different journey?
  5. Can I use my Railcard to buy tickets for other people?
  6. Will I have to pay the full fare if I forget to bring my Railcard when I travel?
  7. Can I reserve my seat if booking a ticket in advance?
  8. Can I obtain discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards with a Family & Friends Railcard?
  9. Can I use my Railcard on Sleeper Trains?
  10. Can I use my Railcard for tickets for travel on the London Underground?
  11. Will I receive the Railcard discount on any chargeable items I take on the train with me?
  12. Can I use my Railcard in conjunction with Train Company special offers?
  13. Can I use my Railcard to save on more than just train travel?
  14. Can I still use my Family Railcard now the name has changed to 'Family & Friends Railcard'?


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

The railcard discount isn't available on tickets on morning peak period services, Monday to Friday (not including Public Holidays) when journeys are made wholly within the London and South East area.* This includes most South West Trains services to and from Waterloo. It's best to check with ticket office staff before buying your tickets.

If you travel regularly before 10am within the London and South East area, then a weekly or monthly season ticket may be more appropriate (a Railcard discount will not apply). Here is some more information about restrictions.

*Applies to routes shown in red on the Network Railcard map, plus Gatwick Express.

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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 except Eurostar. Special excursions and charters are also excluded.

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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.

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4. If I am using my Family & Friends Railcard, can the second named cardholder also obtain discounts on a different journey?

No. The Family & Friends Railcard must always be presented to purchase discounted tickets. If the second named cardholder is making a journey to a different location then they cannot use the Family & Friends Railcard to obtain discounts.

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

No. The Railcard is for your and the second named person's use. Additional accompanying passengers for whom discounted tickets are purchased for must travel with either named Railcard holder throughout the entire journey.

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

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7. 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.

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8. Can I obtain discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards with a Family & Friends Railcard?

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

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9. Can I use my Railcard on Sleeper Trains?

Traveling 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.

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

All discounted rail tickets bought using your Railcard routed 'between London termini' are valid for cross-London transfer on the London Underground. Off-Peak Day Travelcards (All Zones only) are also available, subject to a minimum fare. Please note that you cannot use your Railcard to obtain a discount when purchasing tickets from a London Underground booking office.

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11. 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 08457 48 49 50.

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12. 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 08457 48 49 50 or go to National Rail.

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13. Can I use my Railcard to save on more than just train travel?

We've worked with partners to give you some great Railcard offers. It's best to check the details for these on the website.

If you're opted in to receive emails from us, every few months we will make sure you know about these epic offers.

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 14. Can I still use my Family Railcard now the name has changed to 'Family & Friends Railcard'?

Of course! Your current Family Railcard is still completely valid, in fact it's even better!  Find out more about the changes and discounts on Advance fares.