What is a veteran's railcard?
A veteran's railcard is a discount card giving UK veterans and merchant mariners a third off the National Rail network in England, Scotland and Wales. The discount is applicable to Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak and Advance tickets.
What are the veterans railcard benefits?
As well as saving a third on rail travel, those eligible can also add a named companion to the card, giving them a third off travel when they are travelling with you. A veteran's railcard also gives you 60% discount for up to four children travelling with you.
The savings also apply to travel within London. The card can be linked with an Oyster Card, giving those eligible a third off Off-Peak travel in and around London.
A veteran's railcard is also one of the only railcards that can be used at Peak times, making discounted travel even more flexible.
Who is eligible for a veteran's railcard?
It’s for UK veterans and merchant mariners. If you have served at least one day or more in His Majesty’s Armed Forces (Reserve or Regular), or if you’re a Merchant Mariner who has seen duty on legally defined military operations, then you are eligible.
You will need to provide proof of eligibility when applying for a veteran's railcard.
How much is a veteran's railcard?
You can choose to purchase either a one-year railcard, or a three-year railcard. For one year, the card costs £30 and for three years, it costs £70.
If you are likely to be using the card across a few years, it works out cheaper to buy the three-year railcard to begin with, rather than renew the card each year
Should I get a veteran's railcard or senior railcard?
The first thing to consider when choosing a railcard is the eligibility criteria. A senior railcard is for individuals who are aged 60 and older, whereas a veteran's railcard is for everyone who has served at least one day or more in the Armed Forces, regardless of the individual’s age.
If you frequently travel with other adults or children, you might benefit from choosing a veteran's railcard since the discount extends to one adult and up to four children, giving you a bigger saving overall.
Restrictions on both railcards
There are also some restrictions on both types of railcards which could influence your decision.
Senior railcards are restricted Monday to Friday during morning Peak time services, when journeys are made within the London and South-East Network railcard area. This excludes public holidays.
A veteran's railcard can be used any time of day, but there is a £12 minimum fare on all journeys made Monday to Friday between 04:30 and 09:59 on public holidays, or within July and August. This restriction excludes Advance fares.
What proof do I need for a veteran's railcard?
When applying, you will need to provide evidence of one of the following
- A military or veterans identification card or certificate
- Proof of an award under Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- A notification or letter regarding a claim for injury under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- A notification or letter regarding a claim for injury under the War Pension Scheme
- Proof of receiving an Armed Forces Pension
- Proof of receiving an ongoing award under the War Pension Scheme
- Proof of having served as a Merchant Mariner and seen duty on legally defined military operations.
If you are buying the railcard for someone else, then you will need the railcard holder’s details, including their email address and proof of eligibility.
How do I apply for a veteran's railcard?
You can buy a veteran's railcard online and choose between a one-year card or a three-year card.
When applying, you can decide how you want to receive your railcard. You can either get a digital veterans railcard, which is instantly available but requires you to download the railcard app, or you can apply for a plastic railcard which will be sent to you in the post. If you’re choosing the digital card option, you can download the railcard app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
During the application, you will be asked for proof of eligibility and a passport style photo of the railcard holder, as well as a companion (if applicable).
If you are buying the railcard for someone else, then you will need the railcard holder’s details, including their email address.
Get help
If you need support with your physical or mental health, feel lonely, or need help with housing, or applying for benefits, just get in touch. We also host free activities and events across the UK so you can spend time with other veterans and find activities to enjoy in your community.
To get support, all you need to do is submit an online form or call our friendly helpline team on 0300 303 9888.
FAQs
How do I renew my veteran’s railcard?
To renew a card, you will need to log into your account on the veteran's railcard website. After logging in, select ‘renew my railcard’ and choose between a one- or three-year renewal.
You may be asked to re-upload your photo during the renewal process.
Can my spouse or partner use my veteran's railcard?
One of the benefits is being able to add an adult companion to the card, who will also receive a third off when travelling with the cardholder. Your spouse or partner can be added as your companion, but they cannot use your railcard without you present.
Who can be my veterans’ railcard companion?
You can add any adult as your railcard companion, however once a named companion has been added, it can’t be changed. To get the most out of the savings, it is best to add a companion who you are likely to travel frequently with.
Where can I use my veteran’s railcard?
Your veteran’s railcard can be used in England, Scotland and Wales.
Share
