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Can I Get a Veterans Railcard?

If you’re a UK Veteran, you could get 1/3 off your rail fares with a Veterans Railcard

Armed Forces Day in the UK is on Saturday 28 June 2025. But veterans can apply for a Veterans Railcard at any time, and use it all year round.

What is the Veterans Railcard?

The Veterans Railcard is a discount card for UK Veterans that gives you 1/3 off most rail travel.

You can also add a named companion to the card so when they travel with you, they get get 1/3 off too. And up to 4 children travelling with you will get a 60% discount as well.

Am I entitled to a Veterans Railcard?

If you are a veteran who has served at least 1 day in His Majesty’s UK Armed Forces, or a UK Merchant Mariner who has seen duty on legally defined military operations, then you are eligible for a Veterans Railcard.

Find out more about eligibility(external link, opens in a new tab).

How long does the Veterans Railcard last?

The Veterans Railcard comes in a 1-year or 3-year option.

How much does the Veterans Railcard cost?

The Veterans Railcard costs £35 for 1 year or £80 for 3 years.

Veterans Railcard

  • For UK Veterans

  • Just £35 for 1 year or £80 for 3 years

  • 1/3 off most rail travel for you and a named companion

How do I get a Veterans Railcard?

To apply for a Veterans Railcard you will need to fill out a form, either online or by post, and provide proof of your eligibility.

See the full list of eligibility documents(external link, opens in a new tab) and what to do if you need to request replacement documents.(external link, opens in a new tab)

There are 2 ways to get your Veterans Railcard

  • Online

  • By post

You are not able to apply for your Veterans Railcard in person at a National Rail station.

Applying for a Veterans Railcard online

To apply online, make sure you have:

  • Evidence of your eligibility as a veteran

  • A good quality digital passport-style photo ready to upload (of yourself and your named companion, if required)

  • A debit or credit card

Then fill out your application on the Veterans Railcard website(external link, opens in a new tab).

How quickly will I get my Veterans Railcard if I apply online?

If you’re applying for a digital Railcard online, you will get an email with a download code once your application has been approved (which can take 5 working days). Once you download the Railcard app and add your Railcard, you can start using it straight away.

If you’re applying for a physical Railcard online, your Railcard should be sent out within 1 working day of it being approved (which can take 5 working days), but it’s probably best to allow 10 days for your Railcard to arrive. It’ll be sent out free of charge by First Class post, but if you prefer, you have the option to pay for Special Delivery.

Applying for a Veterans Railcard by post

To apply by post, you need to:

Download and complete the Veterans Railcard application form (PDF, 320kb), then send:

  • Your completed application form

  • A copy of your evidence of eligibility

  • A passport style photo of yourself and your named companion (if required)

  • Payment (you can fill out your card details, or send a cheque or postal order)

to: National Railcards, PO box 8626, SWADLINCOTE, DE11 1JA

How quickly will I get my Veterans Railcard if I apply by post?

If you’re applying for a physical Railcard by post, please allow 20 days from the date of posting your application form for your Railcard to be delivered.

How to use the Veterans Railcard

The Veterans Railcard gets you 1/3 off Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares across England, Wales and Scotland. Some restrictions do apply – see the full restriction details(external link, opens in a new tab).

You must carry your valid Railcard with you when travelling using Railcard discounted tickets.

See the full Veterans Railcard terms and conditions(external link, opens in a new tab).

FAQs

You might be able to get another kind of Railcard – find out which of the 9 national Railcards best suits your needs.

If you can’t find the right Railcard for you, you can still enjoy great savings by booking in advance, travelling at quieter times and finding out about the latest special offers and promotions.

No, the Veterans Railcard costs £35 for 1 year or £80 for 3 years.

No, you are not able to apply for your Veterans Railcard in person at a National Rail station. You can apply online or by post.

The Railcard is valid for you, plus a named companion if you want, and you can also get 60% off tickets for up to 4 children travelling with you.

You can use the Railcard at any time of day but there is a £12 minimum fare on all journeys made between 04:30 and 09:59 on Monday to Friday (excluding Advance fares), on Public Holidays or in July and August.

Find out more about when and how you can use the Veterans Railcard(external link, opens in a new tab).

Yes, if buy a digital Railcard you can add it to the Railcard app on your phone.

Yes, providing that there are reservations available on the service on which you are travelling. Many train companies will allow you to reserve a seat free of charge on longer distance journeys.

With your Veterans Railcard you can get 1/3 off an Anytime Day Travelcard when bought as part of your journey to London from outside London Zones 1 to 9 (subject to a minimum fare, which is currently £22.60).

You can also load your Veterans Railcard onto your Oyster Card to get 1/3 off single Off-peak pay as you go fares. You will need to have registered your Oyster in your name. Simply take your Oyster card and Railcard to a London Underground station and ask a member of staff to set the discount for you. You can also get the discount set at Oyster Ticket Shops and Visitor Centres.

No, the Veterans Railcard discount can’t be used on Eurostar tickets.

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