The Veterans Railcard allows veterans and their families to get discounted rail travel. You’ll get 1/3 off your train tickets, with another named adult also benefiting from the same discount. Any children that are added can see as much as 60% off the cost of their train tickets.
Eligible applicants can get one by completing an online application and can either opt for a digital card that is ready for use instantly, or a physical version that is sent via post.
In this guide, we’ll look at the Veterans Railcard, its costs, the application process and what discounts it provides. For information about what veterans get for free in the UK, check our blog.
Veterans Railcard summary
| What does it offer | Discounted rail travel for a veteran and their family |
| What is the discount | 1/3 off rail travel for a veteran and one named adult, up to 60% off for children |
| How much is it? | £35 for one year or £80 for three years |
| Eligibility criteria | Must have served at least one day in the Armed Forces (including reserves) |
| Evidence required | Includes: Military or veteran ID card or certificate, proof of armed forces pension, proof of award under War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme |
| When can it be used? | Any time for peak and off-peak travel. Journeys between 04:30 and 09:59 (Monday-Friday) have a £12 minimum (exclusions apply) |
What is a Veterans Railcard?
A Veterans Railcard is a way for armed forces veterans and their families to get discounted rail travel. For a yearly fee, eligible applicants can get 1/3 off their train tickets, with an additional adult also benefiting from the same discount. Up to four children can also be named on the railcard and see as much as a 60% discount on their train journeys.
The discount applies to peak and off-peak travel and can be used on standard and first class travel. Advance bookings are also included, making it extra beneficial if you are planning a trip to visit other veterans no longer living in the local area.
The discount applies to travel on the national rail network, meaning trips across England, Scotland and Wales are all included. There are a few restrictions and eligibility criteria which we cover further down the page.
How much is the Veterans Railcard?
The Veterans Railcard is just £35 for the year. However, a discounted three-year option is also available that costs just £80. At present, the Veterans Railcard is one of the only railcards that can be used at peak times, so the saving really does represent great value, especially if you want to set out early to travel longer distances.
When can I use the Veterans Railcard?
The Veterans Railcard can be used at any time for both peak and off-peak travel, including weekends and public holidays. There is one caveat worth noting: any travel between 04:30 and 09:59 Monday to Friday will require a minimum fare of £12 for the discount to be applied.
Travel outside of these times, public holidays and advance fares have the discount applied regardless of ticket price, so there is no minimum. During July and August, no minimum fare applies on any day, making summer rail travel a little more appealing.
Season tickets currently remain exempt from the discount, as does Eurostar travel and travel on Hull Trains.
Who is eligible for a Veterans Railcard?
To be eligible for a Veterans Railcard, you must have served at least one day or more in the Armed Forces either as a regular member or a reserve. Merchant Mariners who have also seen duty on legally defined military operations are also eligible. When applying, you’ll need to prove you are eligible. This can be done by using one of the following:
- A military or Veterans ID card or certificate
- A notification or letter regarding a claim for injury under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- Proof of an award under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- A notification or letter regarding a claim for injury under the War Pension Scheme
- Proof of receiving an ongoing award under the War Pension Scheme
- Proof of receiving an Armed Forces Pension
- Proof of having served as a Merchant Mariner and seen duty on legally defined military operations
How do I apply for a Veterans Railcard?
To apply for a Veterans Railcard, you can complete this simple online application. Applying online should take about ten minutes. You’ll need:
- A valid debit or credit card
- Proof of eligibility
- A passport-style photo of the applicant and companion if relevant
- If buying for someone else, you’ll need their information such as an email address.
The process is easy to follow, with each stage clearly marked for each part of your application.
You can also choose between a physical card that will be posted or a digital card that can be loaded onto your smartphone. The digital card is available instantly, whereas the posted version may take up to 15 days, depending on the postage method you have chosen.
First class is free, Signed For is £2.95 and Special Delivery is £6.85. (Prices are subject to change.)
If you have chosen the digital version, just remember to download the Railcard app to your smartphone so you can access your card.
How much can you save with a Veterans Railcard?
The savings of 1/3 that you get with a Veterans Railcard can be significant. This example shows you just how much cash you could save to help demonstrate how beneficial the card can be:
- Ticket Price: £60 anytime return
- Discount: £20
- Total ticket cost: £40
Considering the card costs just £35, it can pay for itself in just two journeys. Remember, the discount also applies to tickets for up to four children and your named adult companion.
Where can’t you use the Veterans Railcard?
You can’t use the Veterans Railcard on Hull Trains season tickets and Eurostar, and unless the discount is applied to an Oyster card or a travelcard is purchased, the Veterans Railcard can’t be used for London Underground or DLR travel.
To have a Veterans Railcard added to an Oyster card, take your Oyster card and Veterans Railcard to an 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 or Visitor Centres.
How Trinity helps protect you when you travel
A Veterans Railcard helps you keep the cost of UK rail travel down, but when plans take you overseas, it pays to have a suitable travel insurance policy. At Trinity, we provide military and veterans travel insurance that includes cancellation cover, protection for over 150 sports and activities, and up to £15m worth of medical expenses cover.Get a quote online with our trusted travel partner.
Veterans Railcard FAQs
Do you have to pay for a Veterans Railcard?
Yes. A Veterans Railcard costs £35 for one year or £80 for three years. The three-year option saves you £25 compared with annual renewal.
Who is eligible for a Veterans Railcard?
You are eligible for a Veterans Railcard if you have served at least one day in the UK Armed Forces as a regular or reserve. UK Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations also qualify.
Can you use a Veterans Railcard at peak times?
Yes. It is one of the few railcards valid at peak times. A £12 minimum fare applies to certain journeys (Mon to Fri 04:30-09:59). However, the minimum fare is not applied to advance bookings, weekends, public holidays or any travel in July and August.
How long does a Veterans Railcard take to arrive?
A digital card is ready to use as soon as your download code arrives after your application is approved. A physical card can take up to 15 days to arrive.
Can family members use a Veterans Railcard?
Yes. You can name one adult companion who gets the same 1/3 discount when travelling with you, and up to four children aged 5-15 who get 60% off.