New Railcard prices confirmed
The cost of most Railcards will rise on 2 March 2025. One year Railcards will cost £35, up from £30. Three year Railcards will cost £80, up from £70.
Regulated train fares will rise by 4.6% on the same day.
The exception is the Disabled Persons Railcard, the price of which will continue to be frozen. It already costs less than any other Railcard, at £20 for one year and £54 for three.
The government first indicated its intention to increase the price of Railcards in the Autumn 2024 Budget, pending an 'industry review'. It will be the first increase to the annual fee of a Railcard in over a decade.
| Railcard | New price | Old price |
|---|---|---|
| 16–17 Saver | £35 GBP | £30 GBP |
| 16-25 Railcard (One year) |
£35 GBP | £30 GBP |
| 16-25 Railcard (One year) |
£80 GBP | £70 GBP |
| 26–30 Railcard | £35 GBP | £30 GBP |
| Family and Friends Railcard (One year) |
£35 GBP | £30 GBP |
| Family and Friends Railcard (Three years) |
£80 GBP | £70 GBP |
| Network Railcard | £35 GBP | £30 GBP |
| Senior Railcard (One year) |
£35 GBP | £30 GBP |
| Senior Railcard (Three years) |
£80 GBP | £70 GBP |
| Two Together Railcard | £35 GBP | £30 GBP |
| Veterans Railcard (One year) |
£35 GBP | £30 GBP |
| Veterans Railcard (Three years) |
£80 GBP | £70 GBP |
| Disabled Persons Railcard (One year) |
£20 GBP | £20 GBP |
| Disabled Persons Railcard (Three years) |
£54 GBP | £54 GBP |
The Rail Delivery Group said the additional fee would go towards 'keeping train services running, funding improvements and delivering a more reliable and sustainable service with a better overall experience for passengers.'
But with train fares rising across the board, the Railcard discount being cut from 34% to 33.4% in September 2024, the annual Railcard fee increasing by £5, and the bus fare cap rising to £3, relying on public transport is becoming ever more expensive.
Meanwhile, fuel duty remains frozen and the 5p cut extended for another year.
