Veterans Railcard: train discounts for armed forces veterans

The Veterans Railcard is a card for UK Armed Forces veterans. It was introduced to make train travel cheaper for those who served and their companions.

Who is eligible?

Service makes you eligible — you need to have served at least one day in His Majesty's Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve). Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations also qualify. Veterans visiting Britain can use it too.

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How much does it cost?

A one-year card is £35 and a three-year card £80 (a £25 saving).

What is the discount?

The holder gets 1/3 off most fares. You can also name one adult companion who also gets 1/3 off when travelling with you, and up to 4 children aged 5–15 travel at 60% off. For weekday journeys before 10am a £12 minimum fare applies (except Advance fares, public holidays, and July and August).

How do you apply?

Apply online at railcard.co.uk, attaching proof of veteran status and a passport-style photo; processing takes up to 5 working days. A postal option exists too — the form with proof and payment is sent to National Railcards. When buying tickets, choose the Veterans Railcard fare and carry the card for checks.

What documents prove veteran status?

Proof of Armed Forces service works — for example a Veteran Card, discharge documents or other evidence of service accepted by the service. The card is open to reservists and to those who served only a few days, as well as Merchant Mariners who took part in defined military operations.

Who else travels at a discount?

Besides the veteran, the card lets you bring one adult companion who also gets 1/3 off when travelling with you, and up to four children aged 5–15 at 60% off. This makes it good value for family trips. At £35 a year (or £80 for three years) with a one-third discount, the card pays for itself quickly. Remember the £12 minimum fare on weekday journeys before 10am — you can avoid it by travelling later or buying Advance tickets.

The card works on almost all operators across Britain and can be used for both business and personal trips. Keep it in an app or as plastic: an inspector may ask to see both the card and your ticket. If a second adult or children travel on your card at a discount, they must be with you on the same journey from a shared station.