Disabled Persons Railcard
£20 a year, £54 for 3 years
Railcards work on National Rail trains across Great Britain. In Northern Ireland, Translink trains use SmartPasses instead.
Quick facts
- Disabled Persons Railcard
- £20 a year, £54 for 3 years
- Saving
- 1/3 off for you and 1 adult companion
- Most other Railcards
- £35 a year, £80 for 3 years
- 16-17 Saver
- 50% off
- Where
- Great Britain
Who can get the Disabled Persons Railcard
You may be eligible if you get support for a disability or long-term medical condition. The list includes people who:
- get PIP or Adult Disability Payment at any rate
- get DLA or Child Disability Payment at the higher or lower mobility rate, or the higher or middle care rate
- get Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment
- have a visual or hearing impairment, or epilepsy
- have a Blue Badge, a Disabled Persons Bus Pass, or lease a car through Motability
- have a long-term condition or neurodivergence, lasting at least 12 months, that causes significant barriers on trains
Children aged 5 to 15 already pay child fares, but they can use the Railcard to get 1/3 off for an adult companion.
How much it saves
You save 1/3 on tickets for you and 1 adult companion. The companion does not have to be the same person each time, but must travel with you for the whole journey. There are no time restrictions.
It works on Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak and Advance tickets, in Standard and First Class. It does not work on season tickets, child tickets or Eurostar.
The other main Railcards
- 16-17 Saver: 50% off most fares if you are aged 16 or 17
- 16-25 Railcard: for anyone aged 16 to 25, plus mature students aged 26 and over
- 26-30 Railcard: for anyone aged between 26 and 30
- Senior Railcard: for anyone aged 60 or over
- Two Together Railcard: for two people aged 16 and over who travel together
- Family and Friends Railcard: up to 4 adults with up to 4 children aged 5 to 15, with 60% off for kids
- Veterans Railcard: for anyone who has served at least one day in the Armed Forces
Most Railcards cost £35 for 1 year and £80 for 3 years, where a 3 year card is offered. Most give 1/3 off.
How to get a Disabled Persons Railcard
Check which proof you need
The eligibility list shows the document you need, such as a copy of your PIP or DLA award letter.
Get a passport-style photo ready
You need proof of your disability and a passport-style photo to buy online.
Apply online or by post
Buy on the Disabled Persons Railcard website, or post the paper form with your proof and payment.
Wait for your application to be checked
Checks can take up to 5 working days before you get the link to download a digital Railcard.
Carry your Railcard when you travel
Use it when you buy tickets and keep it with you on the train.
Things to watch
For a long-term condition, a diagnosis alone may not be enough. You need a letter from a health professional explaining your access needs, or a signed impact declaration form.
If you travel free on a Freedom Pass or other free concessionary pass, you cannot use the Railcard to get a discount for your companion.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Disabled Persons Railcard
- 0345 605 0525
- Railcard general enquiries
- 0345 3000 250
- 16-25 Railcard
- 0345 030 4100
- 16-17 Saver
- 0345 301 1656
- Buy a Disabled Persons Railcard online
- Railcard: Disabled Persons Railcard sales page
- Buy a Disabled Persons Railcard by post
- Disabled Persons Railcard application form
- Send the Disabled Persons Railcard form to
- National Railcards PO Box 8626 Swadlincote DE11 1JA
- How long an online application takes
- Checks can take up to 5 working days, then you get an email to download your Railcard.
From the official pages (railcard.co.uk), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
How much is a disabled railcard?
£20 for 1 year or £54 for 3 years.
Who is eligible for a disabled railcard?
People who get PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance and some other benefits, or who have a visual or hearing impairment, epilepsy, a Blue Badge or a long-term condition that makes rail travel hard.
Does a disabled railcard cover a companion?
Yes. You and 1 adult companion each get 1/3 off when you travel together.
Can I use a Railcard in Northern Ireland?
Railcards are for National Rail trains in Great Britain. Translink trains in Northern Ireland use SmartPasses.
Which Railcard can I get at 60?
The Senior Railcard, for anyone aged 60 or over.