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Railcards

Railcards

What is a UK Railcard and How Can it Benefit Your Holiday?

What is a Railcard?

A UK Railcard is a discount card that offers significant savings (typically 1/3 off) on most train fares across the UK. You’ll find a range of railcards to choose from, to suit different circumstances. This includes options for young travellers, senior travellers and friends and family.

The important thing to understand is that railcards are generally annual passes, valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. There isn’t a short-term tourist railcard. Whether or not a UK Railcard is right for you depends on several factors including how long you’re staying in the UK, as well as how far and how often you expect to travel on the rail network.

Key Benefits for Tourists


For tourists, there are some key benefits of UK Railcards:


  • Cost Savings: Many railcards can cut the cost of your train travel by up to 1/3. This makes it more affordable to explore more of the UK via the train network.
  • Flexibility: Once you’ve bought your railcard, you can use it on almost all National Rail services in the UK, not just the Heathrow Express. This opens up the whole country for exploring.
  • Ease of Use: UK Railcards are typically digital cards on a phone app. They’re convenient to carry and easy to use.

Types of Railcards Available


There are a range of different railcards available to suit varying situations and types of people. Some of the most common include:


  • 16-25 Railcard: For younger travellers and students (this can also include mature students).
  • Two Together Railcard: For two named adults travelling together.
  • Family & Friends Railcard: For families travelling with children.
  • Senior Railcard: For those aged 60 and over.

Each has its own eligibility criteria based on factors like age and other conditions. For example, to be eligible to use the Two Together Railcard, the two named adults on the card must travel together to receive the discount.

You can see more details on the different railcards and their eligibility criteria below.

Railcards

Is my Railcard valid on the Heathrow Express?

You can use any of the following Railcards on Heathrow Express, providing you buy your ticket in advance online or at a ticket machine or a mobile sales advisor at Heathrow stations or London Paddington before boarding. Railcards must be presented with your Heathrow Express ticket when travelling to validate your discounted travel.

Railcard Terms & Conditions

Do children need a ticket for the Heathrow Express?

*Children aged 15 years and under travel free in Standard Class when accompanied by a paying adult, or can travel unaccompanied if they have proof or air travel such as a valid booking or boarding pass. Photo ID will be required.

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When an Annual Railcard Makes Sense for Tourists

There are many situations where an annual railcard can make sense for tourists, including:


  • Extended Stays: If you’re staying in the UK and travelling around for several weeks or months, the savings can quickly add up.
  • Extensive UK Travel: If you’re planning multiple long-distance train journeys from London – for example to Edinburgh, Manchester or Bath – the discounts can become very significant.
  • Return Visits: If you’re expecting to return to the UK within the 12-month validity period, you can use your railcard on both trips.
  • Two Person Travel: A Two Together Railcard costs just £35, but will save one third off train travel for two people. This means your savings will quickly cover the cost of the railcard.
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Alternative Ways to Save on UK Train Travel (If a Railcard Isn't for You)

If a UK Railcard isn’t the right choice for you, you still have options to save money on train travel. You can:


  • Book in Advance: Booking train tickets as far ahead as possible means you can often secure the cheapest fares. For example, an Advance Single on Heathrow Express is just £10 if you book 30 days or more in advance.
  • Travel Off-Peak: You’ll pay lower fares if you travel outside of busy commuter hours during the week. Peak times are generally 06.30 to 09.30 in the morning and 16.00 to 19.00 in the afternoon.

Our ticket types

Choose from a range of Heathrow Express ticket types to suit your journey and your budget.

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Single

Book a Single ticket on either Standard Class or Business First Class. Pick any train on that day and travel one way either to or from Heathrow whether you're flying for business or pleasure.

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Advanced Discounted Single

Make great savings by booking your single ticket on Standard Class 45+ days in advance. Get organised with your train travel and plan a single journey to or from Heathrow for just £10. Get your advanced discount ticket. Get your advanced discount ticket here.

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Same Day Return

Book a Same Day ticket if you're flying out of and returning to Heathrow on the same day. Ideal for business travelers regularly flying out of Heathrow. Hop on a morning flight for a meeting in Edinburgh or Berlin and fly home that evening, using Heathrow Express both ways.

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Return

With a Return ticket on Heathrow Express, you have ultimate flexibility for your travel to and from the airport.

Whether you're away for two weeks with the family or enjoying a city break, you can travel five days after you buy the ticket and return within one month.

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Carnet tickets

Available as a Carnet x6 or Carnet x12 on both Standard Class and Business First Class, you'll save money on your journeys by buying your tickets in bulk.

With a Carnet x6 you get 6 journeys for the price of 5, whilst a Carnet x12 will give you 12 journeys for the price of 9.

Family Travel

Family travel

Children aged 15 and under travel for free on Heathrow Express. If you're travelling as a family from Heathrow – whether to see friends or for the holiday of a lifetime – book tickets for the whole family, but only pay for the adults.

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