What Is the Veterans’ Railcard and How Do You Get It?
If you have served in the UK armed forces, you may be entitled to a Veterans’ Railcard, which offers a third off the price of most rail fares across Great Britain. It is one of the more practical benefits available to veterans and worth having if you travel by train with any regularity. Despite being one of the easiest entitlements to claim, it remains one of the most underused, with many eligible veterans unaware that it exists.
What Is the Veterans’ Railcard?
The Veterans’ Railcard gives eligible holders a third off most standard and first class rail fares in Great Britain. It also provides a third off for one named adult companion travelling with the cardholder, and 60 per cent off fares for up to four children aged 5 to 15. The companion must be named when you buy the card, so it is worth choosing the person you travel with most.
The card costs £35 for one year or £80 for three years, though prices can change, so it is worth checking the current price when you apply. The saving on a return journey to most major cities will typically recoup the cost of the card within a small number of trips, making it good value for anyone who travels by train more than occasionally.
Who Is Eligible?
The railcard is available to anyone who has served in the UK armed forces, including the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. This includes those who have recently left and those who served many years ago. There is no minimum length of service requirement, and the card is available whether you left honourably discharged or on medical grounds. This makes it one of the more accessible veteran benefits, without the eligibility criteria that apply to some other forms of support.
It is also available to current serving personnel who wish to use it during periods of leave, though serving personnel already have access to some concessionary travel arrangements through the military.
How Do You Apply?
Applications are made online through the Railcard website. You will need to provide evidence of your service, such as your Veterans ID Card, a discharge certificate or a letter from Veterans UK confirming your service. The application process is designed to be simple and most applicants receive their card within a few days of approval.
The card is available in a digital format for use on a smartphone, or as a physical card sent by post if you prefer.
Are There Any Restrictions?
Like most railcards, the Veterans’ Railcard has some restrictions on when it can be used. Unlike many railcards, it can be used at any time of day, including peak hours, but a £12 minimum fare applies to journeys made between 4.30am and 9.59am on weekdays. This minimum fare does not apply to Advance tickets, on public holidays, or at any time during July and August. The discount also does not apply to season tickets. These restrictions are similar to those applied to other discount railcards and exist to manage demand during peak commuting hours, so they should not come as a surprise if you have used a railcard before.
Outside of these restrictions, the card can be used on most journeys across the National Rail network, including long-distance intercity routes.
How Does It Compare to Other Railcards?
The Veterans’ Railcard offers the same one-third discount as other standard railcards, such as the 16-25 Railcard or Senior Railcard, but is specifically available to those who have served. Unlike some other railcards, there is no age restriction, so it remains valid throughout your life regardless of how long ago your service ended. It can also be used alongside other discounts in some cases, though it is worth checking the specific terms when booking, as not all fares and ticket types are eligible for the discount.
Other Travel Benefits Worth Knowing About
The Veterans’ Railcard is one of several travel-related benefits available to those who have served. Veterans with certain service-related disabilities may also be eligible for the Disabled Persons Railcard, which offers additional benefits including discounts for a companion travelling with them. It is worth checking eligibility for both, as some veterans may qualify for more than one form of concessionary travel depending on their circumstances.
The Veterans’ Railcard will not change your financial situation on its own, but it is a concrete benefit that is easy to access and straightforward to use. If you do not already have one, it is worth applying. Details can be found by searching for Veterans’ Railcard on the main Railcard website.