railcard for frequent traveller

• Live train & disruption info

Sign in for quicker bookings

Hmm, that's not quite right

The details you've typed are incorrect. Please try again.

Reset password

• Buy Tickets
• You are not signed in
• You have no items in your basket
• Season Tickets
• Child Train Tickets
• Family Train Tickets
• First Class Menus
• First Class Lounges
• Standard Premium
• Food and drink
• Travelcards
• Upgrade to Standard Premium or First Class
• Benefits of booking direct
• 16-17 Saver Railcard

16-25 Railcard

26-30 railcard.

• Family & Friends Railcard

Senior Railcard

Two together railcard, disabled persons railcard.

• Jobcentre Plus Railcard
• Best Fare Finder
• Priority Ticket Alerts
• Our Price Promise
• School Groups
• TV production and film crew travel
• MICE (Meetings, Conferences & Events)
• Celebrations
• Group Travel Form
• Getting your ticket
• Upgrade your ticket
• Download our app
• Club Avanti
• Avanti Business
• Refund your journey
• Our route map
• Manchester to London
• London to Manchester
• London to Glasgow
• Glasgow to London
• Liverpool to London
• London to Liverpool
• Birmingham to London
• Trains to Bangor
• Trains to Birmingham
• Trains to Blackpool
• Trains to Carlisle
• Trains to Chester
• Trains to Colwyn Bay
• Trains to Coventry
• Trains to Crewe
• Trains to Edinburgh
• Trains to Flint
• Trains to Glasgow
• Kirkham and Wesham
• Trains to the Lake District
• Trains to Lancaster
• Trains to Liverpool
• Trains to Llandudno
• Trains to London
• Trains to Manchester
• Trains to Macclesfield
• Trains to Motherwell
• Trains to Nuneaton
• Trains to Penrith
• Trains to Prestatyn
• Trains to Rhyl
• Trains to Rugby
• Trains to Runcorn
• Trains to Sandwell and Dudley
• Trains to Stafford
• Trains to Tamworth
• Trains to Telford
• Trains to Wellington
• Trains to Wigan
• Trains to Wilmslow
• Trains to Wrexham
• Trains to Milton Keynes
• Trains to Preston
• Trains to Shrewsbury
• Trains to Stockport
• Trains to Stoke-on-trent
• Trains to Warrington
• Trains to Watford
• Trains to Wolverhampton
• Anfield Stadium
• Celtic Park Stadium
• Emirates Stadium
• Etihad Stadium
• Murrayfield Stadium
• Old Trafford Stadium
• Stamford Bridge Stadium
• St. Andrews Stadium
• Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
• Wembley Stadium
• West Ham United Stadium
• Wrexham Association Football Club Stadium
• Trains to Aberdeen Airport
• Trains to Birmingham International Airport
• Trains to Bournemouth Airport
• Trains to Bristol Airport
• Trains to Cardiff Airport
• Trains to East Midlands Airport
• Trains to Edinburgh Airport
• Trains to Exeter Airport
• Trains to Gatwick Airport
• Trains to Glasgow Airport
• Trains to Heathrow Airport
• Trains to Inverness Airport
• Trains to Leeds Airport
• Trains to Liverpool Airport
• Trains to London City Airport
• Trains to Luton Airport
• Trains to Manchester Airport
• Trains to Newcastle Airport
• Trains to Newquay Airport
• Trains to Prestwick Airport
• Trains to Southampton Airport
• Trains to Stansted Airport
• Discover Birmingham
• Discover Chester
• Discover Coventry
• Discover Edinburgh
• Discover the Lake District
• Discover Liverpool
• Discover London
• Discover Manchester
• Feel good travel
• Feel Good Field Trips
• Trains to Birmingham Pride
• Trains to the Birmingham Sea Life Centre
• Trains to Birmingham Symphony Hall
• Trains to Blackpool Illuminations
• Trains to Blackpool Pleasure Beach
• Trains to Blackpool Sandcastle Waterpark
• Travelling to Buckingham Palace by Train
• Trains to Caernarfon Castle
• Trains to Camera Obscura Edinburgh
• Trains to Cassiobury Park
• Trains to the Chelsea Flower Show
• Trains to the Chester Christmas Market
• Trains to Chester Zoo
• Trains to Christmas at Kew
• Trains to Coventry Cathedral
• Trains to Creamfields
• Trains to Crufts
• Trains to Drayton Manor
• Trains to Edinburgh Castle
• Trains to Edinburgh Fringe Festival
• Trains to Edinburgh's Hogmanay
• Trains to Edinburgh Zoo
• Trains to the Glasgow Christmas Market
• Trains to Highest Point Festival
• Trains to Hogwarts in the Snow
• Trains to Kendal Calling
• Trains to the Keswick Mountain Festival
• Trains to Liverpool Cathedral
• Trains to Liverpool Christmas Market
• Trains to Liverpool Maritime Museum
• Trains to London Fashion Week
• Trains to London Pride
• Trains to Manchester Art Gallery
• Trains to the Manchester Christmas Market
• Trains to Manchester Pride
• Trains to National Museum of Scotland
• Trains to Notting Hill Carnival
• Trains to Parklife Festival Manchester
• Trains to RHS Garden Bridgewater
• Trains to Snowdon
• Trains to Tamworth SnowDome
• Trains to Tate Liverpool
• Trains to the Tate Modern London
• Trains to The Ashes
• Trains to the Christmas Market Birmingham
• Trains to the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III
• Trains to the Edinburgh Christmas Market
• Trains to the FA Cup Final
• Trains to the Grand National
• Trains to the Great North Run
• Trains to the Great South Run
• Trains to the Lake District National Park
• Trains to the London Christmas Markets
• Trains to the London Design Festival
• Trains to the London Eye
• Trains to the London Marathon
• Trains to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
• Trains to The Shard
• Trains to the Six Nations Rugby
• Trains to the Tower of London
• Trains to the Welsh Mountain Zoo
• Trains to Trentham Monkey Forest
• Trains to TRNSMT Festival
• Trains to Waterworld Stoke
• Trains to Wimbledon
• Trains to the Women’s FA Cup Final
• Live Train Times
• Planned engineering work
• Set up disruption alerts
• Passenger Assist
• Accessibility hub
• Dealing with delays
• Click & Collect
• Seat Picker
• About our trains
• London Euston Station
• Crewe Station
• Manchester Piccadilly Station
• Oxenholme Lake District Station
• Glasgow Central Station
• Liverpool Lime Street Station
• Birmingham New Street Station
• Birmingham International Station
• Coventry Station
• Lancaster Station
• Live Train Status
• Strike information
• Travel updates and disruption
• Early May bank holiday
• Help & Support
• Accessibility Tool
• Ticket types
• Ways to save
• Group travel
• First Class
• Standard Class
• Our destinations
• Travel Inspiration
• Day trips & events
• Plan your Journey
• Station Information

You'll get an email in the next few minutes with a link to reset your password.

If the email doesn't arrive in the next few minutes:

• Make sure the email address you typed is correct
• Check your junk or spam folders
• If the email address isn't already registered with us,
• Tickets & Savings

Railcards - save 1/3 on train tickets

From senior railcards to family railcards, there's a different kind of railcard for everyone., what is a railcard.

A Railcard is a personalised pass that gives you discounts on your train travel. When buying tickets at the station or on the train, you show the pass to the seller and your discount will be applied. If you’re buying online or over the phone, you’ll just need to share your card details to get the discount. You can download a digital card too, which is a kind of pass that sits in your Avanti app, so you can’t lose it. Even if you break or lose your phone, you’ll be able to re-install it when you get a new one.

Why should I get a Railcard?

The simplest reason is that you save money! For a one-off fee, you’ll get discounts for every valid journey. Most cards cost £30 per year and save you one third off the fare, so you could break even after buying two tickets worth £45 as you’d save £15 each time – any journeys after that and you’ll start saving money. They’re available for young people, over-59s, certain groups, HM forces, disabled people, students and jobseekers, so millions of people qualify.

Which Railcard is right for you?

Millions of people in the UK qualify for a Railcard, and if you travel a lot by train, it’s almost certain that it’ll help you save money. That’s because it gives you discounts on travel all year round, and for some people, that’s as much as 50% off!

Some Railcards are available to people of certain ages (16–17, 16–25, 26–30 and 60+), while other people qualify because of disability, being in HM Forces (or being their spouse), or being on Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit. There are also regional Railcards for various parts of England, Scotland and Wales.

Buy your Railcard and start saving today!

Get your Railcard as a digital download and you can start saving money on your train travel right away.

How to buy and use a digital Railcard

It couldn’t be easier to buy your Railcard, and if you choose to have it delivered as a digital download you can start using it to book trains and make great savings straightaway. You just need to choose what type of Railcard you’d like and enter your details. You’ll need a passport-style photo to use, and you may be required to verify your identity.

Once you’ve bought your Railcard, you can use the digital version straightaway. When booking tickets, just add your Railcard to see prices with your discount applied. Remember to keep your Railcard on you when you travel, otherwise your ticket will become invalid.

Our Popular Railcards

Age specific railcards, 16-17 saver.

• For those aged 16-17
• One-off payment of £30
• 50% off most rail fares including season tickets
• Valid for one year or until you reach your 18th birthday, whichever comes first
• For 16-25-year-olds
• Also available to full-time students aged over 25
• Save ⅓ off rail fares
• Get a 1-year card for £30
• Get a 3-year card for £70
• For 26-30-year-olds, inclusive
• Get ⅓ off rail fares
• Just £30 per year
• Or £70 for three years
• Digital Railcard so you’ll never lose it
• For people aged 60+

Groups Railcards

Friends & family railcard.

• For up to 4 adults and up to 4 children aged 5-15 travelling together
• Save ⅓ on adult fares
• Save 60% on kids’ fares
• Only £30 per year, or £70 for 3 years
• For two named people travelling together
• Both people should be 16 or over
• Just £30 per year - just £15 each!

Other popular railcards

• 1/3 off rail fares for you and one travel companion
• Only £20 a year
• Only available for people whose disabilities make train travel more challenging

HM Forces Railcard

• For members of the Regular Forces, Volunteer Reserves or a spouse/civil partner of a member.
• 1/3 off adult rail fares
• 60% off child rail fares
• Only £21 a year

Jobcentre Plus Travel

• Travel for less if you’re on Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit.
• 50% discount on selected rail tickets
• Applied to your Oyster Card

Regional Railcards

South of england, network railcard.

• For those travelling in the south-east
• £30 per year

Cotswold Line Railcard

• 34% off selected tickets between Worcester Foregate Street & Oxford.
• Railcard cost: £9.95

Devon & Cornwall Railcard

• 1/3 off most Standard Off-Peak and Off-Peak Day train tickets across Devon and Cornwall.
• Railcard cost: £12

North of England

Esk valley railcard.

• 1/3 off Adult train fares on Esk Valley Railway between Whitby and Middlesbrough.
• Railcard cost: £10

Dales Railcard

• 1/3 off Single and Day Return tickets for those living in selected postcode areas around the Settle-Carlisle line or the Skipton & Carnforth, Carlisle & Brampton or Clitheroe/Whalley areas.

Highland Railcard

• 50% off local travel for Highland residents in selected postcodes, travelling on selected routes.
• Railcard cost: £15

Young Scot National

• 1/3 off most rail fares and 50% off Weekly or Monthly tickets, if you’re aged 16-18.
• Railcard cost: FREE

Cambrian Railcard

• At least 1/3 off most Standard tickets on the Cambrian Line.

Valleys Senior Railcard

• 50% off Cheap Day Return Standard fares on the Valley Lines in South Wales for those aged 60 or over.

Valleys Student Railcard

• Up to 26% off all day tickets and 10% off season tickets for students travelling on selected routes across Arriva Trains services in Wales.

Heart of Wales Railcard

• At least 34% off all individual fares on the line.

Pembrokeshire Railcard

• 34% off local rail travel for residents of Pembrokeshire.

Railcard FAQs

A Railcard is simply a card that can help you to make big savings on train travel all year round. If you’re someone who frequently travels by train, a Railcard could be the best way for you to get the most value for money on every trip you take.

At Avanti West Coast, we offer several different types of Railcard depending on your circumstances, with a Railcard to suit every type of rail traveller. Most of our Railcards can save you around ⅓ off your rail fares, with some offering even more train discounts depending on your journeys and card type.

What is a digital Railcard?

A digital Railcard is an instant version of your Railcard that is usually stored on your phone. It is a digital alternative to traditional physical Railcards which would need to be carried around with you or stored in your wallet.

If you’re wondering how to get a digital Railcard, you can simply purchase one online. Once you’ve bought your Railcard, you can start using it right away to book train travel and make savings. Digital Railcards are a much more convenient alternative to physical cards which can take some time to be delivered and cannot be used instantly.

How much is a Railcard?

Railcard prices vary for the different types of card. Please note, you will need proof that you qualify when you buy your Railcard and you’ll need a passport style photo, and certain other conditions may apply to the services you use. Railcards can only be used on off-peak travel, except for the Disabled Person, 16–17, 16–25 and 26–30 Railcards, which can be used on any journey.

How to use a Railcard?

Our Railcards are easy to use for everyone, ensuring you can always make use of your Railcard discounts. When booking train tickets online, you simply need to click the ‘add Railcard’ option to make sure you see prices that include your Railcard discount. You can then enter your Railcard details to ensure your discount is applied at the checkout.

When travelling, it’s important to keep your Railcard to hand so it can be shown alongside your ticket when requested. If you have selected ‘apply Railcard’ when booking your tickets, travelling without your Railcard could make your tickets invalid.

Why should I use a digital Railcard?

Digital Railcards are handy because they sit on your phone, so you’re unlikely to forget it or lose it. If you do happen to lose or break your phone, the card account will remain active, so you just have to re-install it once you get your new device. Also, you can get your card instantly rather than having to wait for it to be posted, as is the case with a physical Railcard. All types of Railcard are available digitally, and even if you buy it through the Avanti app, you can still use it with any rail service provider.

How much is the Railcard discount?

Each Railcard discount differs depending on the option you choose. Our 16-17 Saver Railcard can save you 50% off most rail fares, while our 16-25 Railcard delivers an average annual saving of £199 plus special partner discounts. For those with a 26-30 Railcard, you can expect to save a third on most rail fares.

If you’ve opted for our Family & Friends Railcard, children aged 5-15 will receive 60% discount on kids fares, while overall there is an average annual saving of around £141. For those travelling in the South East on our Network Railcard, you can expect average annual savings of around £191. Finally, our Senior Railcard and Two Together Railcard offer average annual savings of £125 and £129 respectively.

Where to buy a Railcard?

If you’re wondering how to buy a Railcard, there are a couple of options available, making it more convenient than ever to get your hands on a Railcard and start making savings on your journeys.

The first and easiest way to get yours is to buy a Railcard online and have it delivered as a digital download that’s ready for immediate use. All you need to do is choose the most appropriate Railcard and pay securely online via debit or credit card. You can also buy a Railcard at the station, with any staffed station able to process this for you.

Which Railcard is best for me?

With huge savings to be made on train travel, finding the right Railcard to suit your requirements is the best way to ensure you make the most of the discounts to be had. With many different Railcards designed for every type of passenger, there’s something for everyone.

To find the perfect Railcard for you, we’ve put together a guide to help you understand the types of Railcard we offer and which types of traveller they are most appropriate for. Whether you’re a solo traveller or someone who frequently travels with a group, our guide will help you make the right choice.

Can I have more than one Railcard?

At Avanti West Coast, we have a number of different Railcard options available to suit travellers of all ages and travel requirements. However, we understand that sometimes frequent travellers like to have more than one Railcard depending on their circumstances.  For example, you might already have a personal Railcard that you use for solo journeys but when travelling as a group with friends or family, you might like to take advantage of a group Railcard and make savings here. Using a group Railcard will not have an impact on your personal Railcard and it is possible to purchase both. 

Can you get a Railcard instantly?

With a couple of different ways to purchase a railcard, it can also take a different length of time to receive your Railcard. If you purchase a digital Railcard online, this is instant and means you can start using your Railcard immediately to book travel and make great savings via a digital download.

If you purchase your Railcard at the station or choose to receive a physical Railcard, this will be sent out to you in the post and can take a little while to arrive. To get an instant Railcard, the best option is to purchase a digital Railcard online.

How many devices can I keep my digital Railcard on?

If you have purchased a digital Railcard, this will be stored in your Avanti account and can be accessed via a web browser. This means you can access your Railcard on whichever device you’re travelling with, whether that’s your phone, tablet or laptop. It’s therefore possible to keep and access your Railcard on multiple devices.  From your Avanti account, you can also access your train tickets and move them to a digital railcard app on your device if you have one. This can help you access them much quicker when you need them.

Where can I use the Railcard I purchased through Avanti West Coast?

If you purchase an Avanti West Coast Railcard through our website, you are not just limited to using your card on Avanti trains. You can use your Avanti Railcard with all other train providers on journeys around the country to ensure you reap the benefits of your Railcard.

Of course, an Avanti West Coast Railcard is most often used on journeys delivered by Avanti trains, but you are free to use your Railcard on any other train service. Whether you’re travelling from London to Glasgow or Cardiff to Newcastle, it’s definitely worth purchasing an Avanti Railcard to make the most of your discounts.

How long does it take to get a digital Railcard?

The digital Railcard is available instantly once you’ve paid for it. You will get an activation code in your email inbox. Just sign into your Avanti app and you’ll see it has been activated.

Are digital Railcards secure on my device?

Digital Railcards sit on the Railcard app on your phone, so as long as you have your phone with you, it’s secure. You can have your app on a maximum of two devices, so nobody else should be able to put it on their phone, even if they get your download code, without you knowing. Digital Railcards are therefore arguably more secure than a traditional card, which can easily be lost or stolen.

Interested in...

Tickets to attractions

Be inspired

Check live train times

Book Passenger Assist

Check engineering works

Check station facilities

Related Content

Using railcards when visiting a country:, great britain, czechia / czech republic, the netherlands, switzerland, please support showmethejourney.

Using Railcards to save money on train tickets

Railcards can be used when visiting a country and can pay off when only taking a small number of journeys.

Rail passes allow the freedom to travel by trains on a set number of days, but railcards are different. They are valid for longer, typically for a year, and during this time they can be used to obtain tickets at a discounted price, so you can’t just hop on a train with a railcard, because you need to travel with the railcard and a ticket(s). The price and type of the ticket doesn’t typically matter, so railcards can be used in multiple scenarios; you can save money when booking a first class ticket last minute at a station, or when booking the cheapest 2nd class ticket you can find online. The online ticket agents will provide a facility to include the type of railcard you have when looking up a journey, the prices you will then see will include the discounted rate.

So the more journeys you book with the railcard, the more money you will save. Typically once you have booked a relatively small number of long-distance journeys, the savings made will be greater than the cost of purchasing the card. Conversely once you have purchased the card, if you then don’t book enough journeys, you won’t make an overall saving.

Railcards are also primarily aimed at national journeys, though some cards also give access to lesser discounts on international journeys, but because of this national focus, there can be an assumption that they can only be purchased and used by those residing in the country in which they are valid. This is typically the case for specific types of railcards which are allied to medical conditions or for students, but most other types of railcard can be purchased and used when visiting a country, so they can be worth considering if a holiday includes a number of rail journeys. This guide will only include railcards which can also be used by visitors .

Also worth looking out for are the types of railcard which are valid for specific ages of travelers, as the ages can differ from the typical national ticket policies as to when the full adult rate applies to ticket purchases. Many railcards are for use by families and give the ability to book children’s tickets at particularly low prices with the parents also travelling at a discount, while others enable young adults to travel at special ‘youth’ rates. While for those blessed with senior years, using railcards can be the only means of travelling by train at a discounted rate.

Also don’t assume that because most railcards are valid for a year, that they won’t provide good value for money, when only visiting a country for a holiday. A combination of railcard + tickets can also be better value for money than using rail passes, it depends on how long you will be holidaying and where you want to go. Railcards can offer particularly good value in comparison to rail passes if you want to book ahead, while rail passes offer great value for money when compared with more expensive last minute tickets.

A range of railcards are available which can be used by visitors to the UK on train journeys within England, Scotland and Wales The discounts which apply to tickets also apply when buying regional rail passes, including Spirit Of Scotland passes.

Family & Friends Railcard :

• Valid for one year, but at least one child aged 5 to 15 must be part of the travel party for the pass to be eligible
• Core benefits = 1/3 off adult Standard class tickets for up to 4 adults and 60% off child rate tickets for up to 4 children aged 5 to 15.

26-30 Railcard

• Valid for one year
• Core benefits = 1/3 off adult rate on all Standard Class tickets + 1/3 off adult rate on First Class Advance tickets + 1/3 off when using Oyster cards in London off-peak

Two Together Railcard

• Valid for one year, can be used by the two people named on the card
• Core benefits = 1/3 off all Standard and First Class tickets at the adult rate

Senior Railcard

• Valid for one year, can be used by people aged 60 and over
• Core benefits = 1/3 off all Standard and First Class tickets at the adult rates + 1/3 off when using Oyster cards in London off-peak.

Network Railcard (ideal for day trips from London )

• Valid for one year and can be used for journeys within the shaded area on this map .
• Core benefits = 1/3 off all Standard Class tickets at the adult rates for journeys within the area + you can take up to three more adults with you who also qualify for a 1/3 off + take up to four children aged 5 to 15 and receive a 60% discount on the child ticket rates.

Comparison with rail passes

One country InterRail passes are available for rail travel in Great Britain; along with Britrail passes for visitors to the UK who don't meet the InterRail criteria. Thanks to the extraordinarily high prices of walk-up tickets for long-distance rail journeys, both of these type of pass can be great value for money if you want to take spontaneous rail journeys. However, if you are happy to book ahead and commit to specific trains with Advance tickets, then it's possible that a combination of railcard + rail tickets; or railcard + rail tickets + regional rail passes will be money saver, even when visiting Britain for a holiday.

For example, if two people aged 40 wanted to take a holiday involving London and Scotland: A Two Together Railcard + a pair of Advance tickets for the journeys each way to and from Glasgow booked a month ahead + 4 day trips across Scotland from Glasgow using 2 x Spirit Of Scotland passes booked at the railcard rate, would have a total approximate cost of £410 / €480. But two x 2nd class Adult InterRail passes valid for six days of rail travel in Great Britain = €524

If the two people aged 40 were to be travelling with an 8 year and a 10 year old, the InterRail cost would still be €524, because there would be no charge for the two child rate InterRail passes, but the total tickets costs when using a Freinds and Family railcard would be approximately £515 / €605.

So as can be seen there are no 'rules' around whether rail passes will or won't be money savers, but if a holiday to Britain includes just two long-distance rail journeys, it's likely that a railcard + tickets will be a money saver. On the London and Scotland example above, the savings on the journeys between London and Glasgow, paid back the costs of the investment in the railcard.

OBB is the national rail operator in Austria and it offers a range of railcards which it calls Vorteilscards .

The most popular type of railcard is the Vorteilscard 66, which lives up to its name with a price of €66. It can only be purchased online and can then be used when booking tickets on the OBB website; it will be valid for a year. When booking it gives a discount of 50%.

The 'Vorteilscard Classic' card offers the same 50% discount for a year and costs €99, but this card can be purchased from and used at ticket counters. So unlike the Vorteilscard 66 card you can use it to purchase last minute tickets at a station just prior to boarding, either from a ticket counter or at a ticket machine.

In comparison InterRail passes and Eurail Passes for Austria cost from €146 for passes valid for 3 days of travel within a month; to up to 8 days of travel within a month for €258.

Discounted long-distance rail tickets in Austria are known as Sparscheine tickets and they can be great value for money, the Wien/Vienna ↔ Innsbruck journey is near the top of the longest possible rail journeys in Austria list, but the Sparscheine tickets on this route can cost as little as €29. Therefore when these prices are available, you'll need to be booking five or more trips at this distance before the Vorteilscard 66 becomes value for money. Though if you'll be taking five long-distance journeys, on for example a Wien → Graz → Salzburg → Bregenz → Innsbruck → Wien itinerary; and can find the prices at the €29 rate, a Vorteilscard 66 + five tickets discounted by 50% will cost around €141. In contrast a rail pass valid for five days will be more than €50 more expensive at €197.

The downside of travelling with Sparscheine tickets is that they can only be used on the specific trains selected when booking, but the more flexible Austrian tickets that can be spontaneously used on any train on a travel date can be 4 x more expensive. As a result the hop on at the last minute ability of Eurail/InterRail passes is often great value for money if you want to travel spontaneously.

If you don't want to be restricted to Sparscheine tickets, using the Vorteilscard Classic to obtain a discounted rate on last minute tickets at the station can be (a lot) more expensive than using the one country Eurail/InterRail passes valid for Austria. On that five city itinerary outlined above a Vorteilscard Classic card + the five tickets bought last minute at the station at a 50% rate, will typically cost more than €300, so the 5 day pass would save more than €100.

So the best means of working out whether a Vorteilscard Card + half price tickets, or a rail pass, or just booking tickets, will be the cheapest option, is to look up the journeys you want to take on the OBB website ; remembering to take 50% off the prices you see to obtain the Vorteilscard Card rate.

Travelling with Children:

In general children aged 5 and under travel for free and children aged 6 – 14 travel at half-fare on Austrian trains, but those discounted Sparscheine tickets are an exception. An adult purchasing them can travel with up to four children aged 14 and under at no additional charge. It's worth keeping this is in mind, if you'll be happy to commit ahead and use this type of ticket, because OBB also offers a Vorteilscard Family card. They cost only €19 and an adult travelling with one these and a valid adult ticket, can also travel with up to four children aged 14 and under at no additional charge. So there's no point in buying these if you will only be using Sparscheine tickets, but they can be good value for money if you'll want to take last minute day trips from major cities, during a holiday.

Adults don't receive a discount with the family cards, but they can be used in conjunction with a Vorteilscard 66 or a Vorteilscard Classic.

Though if you will be travelling with children aged 4 to 11, keep in mind that if you purchase an Adult one country Eurail / InterRail pass, you can add two child passes for no additional cost.

Those aged 15 to 25:

A Vorteilscard Jugend card costs only €19 and anyone aged 26 can use one to obtain a 50% discount on Austrian rail tickets, so for those aged 15 to 25 these cards will typically pay off when booking just two long-distance rail journeys; or just one, if a ticket is priced at more than €40!

Though prices for Austrian Eurail and InterRail passes at the Youth rate begin at €127 for 3 days of travel, so even at €19 for the card, if you will taking more than six long-distance journeys, it's likely that the value for money balance will tip towards the passes.

Those aged over 65:

A Vorteilscard Senior card costs €29 and gives the 50% discount on most Austrian rail tickets/ So the value money equation needs to be worked out against the prices of Austrian Eurail and InterRail passes at the special Senior rate =-though for the rail passes these cheaper prices apply to those aged 60 and over.

If you will be taking multiple rail journeys while on a holiday in Belgium, such as day trips from Gent to the likes of Antwerp, Brugge, Bruxelles, the Belgian Coast and Ypres, Multi Tickets can be money savers. Like a railcard, these 'tickets' are valid for a year, but atypically they cover the costs of 10 one way rail journeys, so when travelling with them you don't need to purchase separate tickets, when taking trains between any Belgian stations. Or you can take five trips and book tickets for two people.

Youth Multi passes are available for €55 for those aged 25 and under. Standard Multi passes are available for those aged 26 and over, which cost €87 for 2nd class and €132 for 1st class.

One country Eurail and InterRail pass are not solely available for travel in Belgium.

The Czech national rail company sells ' In Cards ' which can be great value for money when travelling by train in Czechia. A type of In Card valid for 3 months which gives a 25% discount on all Czech rail tickets costs 190 CZK, which is less than €8!

Though keep in mind that Czech rail travel is comparatively cheap, tickets on a smart express train for the 2hr 30min journey between Praha/Prague and Brno can be found for under 220 CZK, so the In Cards will likely only be value for money if you will be taking at least four city to city journeys, or two long day trips.

One country InterRail and One country Eurail passes for Czechia are also comparatively cheap compared to other countries, with Adult 2nd class pass prices starting at €93; the type of pass valid for three days of rail travel in a month.

Though at today's exchange rate €93 = 2289 CZK, so you don't need to be a math genius to work out that an In Card + only paying 75% of the ticket price is likely to be cheaper in a number of Czech rail travel scenarios; particularly if you don't mind booking ahead and committing to travel by specific departures. The Eurail and InterRail passes only offer good value for money against the last minute, more expensive Czech train ticket prices.

French national rail operator SNCF sells a range of railcards, known as Carte Avantage which are very popular in France; particularly as it's not uncommon for a journey of more than three hours by a standard TGV InOui service to be priced at more than €100, if you're not booking at least two months ahead.

A tad oddly SNCF offers three types of Carte Avantage cards which are split according to age, Jeune for those aged 12 to 26 and Adulte for those aged 27-59 and Senior for those aged 60 and over ; but they all cost €49, are valid for a year but the benefits they offer to the card holders aren't available on all trains. For one way journeys you can only access the benefits when travelling on Saturdays and Sundays/ For two way journeys /a round trip, you need to be staying overnight on a Saturday, or a Sunday, or travelling in at least one direction on a Saturday or Sunday.

Travel at those times and the benefits to the card holder are:

• a 30% reduction on tickets for travel by TGV (TGV InOui) and Intercités; in effect these are the standard French long-distance express trains ,
• When travelling at the times when the discounts apply, there are also maximum price caps, so on certain journeys by the TGVs, the discount can be more than 30%; max price of journeys of up to 1hr 30mins = €39; up to three hours = €59 and over three hours = €79,
• A 25-50% discount when travelling by regional TER train services in most regions; with Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Provence Cote d'Azure and Ile de France being the three regions where no discounts apply on the TER trains.
• A 30% discount on the high speed trains from France to Germany (not Thalys); to Italy (not Frecce), Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland.
• Those discounts also apply to one other person travelling with you, so you can purchase pairs of tickets at the discounted rates.

Each card holder can take up to three children at 60% of the child ticket costs, those aged 4-11 qualify for child ticket rates in France but when travelling with kids, their tickets will be discounted on any day of the week.

Working out whether combinations of Carte Avantage cards + discounted tickets will be better value for money during your holiday, than using one country InterRail or one country Eurail passes valid for France, can a somewhat convoluted process Though if you will be taking two or more journeys of 3hrs + during weekends, then it's worth doing the calculations; particularly if you will be travelling in July and August.

Something which needs to be factored in when doing the math is that the discounted tickets you book with the French railcards will include the seat reservations, but when using Eurail and InterRail the reservations for the TGV InOui services and on some Intercités services , will cost from €10.

Also if you won't be travelling solo, you also need to factor in that the benefits of the Carte Avantage cards extend to more than one traveller.

Purely as an example, ShowMeTheJourney looked up the comparative prices for two 'Adults' taking a round France trip of Paris → Bordeaux → Toulouse → Marseille → Nice → Paris in early July when booking 2 months in advance, The total cost for this itinerary with an Carte Avantage Adulte card was €345; the card saved €125 on the tickets, so when factoring in the price of the card the actual saving was around €75 - but the travel had to be taken when the discounts on the card could be applied. In contrast two InterRail or Eurail passes valid for the 5 days of travel plus two sets of four* reservation fees at €10 per journey = €474. (*reservations not required for the Marseille to Nice journey

When travelling solo the total ticket cost of Carte Avantage Adulte card + the five discounted tickets = €196; in contrast a five day InterRail pass + four reservations = €237. But in this one solo traveller scenario, stopping over in Nimes on the Toulouse to Marseille journey, plus a return trip to Avignon before heading off to Nice, would tip the balance in favour of the rail pass.

The German national rail operator DB offers multiple types of Bahn Cards which are railcards which can be used to obtain a 25% or 50% discount when booking tickets for train tickets in Germany. They can also be used to reduce the ticket price when booking journeys between Germany and Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina (ZFBH and ZRS), Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Netherlands, Republic of North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland.

Various types of Bahn Card are available, but what's particularly useful if you will be planning a holiday with numerous rail journeys in Germany is that Bahn Cards valid for 3 months are available, which are given the name of Trial Bahn Cards. The prices are:

• A Trial Bahn Card 25 which gives 25% off 2nd class journeys = €17.90
• A Trial Bahn Card 25 which gives 25% off 1st class journeys = €36.90
• A Trial Bahn Card 50 which gives 25 - 50% off 2nd class journeys = €72.90
• A Trial Bahn Card 50 which gives 25 - 50% off 1st class journeys = €146

If you're happy to commit in advance and book non-flexible, discounted Super Sparpreis tickets for specific departures, the prices of many long-distance German rail journeys in 2nd class start at €17.90. Therefore you need to make only four trips with a card which gives 25% off 2nd class journeys, for the Trial Bahn Card 25 card to be a money saver. However, those €17.90 ticket prices can be hard to track down if you're not booking more than a couple of months in advance, so prices of €39-49 can be more typical. At those prices you only need to make two long trips (one return journey) for the card to be worthwhile.

However the Trial Bahn Card 50 cards are only worth buying if you want to avoid the more restrictive terms of using Super Sparpreis tickets and Sparpreis tickets, because the 50% discount is only applied to the more expensive Flexible tickets. When booking Super Sparpreis tickets and Sparpreis tickets, the Trial Bahn Card 50 cards don't live up to their name and only provide for a 25% discount. Though as Super Sparpreis tickets can't refunded or exchanged, the combination of Trial Bahn Card 50 card + flexible tickets provides protection against a trip having to be cancelled.

For illustrative purposes, a round Germany trip of Cologne → Hamburg → Berlin → Munich → Freiburg → Cologne by ICE trains in early July, when booking 2 months in advance, at adult 2nd class rates was researched . The total cost of a Trial Bahn Card 25+ five tickets was €218; with a saving on the ticket price of around €60.

In contrast a one country InterRail pass and a one country Eurail pass for Germany, valid for 5 days of travel at the Adult rate, is €241.

Seat reservations on German express are optional, so if you want to reserve the same rates are payable whether you book tickets or travel with rail passes. Though if a stopover in Bamberg was taken on the Berlin → Munich journey and a stopover in Bonn on the Freiburg → Cologne journey were both factored into the trip, the rail passes then become better value for money.

The Italian national rail company, Trenitalia, offers a Silver Card for seniors, for those aged 65-74 it costs €30, but there is no charge for those aged over 75 and over. The cards can be purchased / obtained at station ticket desks but have your passport with you, you'll also need to take it with on journeys by Frecce and Intercity trains, which are Trenitalia's express trains .

However, when booking tickets online or at stations for journeys by these express train services, the Silver Card holder can only obtain a discount when booking 'Base tickets' and these are the most expensive type of tickets to travel by these trains. The Silver Cards enable a 15% discount on Base, tickets but a range of discounted tickets are available, in limited numbers, for journeys by these Frecce and Intercity trains and these tickets are typically discounted by more than 15%.

Where the Silver Card can pay off is for journeys by the R and RV regional train services , as they are only sold at a base price. Though with tickets for travel for fairly long-distances by these trains costing less than €30, if you're aged 60 -74, you're going to need to be taking more than seven such journeys for the initial investment in the card to pay off.

Conventional rail cards are not available in The Netherlands, but if you will be holidaying in The Netherlands and want to explore on more than one day by train , there is a method of using the national travel cards as a money saver, compared to buying tickets for each journey you'll be taking.

OV-chipkaarts are cards which can be used on public transport throughout The Netherlands, including the railways; instead of buying tickets you tap in and out of ticket gates when taking rail journeys (and tap machines on the buses, tram and metros). When visiting The Netherlands you can buy the OV-chipkaarts from a ticket counter at a Dutch railway station, one per person and each person will need to have a passport photo.

Once you have the OV-chipkaart, you can insert it into a ticket machine and load a Dal Vrij pass on to it, which costs €107.90 if you are aged 64 and under, or €46.80 if you are 65 and over. The plus of using the Dal Vrij pass is you can then use the OV-chipkaart for a month on any public transport at weekends or national holidays and during off-peak hours; which are weekdays from 09.00 to 16.00 and from 18.30 to 06.30. Or you can buy train tickets during those times for you and up to three other people travelling with you for a 40% discount on each ticket. With three or four days of extensive travel by public transport, the Dal Vrij pass will have paid for itself.

Though when you return home you'll need to log on to your online banking and cancel the direct debit for the Dal Vrij pass; to save Dutch people the bother of having to renew the Dal Vrij pass it is sold on a direct debit basis, but the T&Cs make it very clear that you can cancel the debit after the first month.

Conventional railcards aren't available for the majority of rail journeys in Spain unless you will be aged 60 and over when taking rail journeys in Spain. You can take your passport to an advance travel desk at Spanish stations and purchase a Tarjeta Dorada card for only €6! You can then use it to obtain discounts of 25 - 40% on Spanish rail tickets.

If you will be visiting Switzerland you can purchase Half Fare Cards HERE that will be valid for 1 month. They cost CHF 120 for adults, but live up to their name and give a 50% discount on most Swiss trains and public transport networks and that includes the Swiss mountain railways ; you can also use them to get a 50% discount on first class tickets and it doesn't matter whether you book online or last minute at the station

Half Fare Cards can be good value for money, even if you will only be spending a relatively short time in Switzerland, particularly if you want to travel spontaneously, so don't want to commit ahead to specific departures in order to obtain the Sparbillette (Supersaver) ticket rate. Use them to book last minute tickets on around three long-distance journeys and it's likely you'll make an overall saving, particularly if you book 1st class tickets.

If you will be travelling with children aged 6 to 15 then the Half Fare Card can be particularly good value for money, because when you buy it online and add children of this age to the travelling party, it automatically becomes a Swiss Family Card at no additional cost. The children aged 6 to 15 at the time of the trip then travel for free when accompanied by an adult; children aged 5 and under travel for free on Swiss railways in ay case.

Combining day passes with Half Fare Cards :

You can also use Half Fare Card to obtain Saver Day Passes at a 50% discount, so if you want to explore a large area of Switzerland in a single day or two and ALSO want to make some long-distance trips, the Half-Fare card can pay off. More info about how to use a Half Fare Card for visitors together with Saver Day Passes is available on the rail passes in Switzerland guide .

Though if you don't want to commit ahead to purchasing Saver Day Passes and would rather be spontaneous to take advantage of good weather etc, Half Fare Cards can also be used to purchase last minute Day Passes at a 50% discount . Though the flex type of Swiss Travel Pass, which is valid for three days of travel in a month, is cheaper than buying a Half Fare Card + 2 Day Passes.

That using rail passes in Switzerland guide also explains how the various types of rail passes can be cheaper than booking Swiss rail tickets, even at the Half-Fare Card rate; it depends on which journeys you will be taking.

This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help. We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.

Instead of advertising or paywalls, your financial support will make a positive difference to delivering an enhanced service, as there’s a lot of ideas which we want to make happen.

So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please go here to say thank you .

Simon Harper

I wanted to share my passion for train travel and explain how anyone can take the fantastic journeys I have taken.

This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney , which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.

Help keep us advertising and paywall free!

This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help.

We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.

So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please consider saying thank you.

• Europe by Train
• Journey Guides
• Rail Stations
• Trip Planning
• Travel Articles
• Tips from 100s of journeys
• How to take a night train
• Good to know about daytime trains
• Travelling with Children
• Taking Bikes on Trains
• Travelling with Luggage
• Taking dogs on trains
• Common benefits of first class travel
• Journeys with multiple connections
• Money saving advice
• The best permanent deals and offers
• Intro to seat reservations
• Step-by-step booking guides
• InterRail/Eurail
• Access over 500 rail holidays
• Save 5% on more than 30 Swiss rail holidays
• Book a range of Swiss rail passes
• Buy Half Fare Cards for Switzerland
• Book train tickets with Trainline
• Book rail holidays worldwide with Bookmundi

Loading service updates...

• Live train times
• Assisted travel
• Delay Repay
• Buy tickets

Service updates

Travel updates Latest travel information and updates

Industrial action Information about upcoming train strikes and industrial action

Timetables Find Southern timetables by station and download train times

Planned engineering work Details of planned engineering work on our network

Live map Real-time service status and route display

Alternative route maps Alternative train, bus and tube maps

Onboard travel

Bikes & Scooters Storage of bikes and scooters on board

Baby on board Priority seating for new and expectant parents

Luggage Guidelines and support for carrying luggage on board

Travelling with pets Policies for travelling with pets

Find a quieter train Want to have the best chance of getting a seat?

Wi-Fi on board Keeping you connected

Station information

Car parking Parking availability and information across our stations

All stations (A-Z) Facilities, addresses, maps and more, for all stations

Getting to the station Find out about taxis, buses and how to get to the station

Tickets & Payment methods

Off-Peak Reduced fares during off-peak hours

Super Off-Peak weekdays Reduced fares during off-peak weekdays

Anytime Tickets valid for travel at any time

Child tickets Child fares and discounts for young people

First Class Guarantee a seat and power socket

Season tickets Discounted long-term tickets for regular commuters

Flexi Season Flexible season ticket options for part-time commuters

Advance tickets Discounted tickets booked ahead of travel

Transport for London Off-Peak Fridays trial Off-peak fares on Fridays for a limited time

Ways to pay eTickets, Smartcard and Oyster card payment methods

Discounts & Offers

Unizone Discounted ticket for students in Brighton and Worthing

Railcards Save up to 1/3 off tickets with railcards

DaySave Cost-effective day pass for unlimited off-peak travel

GroupSave Off-peak saving sfor 3-9 adults travelling together

PlusBus Combined train, bus and tram tickets

2FOR1 offers 2-for-1 entry at attractions in London, Brighton and more

Kids for £2 Cheaper child fares starting from just £2

Accessibility

Book assistance Our online form for booking assistance for your journey

Assisted travel Assistance for those with access needs

Priority seat card A badge for those who require priority seating

Support whilst you're travelling Information and guidance on accessing our trains

Wheelchairs & Mobility scooters Guidelines for wheelchairs and mobility scooters

Help & Support

Contact us Need help? Find out how to get in touch

Delay Repay Compensation for unexpected delays and cancellations

Refunds & Amendments How to refund and change your ticket

Money Back Guarantee Plans can change, and it's fine to change your mind

Penalty fares Information on penalty fares and prosecutions

Failed to carry Submit proof of your ticket or railcard

Lost property Lost property services, collection and enquires

First Class claim form First class claim form for reimbursement

A railcard can save you 1/3 off many tickets – and there’s a wide range of railcards to choose from.

Get discounts with your railcard

A railcard can save you up to 1/3 off a wide variety of tickets, including some of those bought for journey’s using Southern Railway. Most Railcards cost £30 for a year and can be purchased online or from your local station.

Find out all about the different types of Railcards and see which one suits you best using the handy information below.

If you have a Key Smartcard with keyGo, you can also add your Railcard to your keyGo account . Easily Pay-as-you-go with your Key Smartcard, and we will discount your fare on your keyGo journeys.

Veterans railcard

Save 1/3 on rail fares with a Veterans Railcard. Nominate a travel companion and they'll get 1/3 off when travelling with you, plus up to 4 children save 60%

16-17 Saver

A new card offering a 50% discount for 16-17 year-olds is now on sale. If you hold a 16-17 Saver you can now purchase single and return tickets online   

Find out more about the 16-17 Saver

Family and Friends railcard

If you’re travelling in a group with children, the Family and Friends railcard is ideal, as you can get 1/3 off rail fares to travel across Britain.

Find out more about the Family and Friends railcard

Disabled Persons railcard

If you have a disability that makes train travel difficult, you will be able to get a Disabled Persons Railcard.

Find out more about the Disabled Persons railcard

16-25 Railcard

Regularly commute to school, college or work? This Railcard is perfect if you are aged between 16 and 25, or if you’re a full-time student over 25 years old.

26-30 railcard

Network railcard

Senior railcard

Two Together railcard

Need travel help with your journey, stay up-to-date.

Subscribe to email updates. Get travel inspiration, journey updates and exclusive offers delivered straight to your inbox.

We will not pass on your personal information to any organisation outside of Southern.

Should we no longer operate the Southern franchise, please be aware that we will pass your details to the Successor franchise or Secretary of State for Transport to allow you to continue receiving service and/or marketing emails if you have consented to them.

Subscription confirmed

Thank you for subscribing to receive relevant updates from Southern.

Subscription Failed

Something went wrong with your submission, please try again later.

• Delay Repay |
• Accessibility Tools
• You are not signed in
• Buy tickets You have no items in your basket
• Cheap ticket alerts
• Rangers and Rovers
• Flexi Season ticket
• Weekly season ticket
• Monthly season ticket
• Monthly plus season ticket
• Annual season ticket
• Using a smartcard
• Oyster cards and contactless
• Contactless PAYG extension
• Changes to peak times and tickets on some routes
• Advance tickets
• Anytime tickets
• Off-Peak tickets
• GroupSave train tickets
• Group Travel train tickets
• Evening Out tickets
• Sunday Out tickets
• Super Off-Peak tickets
• Semi Flex Return tickets
• London Travelcards
• TfL Off Peak Fridays
• Tap2Go pay as you go travel

16-17 Saver

16-25 railcard, 26-30 railcard, two together railcard, disabled persons railcard, family and friends railcard, hm forces railcard, veterans railcard, network railcard, senior railcard.

• Paying with Apple Pay
• Paying with Google Pay
• Family train tickets
• Combined ferry and train tickets
• Price promise
• Business Direct
• Industrial action
• Train times
• Download SWR timetables
• Changes to your journey
• How busy is my train?
• Live times and updates
• Planned engineering works details
• May engineering work
• June engineering work
• Platform zoning pilot scheme
• Network map
• Car parking
• Live station car parking
• Onward travel
• InPost parcel lockers
• Free Wi-Fi at our stations
• Airport links
• Class 158 "Express Sprinter"
• Class 159 "South Western Turbo"
• Class 444 "Desiro"
• Class 450 "Desiro"
• Class 458 "Juniper"
• Class 707 "Desiro City"
• What can you bring on board?
• First Class
• Window Seater
• Assisted Boarding Points
• Accessibility
• Assistance dogs
• Discounted fares
• Sunflower lanyards
• Wheelchairs, scooters and ramps
• Travel Assistance Card
• Travelling with a bike
• Travelling with kids
• A student's guide to train travel
• Travelling with pets
• Customer Council
• Meet the Manager
• Ticket checks and revenue protection
• Safeguarding
• Our performance
• National Rail Passenger Survey
• Our service quality report
• Destinations
• Things to do
• Day trips and breaks
• Business Life
• Local Highlights
• Sights and attractions
• SWR Rewards
• Jack Reacher competition
• 2FOR1 Offers
• Upgrading the Island Line
• Heritage railways
• Delay Repay
• Changing your train tickets
• Strike ticket acceptance, refunds and compensation
• Making a claim after disruption
• Lost property
• Smartcard help and support
• Make a complaint
• My Account |
• Accessibility Tools |
• Cheap train tickets
• Season tickets
• Smart tickets
• Ticket types

Railcards and discount cards

• How to buy train tickets
• Planned improvements
• Planned engineering calendar
• Engineering work weekly summary
• Our train stations
• On board facilities
• Assisted travel
• Customer Experience
• Staying safe
• Performance

Where Next travel blog

• Competitions
• Island Line
• Train ticket refunds

You’re being redirected to an external website.

• Train Tickets /

Save 1/3 or more on your train travel with a Railcard or discount card

Railcards mean saving on every train journey, giving you a discount of 34% off the full adult fare, and some offer up to 60% off child fares too. Discounts also apply on some London Travelcards , PlusBus , ferry services and Ranger and Rover tickets. 

There are a range of Railcards available for train travel that will save you money on each journey. It doesn’t matter if you’re going for a night out or heading somewhere nice for the weekend, or perhaps to follow your sports team throughout the season, no one likes to pay more than they have to and a railcard can make this a reality!

Find out more on Railcards and which one is best for you:

Save 50% on your rail fares for just £30 a year

Save if you're between 16 and 25, or in full-time education

The UK's first digital-only Railcard 

Some disabled travellers can save money, even without a Railcard

Save money for up to 4 adults and 4 kids with the Family and Friends Railcard

Reduced-price tickets for serving members of the armed forces and their families

Make the most of being over 60 with the Senior Railcard

Save money when your travel regularly with a friend

Jobcentre Plus Discount Card

Reduced price day and season tickets if you're looking for work

Save money travelling in the South East with a Network Railcard

Discover the new Railcard to honour armed forces veterans

Railcard FAQs

The most common questions you ask us about railcards

Buy train tickets to any destination in Britain – no booking fee

• Popular stations
• London Waterloo (WAT)
• Surbiton (SUR)
• Woking (WOK)
• Winchester (WIN)
• Guildford (GLD)
• Southampton Central (SOU)
• Basingstoke (BSK)
• Farnborough (Main) (FNB)
• Bournemouth (BMH)
• Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)

Find the best fare

Find the right train ticket for your journey

How to get your tickets

Email, post, print at home, download or collect from the station

Take the train and enjoy some of the best days out and events our region has to offer

Ticket offers

From half price train tickets to seasonal discounts.

I want to...

See ticket offers

Be inspired

Check live train times

Read the latest news

Book travel assistance

Check engineering works

Engineering works will affect your journey

You need to enable JavaScript in your browser to see Live train arrivals and departures through this website� (and also instructions on how to enable JavaScript)

• Credit Cards
• All Credit Cards
• Find the Credit Card for You
• Best Credit Cards
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best 0% APR Credit Cards
• Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
• Best Credit Cards to Build Credit
• Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
• Find the Best Personal Loan for You
• Best Personal Loans
• Best Debt Consolidation Loans
• Best Loans to Refinance Credit Card Debt
• Best Loans with Fast Funding
• Best Small Personal Loans
• Best Large Personal Loans
• Best Personal Loans to Apply Online
• Best Student Loan Refinance
• Best Car Loans
• All Banking
• Find the Savings Account for You
• Best High Yield Savings Accounts
• Best Big Bank Savings Accounts
• Best Big Bank Checking Accounts
• Best No Fee Checking Accounts
• No Overdraft Fee Checking Accounts
• Best Checking Account Bonuses
• Best Money Market Accounts
• Best Credit Unions
• All Mortgages
• Best Mortgages
• Best Mortgages for Small Down Payment
• Best Mortgages for No Down Payment
• Best Mortgages for Average Credit Score
• Best Mortgages No Origination Fee
• Adjustable Rate Mortgages
• Affording a Mortgage
• All Insurance
• Best Life Insurance
• Best Life Insurance for Seniors
• Best Homeowners Insurance
• Best Renters Insurance
• Best Car Insurance
• Best Pet Insurance
• Best Boat Insurance
• Best Motorcycle Insurance
• Travel Insurance
• Event Ticket Insurance
• Small Business
• All Small Business
• Best Small Business Savings Accounts
• Best Small Business Checking Accounts
• Best Credit Cards for Small Business
• Best Small Business Loans
• Best Tax Software for Small Business
• Personal Finance
• All Personal Finance
• Best Budgeting Apps
• Best Expense Tracker Apps
• Best Money Transfer Apps
• Best Resale Apps and Sites
• Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Apps
• Best Debt Relief
• Credit Monitoring
• All Credit Monitoring
• Best Credit Monitoring Services
• Best Identity Theft Protection
• How to Boost Your Credit Score
• Best Credit Repair Companies
• Filing For Free
• Best Tax Software
• Best Tax Software for Small Businesses
• Tax Refunds
• Tax Brackets
• Taxes By State
• Tax Payment Plans
• Help for Low Credit Scores
• All Help for Low Credit Scores
• Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
• Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit
• Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit
• Personal Loans if You Don't Have Credit
• Best Credit Cards for Building Credit
• Personal Loans for 580 Credit Score Lower
• Personal Loans for 670 Credit Score or Lower
• Best Mortgages for Bad Credit
• Best Hardship Loans
• All Investing
• Best IRA Accounts
• Best Roth IRA Accounts
• Best Investing Apps
• Best Free Stock Trading Platforms
• Best Robo-Advisors
• Index Funds
• Mutual Funds
• Home & Kitchen
• Gift Guides
• Deals & Sales
• Sign up for the CNBC Select Newsletter
• Subscribe to CNBC PRO
• Privacy Policy
• Your Privacy Choices
• Terms Of Service
• CNBC Sitemap

Follow Select

Our top picks of timely offers from our partners

Find the best credit card for you

The best credit cards to use for all your amtrak and international train travels, whether you’re riding the rails at home or abroad, these cards will reward you for your train trips..

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

There's nothing like watching the world pass you by from a train window, seeing the landscapes change, contemplating the vast scenery around you and passing the time curled up with a good book or chatting with your fellow travelers in the dining car. There's an old-school sort of wonder to it all, whether you're traveling around the U.S. on Amtrak — some journeys are more scenic than others — or riding the rails internationally.

Of course, the whole experience feels a lot more magical when it's a free (or nearly free) one — or if you're earning rewards points or cash-back that you can use to fund even more of your travels.

Below, Select details the best credit cards to use for train travel wherever you are, plus a few tips for saving money on U.S. and international train trips.

Best credit cards for train travel

• Best overall : Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for casual Amtrak travelers : Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®
• Best for frequent Amtrak travelers : Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®
• Best for international train travel : Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for earning cash-back rewards on travel : Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Best for earning flexible travel rewards points : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees )
• Best business card : Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly. Sign up here .

Best overall

Chase sapphire reserve®.

Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

22.49% - 29.49% variable

Balance transfer fee

5%, minimum $5

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® stands out for offering an up to $300 annual travel credit, which can be used to cover rail trips. Not only that, cardholders earn a generous 3X points per dollar on other travel, including train tickets.

Beyond that, cardholders can earn 5X points per dollar on flights and 10X points on hotels and rental cars when they're booked through Chase Travel℠ (after your first $300 in travel-related purchases), making it an ideal pick for frequent travelers. You'll also earn 10X points per dollar through Chase Dining, 10X points on Lyft rides through Mar. 31, 2025, 3X points per dollar for all other travel and dining purchases including takeout and delivery and 1X point per dollar for any other spending.

Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠, meaning the 60,000-point welcome bonus you can earn after spending $4,000 in the first three months is worth at least $900 in travel. 

While you can't use Ultimate Rewards® points to book train tickets, you can still transfer them to any of Chase's many airline and hotel partners such as Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, IHG, Marriott and Hyatt to enhance your travels, especially if you're flying to a particular country or locale to begin your rail adventure or need hotels to stay in — or a car rental — before or after your train trip.

There is a high $550 annual fee, but in turn, cardholders receive the $300 annual travel credit; a suite of travel and purchase protections; a  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit ;  Priority Pass airport lounge access ; extra benefits when you book a rental car with Avis, National Car Rental or Silvercar;  VIP access  to events and experiences; and special perks such as free daily breakfast, late checkout and room upgrades when you book a stay through The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.

Best for casual Amtrak travelers

Amtrak guest rewards® mastercard®.

2X points on travel booked with Amtrak (including purchases made onboard), 2X points on dining and 1X points for all other purchases.

Earn 12,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account membership.

25.24% to 27.49% (variable)

5% of the amount being transferred or $10, whichever is greater

Excellent/Good

See rates and fees, terms apply.

Who's this for? If you're someone who plans the occasional rail journey with Amtrak, the new Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard® issued by First National Bank of Omaha makes a great choice, as it lets you earn 2X points on travel with Amtrak (including purchases made onboard) and dining and 1X points for all additional purchases. You'll also receive a 10% rebate on food and beverage purchases made onboard the train (as a statement credit) and a 5% points rebate when your points are redeemed for travel on Amtrak.

The card has no annual fee, no transaction fees and new cardholders can pick up 12,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three billing cycles after opening an account, giving you a great head start toward free (or nearly free) train rides considering that Amtrak reward travel starts at just 800 points.

Best for frequent Amtrak travelers

Amtrak guest rewards® preferred mastercard®.

3X points on travel booked with Amtrak (including purchases made onboard); 2X points on travel, dining, public transit and ride-share services; and 1X points for all other purchases.

Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account membership.

Who's this for? For those who travel frequently aboard Amtrak trains, the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard® offers similar benefits, but for a reasonable annual fee of $99 provides more perks. For starters, you'll be earning 3X points for Amtrak travel (including purchases made onboard); 2X points on travel, dining, public transit and ride-share services; and 1X points for all other purchases. You'll also score a 20% rebate on food and beverages purchased onboard, in the form of a statement credit, and a 5% points rebate whenever points are redeemed for travel on Amtrak.

As far as additional benefits, cardholders receive several special perks upon account opening as well as on their card's anniversary date, including a round-trip companion coupon, one-class upgrades and station lounge passes. You'll also earn 1,000 tier-qualifying points whenever you spend $5,000 in qualifying purchases with the card.

Now through Dec. 2, 2022, new card members can earn 30,000 bonus points (instead of the usual 20,000) after spending $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account membership. If you've been a fan of U.S. train travel and are looking for a card that'll help you earn points towards more trips on the rails, this could be a great addition.

Best for international train travel

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review .

Who's this for? If your primary goal is to earn bonus points on train rides abroad and you don't want to pay a high annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card might be a good choice.

The card has no foreign transaction fees and lets you earn 2X points per dollar on general travel purchases, including train tickets. It also offers 5X points per dollar on travel booked via  Chase Travel SM ; 5X points per dollar on Lyft rides now through Mar. 31, 2025; 3X points per dollar spent with certain streaming services, as well as on dining and online grocery shopping (except Target®, Walmart® and other wholesale clubs); and 1X point per dollar on all other purchases.

With a $95 annual fee, this card packs a punch, offering additional travel benefits such as a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, collision damage waivers for car rentals, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, a 10% points boost to celebrate each card anniversary and special discounts for shopping with  Instacart+ , and  DoorDash , among other perks.

New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, which is worth $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel SM .

Best for earning cash-back rewards on travel

Blue cash preferred® card from american express.

6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% cash back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months. 

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening

19.24% - 29.99% variable. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.

Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Who's this for? If you're interested in earning cash-back rewards for your travel purchases and having a 0% intro APR for the first 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening (after, 19.24% - 29.99% see rates and fees ; variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%), consider applying for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express .

This card lets you earn 6% cash back for shopping at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% cash back on certain U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit (including trains) and U.S. gas station purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases, making it a great card to use during your travels and when you're using trains closer to home. Terms apply.

Three things to note about this card: While there is an $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, it'll be $95 after that ( see rates and fees ); the cash back you'll earn from using this card is offered to cardholders as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as statement credits; and unlike many cards on this list, you'll have to pay foreign transaction fees of 2.7% for using this card outside the U.S.

New cardholders also have an opportunity to earn a welcome bonus of a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 within the first six months of account membership.

Best for earning flexible travel rewards points

Capital one venture rewards credit card.

5 Miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

N/A for purchases and balance transfers

19.99% - 29.99% variable

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Who's this for? While most travel rewards cards focus heavily on earning points for flights and hotels, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) lets you earn 2X miles for every purchase — plus, 5X miles on hotels and rental cars when you book them directly with Capital One Travel — making it easier to rack up the rewards you'll need to book your train tickets by buying the things you need to buy anyway.

The welcome bonus is pretty decent, too — new cardholders can currently earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of card membership — and the card's annual fee of $95 is quite reasonable considering you're also getting a statement credit up to $100 to cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership and two complimentary visits per year to any Capital One Lounges (or any of the more than 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network)(see rates and fees ).

You'll also receive a range of travel-related benefits, including no foreign transaction fees, auto rental collision damage waivers for rental cars and travel accident insurance, as well as access to extra perks through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment .

While you can't transfer miles to Amtrak, you can use them to "erase" recent travel purchases, including those made with Amtrak, at a fixed value of one cent per point. You can also use the miles to cover hotels, flights, rental cars, and other parts of your trip either by booking through Capital One Travel or transferring and redeeming them through any of Capital One's airline or hotel partners, including Accor, Aeroplan, Qantas, Etihad and Singapore Airlines, among others.

Best business card

Ink business preferred® credit card.

Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in select categories each account anniversary year (travel; shipping purchases; internet, cable and phone services; and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines), 1X point per $1 on all other purchases

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

21.24% - 26.24% variable

Good/Excellent

Read our Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card review.

Who's this for? Similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card can be used to rack up Ultimate Rewards® points — 3X points per dollar on your first $150,000 worth of spending in business categories such as travel; shipping; cable, phone and internet services; and advertising expenses, then an unlimited 1X points per dollar for all other purchases.

You can then use those points to cover additional elements of your trip, such as flights, hotel stays or rental cars by booking travel directly through the Chase Travel SM — your points will be worth 25% more that way — or by transferring and redeeming them with any of Chase's many airline and hotel travel partners, including World of Hyatt, IHG, JetBlue and British Airways, among others.

New cardholders can currently earn a welcome bonus of 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 within the first three months of account opening, which translates to about $1,250 in travel when redeemed through Chase Travel SM . There is a modest annual fee of $95, but there are no foreign transaction fees for using it abroad. The card also offers fraud and purchase protections and additional employee cards to help you stay on top of all your business needs.

More ways to save money with Amtrak

In general, the earlier you can book your ticket, the better, especially on Amtrak, which releases its schedule 11 months in advance so you'll have plenty of time to plan. You can also save more by making some obvious choices, such as traveling in coach instead of business or first class, or toughing it out long-distance in a regular seat rather than splurging on private Roomette or Bedroom accommodations. Otherwise, here are some more things to be aware of if you're trying to stick to a budget-friendly ride.

Choose your fare class wisely

Amtrak offers several ticketing options depending on your route and what's available when you're booking (which is why buying your tickets early is so important), and each of them offers different perks and policies regarding changes and cancellations.

• Saver: Non-refundable fares, usually the cheapest, with fees that may apply for changing or canceling your ticket
• Value: Fares with refund options and no change fees; often second-cheapest
• Flexible: Fully refundable fares before departure, with no fees for changes or cancellations; typically the most expensive option

Depending on your travel needs and financial situation, it might be worth splurging for a more refundable ticket if you think there might be a need to change or cancel it. On the other hand, budget-conscious travelers might be more apt to risk it all for a cheaper, non-refundable Saver fare.

Take advantage of Amtrak Guest Rewards perks

Don't forget to sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards , the train company's free loyalty program, which gives you access to perks such as a 25% points bonus on business class travel and Acela business class travel, a 50% points bonus on travel in Acela first class, the ability to earn 2X points per dollar on Amtrak purchases and points-earning opportunities through its partners.

From there, if you travel on Amtrak often and earn enough tier-qualifying points, you can earn status :

• Select: Starting at 5,000 tier-qualifying points, you'll score all the perks of being a regular member, plus a 25% bonus on Amtrak travel, two one-class upgrades, two 10% discount coupons, exclusive offers, priority call handling and two single-visit passes to Amtrak Lounges
• Select Plus: Starting at 10,000 tier-qualifying points, you'll get the same perks as the previous tier, with a few differences — a 50% points bonus on Amtrak travel, four one-class upgrades and two companion coupons.
• Select Executive: Starting at 20,000 tier-qualifying points, you'll have the same perks as the previous tier, but with a 100% points bonus on Amtrak travel, four one-class upgrades (plus another one every time you hit the 3,000 tier-qualifying points mark) and one coupon for Auto Train Priority Vehicle Offloading.

Unfortunately, most loyalty programs no longer let you transfer points to Amtrak Guest Rewards , so your only real option is to call 1-866-313-9635 and transfer Audience Rewards ShowPoints at a 1:1 ratio in 1,000-point increments.

Otherwise, you can earn more points by shopping through the Amtrak Guest Rewards shopping portal or booking hotels and rental cars through Amtrak's partners and, of course, booking Amtrak tickets or signing up for one of its co-branded credit cards. You can also pick up more points by shopping with a litany of retail partners including 1-800-Flowers, Teleflora, Apple, Survey Points Club, QVC, The Home Depot, eBags, NRG Home, Vinesse Wines, Audience Rewards or the Rail Passengers Association.

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our  credit card marketplace  or get personalized offers via  CardMatch™ .

Keep an eye on Amtrak's deals and promotions

Amtrak is known for having sales, so it's a good idea to check its deals page from time to time, which lets you search for specials by region. Amtrak recently offered a double points promo on fall travel , for instance, while other deals are related to newly launched routes, buy-one-get-one-free specials on certain segments or 30% off Acela bookings made at least 14 days in advance, among others. In general, though, you'll typically save 20% by booking your tickets at least a week or two ahead.

Save with group or multi-ride rail passes

If you're going to be traveling in a group —with family members, friends or co-workers — you might be able to save by booking your tickets with Amtrak's Share Fares feature, which offers discounts ranging from 17% off for groups of three to 60% off for groups of eight when you book at least two days ahead.

Another option, if you're going to be doing several trips back and forth to the same place within a certain timeframe, is to opt for multi-ride passes — monthly, 10-ride or 6-ride — which allow you to pay a discounted fare and commute more often between two cities.

For those who want to go big or go home with Amtrak, the USA Rail Pass allows you to ride 10 segments over the course of 30 days on many of its most scenic routes for $499 per person. Use the pass to plan a few weekend getaways from your hometown or plan an epic rail journey from coast to coast with a few stops in between — it's up to you.

Another option, the California Rail Pass , offers access to The Golden State's most beautiful train rides for a flat rate of $159 per adult and $79.50 per child, letting you travel anytime for 7 days within a consecutive 21-day period.

How to save more on international train travel

When booking train rides abroad, remember to be flexible. In some places, rail lines frequented by locals might be slower-paced but can save you a few bucks compared to faster trains along popular tourist routes. Try to book in advance whenever you can and consider investing in a rail pass — it's worth checking websites such as Eurail or Rail Europe if you'll be visiting multiple European countries, for instance — if you know you're going to be spending a lot of time on trains during your trip.

Check for deals and discounts, especially if you're a student, senior or traveling with children, and see if regional passes are available if you're sticking to one country or a particular area within a country. Start by checking the tourism websites of the places you're going to see what is recommended since every destination is different.

Bottom line

Though not every travel rewards card allows you to transfer your points directly to Amtrak — except of course for the two Amtrak co-branded credit cards on this list — you can still use flexible rewards-earning cards to rack up enough points to pay for other portions of your trip, such as flights, hotel stays or rental cars. By using certain cards to pay for your Amtrak tickets, you'll be able to earn even more points to help fund future travels.

Before signing up for a new credit card, it's a good idea to check your credit score so you can identify any issues and get a better idea of what your chances are for approval. Make sure you're able to spend within your budget, especially if the card you're interested in has a steep annual fee and think about whether or not you'll be able to use all of its benefits enough to justify adding it.

Our methodology

To determine which cards offer the best value for train travel,  Select  analyzed 234 of the most popular credit cards available in the U.S. We compared each card on a range of features, including: rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fee and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is for the consumer to redeem points.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of  personal finance ,  tech and tools ,  wellness  and more, and follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here .

• This 5-month term CD offers 9.5% APY, but with a catch — here's how to get your hands on it Andreina Rodriguez
• How Quicken Simplifi can help you get a grip on your spending Elizabeth Gravier
• IRA vs CD — what's the difference and which one should you pick? Andreina Rodriguez

• Renew my Railcard
• Manage my Railcard

The official retailer of Railcards by National Rail

Get 1/3 off rail fares in London and the South East with a Network Railcard. Nice.

Buy now renew my railcard.

How much can I save?

People with a Network Railcard save on average £122 per year** , or  £4.91 per journey^ . If you’re travelling here’s an example of some of the savings you can make on train tickets:

* * Average saving is based on the average savings made Network Railcard holders between April 2022 and March 2023, excluding price of Railcard.

^ Average saving per journey is based on the average savings made by Network Railcard holders between April 2022 and March 2023.

Railcard price

Get special offers and rewards from our partners

Hoseasons Parks and Lodges

Save 5% on Hoseasons Lodges, Parks and Boating breaks with your Network Railcard

cottages.com

Save 5% on a cottages.com booking with your Network Railcard

Free Luxury Sleep Set (Worth £31)

How does using a Railcard work?

Get your Railcard

Buy your discounted train tickets

Have your Railcard with you when you travel

Eligibility and terms of use

• Buy a Railcard and keep it with you when you travel (on your phone or wallet)
• Save on most Standard fares
• £13 minimum fare applies Monday to Friday

Read full eligibility and usage terms

Need help getting or using your Railcard?

Need help? Can't figure out what card to buy? Or just have a question?

Where can I buy tickets with my Network Railcard?

You can buy your Network Railcard discounted tickets online or at any National Rail station (ticket machine or ticket office) within the Network Railcard area .

How quickly will I get my new digital Railcard?

In most cases, your digital Network Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your digital Network Railcard.

What happens if I have no battery life or can’t show my Railcard?

If you don’t have any battery life, or have forgotten your device, it won't be possible to check that your Railcard discount is valid.

You could be asked to buy a single ticket for your journey, or be issued with a Penalty Fare.

If you do get caught out while travelling, you can make one claim a year to be refunded for any extra fare or penalty you incur.

For a list of train companies in Great Britain, and their details, click  here

Can I use my Network Railcard for tickets for travel on the London Underground?

You cannot buy Network Railcard discounted tickets for journeys wholly on the London Underground and Docklands Light Railway. However discounted tickets bought for cross-London rail journeys which involve travel on the London Underground are permitted.

Can I use my Network Railcard at any time of day?

You can buy Network Railcard discounted tickets for travel any time on weekends and public holidays or from 10:00am Monday to Friday. You may be able to start your journey a little earlier than 10:00am, see the time restriction easements  section for details or check at your local station. 

The 10:00am Monday to Friday time restriction applies to all types of tickets. 

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

How part-time commuters can save money on peak-time rail travel

Flexible season tickets and carnets cut costs for people making fewer journeys due to coronavirus crisis

W hen offices all reopen there is a good chance that many workers will still spend at least some of their week at a desk at home – whether through choice or because their employers do not have room for everyone to be in at once.

But for those who take the train, a part-time commute can be the worst of both worlds: they face the choice of buying pricey daily tickets for rush-hour travel or paying for an annual season ticket they will use for only half the week.

Under existing ticketing schemes, paying daily to travel into a city centre can be hugely expensive.

Take, for example, the busy Reading to London Paddington route. An annual season ticket is £4,736, rising to £5,620 if you want to include onward travel within London zones 1-6.

However, if you buy a return ticket on the day, it is £51.80, assuming rush-hour travel. Do that twice a week, 46 weeks a year, and the cost will be £4,765 – even more than the full season ticket. Do it three times a week and it’s a colossal £7,148.

When Guardian Money checked other routes, it was almost always more expensive to buy tickets for three days a week than it was to buy a full annual season ticket. For example, Tunbridge Wells to London Cannon Street is £5,492 if bought daily three times a week but £4,928 for a season ticket. York to Leeds is £2,580 buying daily three times a week, against £1,960 for a season ticket. And while it is always sensible to book long-distance travel in advance to get bargains, booking ahead on peak-time commuter routes rarely earns you a discount.

Anthony Smith of the passenger body Transport Focus has already raised the alarm. He says: “People working from home for two to three days a week will not want to pay for a traditional season ticket offer but will still expect some recognition that they are a regular, if less frequent, traveller.”

A pilot scheme to offer part-time season tickets earlier this year was abandoned when coronavirus struck. Now, because these are regulated fares, the train companies are seeking Department for Transport approval for new, cheaper, flexible and part-time season tickets.

Great Western Railway – which runs lines into London Paddington – is understood to be seeking to offer a part-time season ticket that will be usable for three days out of seven, as well as selling packs of 12 tickets that could be used over a month, during rush-hour travel.

However, the level of savings these options would offer part-time commuters has not been disclosed. Nor is there any timetable for when these tickets will become available.A DfT spokesperson confirmed it was examining options such as carnets – where you buy a pack of five, 10 or even 50 tickets at a discounted price, and they generally expire after one to three months. “We are working at pace with industry to examine how we can help make sure part-time and flexible commuters are provided with better value and more convenient options … we are considering how we can make progress as quickly as possible.”

So what can you do now if you only want to go into the office occasionally and want the best fares?

Carnet tickets

There is a hotch-potch of schemes around the country where travellers can buy a discounted batch of carnet tickets that can be used between two named stations at any time. They usually come in five, 10 or 12 and are valid for one to three months, although sometimes longer. They typically work out at 5% to 10% cheaper than buying on the day.

Thameslink was among the pioneers of carnet tickets. It offers carnet 5 and carnet 10 tickets that are valid for three months only, and are only available for travel to and from 17 of its stations. The saving is 10%. For example, a peak-time day return from St Albans to London is £21.90 if bought on the day, which adds up to £109.50 for five return journeys. The carnet for five returns from St Albans costs £98, a saving of £11.50.

Greater Anglia has replaced its earlier carnet offering with one of the most developed “flexi” schemes. It sells packs of five, 10, 30 and 50 return tickets, with the saving at 5%, 7% or 10% depending on how many you buy. Note that some of these packs have short expiry dates. For example, for Chelmsford into London a standard return is £30.60, while 10 FlexiPass tickets work out at £28.45 each – but must be used within one month of purchase.

ScotRail has a 10-trip Flexipass, promising savings of “10% or more”, valid for one month. You can also buy a 50-journey Flexipass for travel between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

South Western Railway offers packs of 10 anytime day return tickets. But the discount is only 5%, you have to take out its Touch Smartcard and you only have two months from the date of purchase to use all the tickets.

West Midlands Railway offers flexi-travel packs of 10 tickets but the discount is only 5% and they are valid for one month from purchase.

Northern Rail launched its flexi-season ticket in mid-July, with a 10% discount on peak return fares. You have to download the tickets on to a smartcard. The current peak-time fare for travel from Harrogate to Leeds is £10.40 (anytime day return). With flexi-season, commuters can buy 10 day passes for £93.60. It’s a halfway house between the current weekly return ticket, costing £42.90, and the monthly at £164.80.

But there’s a drawback – Northern says it is only between Harrogate and Leeds and Skipton and Leeds at the moment. A wider rollout is planned, but Transport for the North says it is “seeking approval from the Department for Transport to spend more funds from the ringfenced budget so it can rapidly extend the flexi-seasons initiative across the whole of the north”, but needs funding.

Note that flexi and carnet tickets may only offer real savings on peak-time tickets; if you are travelling off-peak, especially with a railcard, it is cheaper to buy a ticket on the day.

Stagger your journey and arrive after 10am

It is notable that at the same time as the government is suggesting workers return to the office, and the train operators are setting up part-time season tickets, we are told not to crowd on to public transport. There are calls to stagger journeys – and if you do, starting later and finishing later can save you money.

In general, commuter trains that arrive at London terminals after 10am are cheaper than peak-time trains, sometimes substantially so.

For the high-speed 38-minute journey from Ashford in Kent to St Pancras in London, for example, there is a £73.10 day return at peak time, dropping to £34.30 if you arrive after 10am. Going in earlier – catching, say, the 6.16am train – does not earn you any discount.

Look out for quirky local deals

Some local initiatives offer massive discounts – if you know about them. For example, the standard peak-time return from Gunnislake into Plymouth, a 45-minute journey, is £9.60. OK, it’s perhaps not Britain’s busiest commuter route. But if you pop into Pearces petrol station in the village , they will sell you 10 tickets for £29. Further down the valley, at Margaret’s Hairdressing in Bere Ferrers, you will get 10 tickets from the local station into Plymouth for £23. It’s an initiative by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and you have to use local shops to buy the tickets, not the National Rail Enquiries service.

• Consumer affairs
• Transport policy
• Rail industry
• Coronavirus

Most viewed

Country and language

United Kingdom

United States

Deutschland

@media (max-width: 37.5rem){.css-vo707v{font-size:1.5rem;}} Log in

@media (max-width: 52.5rem){.css-1qvpg8e{font-size:1.375rem;}} no account.

Join Club Eurostar for FREE

Travelling with Eurostar

• Frequent travellers
• Manage your booking

Frequent or Premium Pass

Please log in to use your subscription pass.

Welcome to Club Eurostar

A more rewarding way to travel.

With Club Eurostar, you can turn your international train trips into brilliant benefits.

Earn points that can be used to pay for journeys, discounts on bookings, upgrade your seats and so much more.

Join for free and start earning points today.

Our tickets are now more flexible than ever before. And from 4 November, you’ll be travelling in our new travel classes Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus, or Eurostar Premier.

Ways to earn points

Being a Club Eurostar member turns your travel into so much more. You’ll earn 1.2 points for every £1 you spend on Eurostar tickets for your own travel.

Then, you can use your points to pay for free tickets, discounts, upgrades and more.

Eurostar Train + Hotel packages

For every £2 you spend on Train + Hotel packages, you'll earn 1.2 points on your own travel.

More points, more perks

The more you travel with us, the better it gets. As you earn more points, you'll move up club levels and earn bonus points on every trip.

Avantage members earn 25% in bonus points, Carte Blanche members earn 50% in bonus points, and Étoile members earn 75% in bonus points every time they travel.

Reward points and status points

Each time you book, you'll earn reward points that you can put towards tickets, discounts and upgrades.

When you buy Eurostar tickets, you'll also earn status points . These help you to move up a club level and get even more Club Eurostar benefits.

You can keep track of both by logging into your Club Eurostar account.

How to use your points

Free tickets.

For 1,000 points – book a one-way ticket to any of our destinations, with no restrictions on date or time.

Ticket discounts

From 200 points – use your points to pay less for your next Eurostar trip. Because everyone loves a cheaper ticket.

Upgrade your seat on Eurostar

From 600 points one way – upgrade to Standard Premier/Comfort (Eurostar Plus from 04 November) for extra legroom and a comfier seat.

ALL, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty program

From 500 points – exchange 500 points for 1,000 ALL points to give your Accor account a boost.

Share your points

From 100 points - share your points with friends and family to give their account a little boost.

Use your points

The more you travel with us, the better it gets.

Club levels

For every £1 you spend on Eurostar travel, you'll earn 1.2 Club Eurostar points. If you're an Avantage, Carte Blanche or Étoile member, you'll earn bonus points too.

Travel with us often? If you buy a Frequent Pass, you’ll automatically qualify as an Avantage member for as long as your pass lasts. If you buy a Premium Pass, you’ll go straight to Étoile status for as long as your pass lasts. Bonus! Not available on routes to or from London.

Our partners

American Express

Give your Club Eurostar points a top up from your American Express Membership Rewards© account.

Earn 100 Club Eurostar points and enjoy exclusive benefits when you hire a car with Hertz.

Boost your points balance by exchanging 2,000 ALL points for 300 Club Eurostar points.

Cultural and station partners

When you join Club Eurostar, you unlock a brilliant range of exclusive discounts with our cultural and station partners.

Need to know more about Club Eurostar?

Club Eurostar FAQs

Club Eurostar terms & conditions

What to wear when you travel: Tips from frequent flyers 

Jolie Hettena and Marli Hettena, 17, of Merrick, wear comfortable outfits and backpacks for their flight at MacArthur in Ronkonkoma on April 19. Credit: Morgan Campbell

In May, Michael Doyle and his wife head out from their Levittown home for a getaway to Copenhagen, where galleries, gardens, museums and more must-see sites will all be at their feet. Weeks before he departs for Denmark, Doyle, a flight attendant for a major carrier for 35 years, already knows what he’ll have on his feet during the flight: a pair of his trusty slip-ons. They come in handy passing through security and in the cabin.

“I like to wear loafers. You can slide them on and off at your seat,” he says, adding an inside tip of the trade. “Always wear shoes when you walk anywhere in the plane.” More than comfy, slip-ons come in a variety of styles for men and women — Cole Haan to Toms to Tom Ford.

Brayden, 5, Kaitlin, and Gemma Kenney, 6, from East Islip, travel in Disney-themed attire at MacArthur in Ronkonkoma on April 19. Credit: Morgan Campbell

With more than three decades of work experience in the sky, plus his frequent personal journeys, Doyle has solved the puzzle of what to wear when you’re at 35,000 feet.

To help make sure your next flight is nothing but blue skies when it comes to comfort, style and safety, we've rounded up advice for in-flight apparel from pros in the flying industry and parents who log frequent air miles.

Flight attendant tips

Stretch your style

Stretch jeans are a flyer’s best friend, if you ask Chris Riebli, a flight attendant for one of the “Big 3” U.S. airlines for more than three decades who lives in Long Beach. That goes double on a long-haul flight, where tight, binding clothes — as in, skinny jeans — are as unwelcome as turbulence.

“I always wear jeans because jeans are a little bit heavier and bulkier to pack so it takes packing space,” she says. “You can pretty much wear your jeans anywhere in the world and then fit into what everybody is wearing there.” Just make sure they're of the stretch variety, “so they're more comfortable,” she says, adding that jeans have “come a long way” from the old days of being stiff and unforgiving. On a nine-hour flight, that’s a top priority. You can find these wardrobe staples wherever you like to shop, from Nordstrom to Macy’s to Marshalls and beyond.

Layer it on

Like her fellow flight attendants, Leiann Cummings, who works for Breeze Airways and lives in Center Moriches, is a true believer in dressing strategically when she’s in the air. “My big thing is layers,” she says. “You want to layer up because being in the cabin is always unpredictable.”

Riebli echoes that sentiment, noting that the climate can turn from arctic to tropical as you go from tarmac to cabin. “You never know what the temperature is going to be,” she says. So she always pairs a top — short- or long-sleeve — with a “nice fashion sweatshirt, sweater or lightweight jacket.”

Focus on fabrics that breathe

Reign Small, 3, and Ryan Small, of Brooklyn, travel in casual and breathable attire at MacArthur in Ronkonkoma on April 19. Credit: Morgan Campbell

Choices for fashionable, travel-friendly tops are as vast as the open sky. Since you can boost in-flight comfort by wearing breathable fabrics, such as cotton, Uniqlo in Valley Stream, Uniondale and Huntington Station and the Gap (multiple locations) are two shops for in-flight inspiration. Moisture-wicking and quick-drying human-made fabrics found in athleisure wear are another option. Alo in Roosevelt Field and Lululemon in Uniondale, Manhasset and Huntington Station are two sources for going this style route.

Jill Hettena, of Merrick, wears comfortable shoes to travel. Credit: Morgan Campbell

Choose the right shoes

Flight attendants agreed that open-toed shoes are a no-no for flying, so stash your stilettos, strappy sandals and playful flip-flops in your bag. “I always recommend close-toed shoes,” says Cummings. “It’s a lot safer and your feet don’t get cold.”

Riebli is an ace at packing with maximum efficiency. She always matches her in-flight footwear to the environment of her destination. For a trip to Iceland, where hiking was on the agenda, she wore her comfy Nike running shoes. En route to Paris and England, she wears her suede tennis shoes. “They’re a little more fashionable and good for walking.”

Travel agent advice

Penny Cuomo has been running Sunset Travel in Bellmore since 1988. She’s logged countless miles planning trips for others (upcoming is one to the Canadian Rockies) and herself.

Cuomo figures she flies at least four times a year, and she dresses for the trip in essentially the same outfit. “I wear leggings or cropped pants, a T-shirt and a sweater or zipper top layer,” she says. “And comfortable shoes. Sometimes you have to walk a mile to get to the baggage.”

“I tell the women to take a shawl and men to take a sweatshirt,” says Cuomo. “It can definitely get cold in the cabin.” During a long flight, a wrap or pashmina easily doubles as a makeshift pillow and takes up practically no space in a carry-on bag.

Have it in the bag

Crossbody bags are designed to keep your essential documents including passports close at hand and safe. “I tell everybody to wear one,” says Cuomo. “Everything is at your fingertips — and no one else’s.”

There are many styles — Cuomo’s favorite is MZ Wallace in Manhattan — and most feature adjustable straps for just the right fit. Riebli seconds the crossbody bag tip — her go-to brand is Dakine, found at sporting good locations like REI in Huntington Station and Public Lands in Melville.

Sloane Grober, 34, a mother of three and retail consultant who lives in Syosset, reckons that she flies about eight times a year between family trips, jaunts with just her husband and the occasional girls’ getaway.

Flying with her three daughters — Hunter, 9, Harlow, 6, Hayden, 3 — brings out Grober’s strategic team captain. “I tend to dress all my kids in coordinating outfits,” she says. “It’s easy for everyone around us to know that we're kind of a pack or a pod.”

Sisters Harlow, 6, Hayden, 3, and Hunter Grober, 9, wear matching outfits when they travel. Credit: Howard Simmons

Have hoodie, will travel

“My number one rule for flying is that everybody wears a hoodie,” says Grober. “When my kids are sleeping on the airplane in their hoodies, I’m not so concerned about where their head is resting.” Her go-to shops include Blue Jean Baby in Woodbury and Gold Coast Kids in Jericho.

Prioritize pockets

When you’re flying, you can never have too many pockets, according to Grober. Leggings with a deep cargo-style pocket are a must-have in her plane outfit. “I always wear the same pair of black Lululemon leggings,” she says, adding that it’s ideal for boarding passes. “I love that they keep my hands free and nothing can fall out.”

Most Popular

Find anything you save across the site in your account

18 Best Travel Backpacks, According to Frequent Flyers

By Gabrielle Porcaro

As someone who frequently travels, I've slung duffels, totes , and travel purses on my arm, but nothing compares to using the best travel backpacks. Depending on the length of your trip, a suitcase can either be too bulky or not big enough, so you'll need the vital second bag to make sure all your clothes, tech, and gear securely arrive at your destination. Plus, traveling with a backpack can be more supportive for your back, freeing up your arms and hands to pull out directions on your phone or to hold an iced coffee. Backpacks can also be surprisingly roomy, so everything you need (or want) on your trip fits as comfortably as possible. The good news is there are a wide range of excellent options to suit any and all of your needs. Below, we found the most travel-friendly options and tapped Glamour editors and some of our frequent-flier friends to share the best travel backpacks.

What to look for in a travel backpack

When shopping for luggage items like a travel backpack, the comfort and capacity of the bag is key. You want it to feel easy on the body, which means wide straps or a hip belt to distribute weight, which comes in handy if you're running to catch a plane or carrying it through a crowded subway. Bonus points if the straps are they adjustable and padded. Consider the material: Is it lightweight, soft, and made of durable material like water-resistant fabric? As for size, think about the use of the backpack. There are weekender bags and carry-on size options you can use for long weekends or smartly packed weeklong vacations and styles for short day trips, hikes, or shopping excursions.

The best travel backpacks, at a glance

• Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack , $210
• Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack , $33
• Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack , $78
• Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack , $30
• Best for Commuters : Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack , $95
• Most Stylish : Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack , $150

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack - Del Día

Here's a simple, sleek backpack with plenty of built-in organization. “My twin sister and I have traveled the world together, and this bag came in particularly handy on our trip to South America when we both needed more room besides our carry-on luggage. What I loved about this piece is it's essentially a suitcase with straps. The wrap zipper fully opens up, allowing you to see and organize your goods into the compartments. Crafted in repurposed nylon, the exterior is one of a kind, and the colors made it easier to spot one another through the crowds,” says Glamour contributor Gabrielle Porcaro .

Capacity: 42 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Repurposed nylon body; suitcase layout; weight-distributing harness system
• Cons: Can easily show dirt

Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

As a runner-up, consider this the Swiss Army knife of backpacks. Hidden in this compact, durable bag are 20 pockets and compartments to accommodate and organize everything from clothes to an umbrella to power cords. A practical standout feature of this travel backpack is an external USB port with set-in charging cables to charge your phone (just remember to charge your power pack before heading out on your trip). Another noteworthy aspect is the U-shaped 3D breathable mesh straps designed to relieve stress from shoulders and reduce a sweaty back.

Capacity: 52 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: So many pockets for organizing; USB charging port; comfortable
• Cons: Chunky, technical look

Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L

Lululemon gets a lot of love for its Lulu leggings and activewear, but don't sleep on accessories like its laptop bags . A classic backpack with a modern design, the Everywhere Backpack has a clean appearance that will effortlessly match your look. Inside it's spacious and has a padded pocket that fits a 16-inch laptop. On the exterior is a front zipper pocket for keys, antibacterial wipes, headphones…whatever you need handy while on the go.

Capacity: 22 L / Waterproof : Water-repellent

• Pros: Internal laptop sleeve; side water bottle pockets; lightweight
• Cons: No luggage strap; not a ton of pockets

Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack

Coofay Carry On Backpack

This affordable, multifunctional pack is lightweight but can hold a lot and easily fit under an airline seat as a carry-on. “I loved the space and compartments of this bag. It's durable and packed a lot of room for so many things. The luggage handle strap is also a bonus if you're hauling a roller bag,” wrote one Amazon reviewer . Bonus: It has a shoes and a wet pocket compartment.

Capacity: 17 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Separate shoe compartment, 29 color options; USB port design
• Cons: Short luggage strap

By Emily Tannenbaum

By Sophia Bush

Best for Commuters : Everlane the ReNew Transit Backpack

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Whether you're a college commuter or in the office most days, this is an excellent option for everyday travel or work trips. It's a go-to for Condé Nast associate director of box business operations Haley Welch . “The separate laptop compartment makes organizing seamless, as does the front and upper zipper compartments, which is great for a Kindle,” she says. She likes that the chic and minimal look effortlessly mixes with every outfit, from comfy travel joggers and hoodies to a work-appropriate suit or dress.

Capacity : 27 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Internal and external water bottle holders; zipper pocket on top; made from renewed materials
• Cons : Only holds a 15-inch laptop

Most Stylish : Best Tumi Voyageur Just In Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

For anyone looking for a dressier option for their everyday commute or regular work trips, Tumi has a gorgeous style. Don't let the sleek appearance fool you; the zipper reveals a very roomy interior but still folds flat. A two-way zipper makes it easier to grab whatever you need from the inside with a smaller front pocket as well. There’s also a very convenient add-to-a-bag sleeve to secure this nicely over your suitcase handle, making it one to use on daily and international excursions. It's so stylish it can double as a cute work bag for office days.

Capacity: 15"H x 12"W x 4 1/2"D. (Interior capacity: large) / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros :Packable; folds down flat; lightweight
• Cons: Doesn’t fit a ton

Best for Organization : Snoffic Travel Backpack

Snoffic Travel Backpack

If remaining organized is of the utmost importance while traveling or in everyday life, look no further than this Snoffic backpack. This wallet-friendly pick has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon and under $35 price tag. “I was able to pack a week's worth of summer clothes in it, which included two summer dresses," says one Amazon reviewer . Not only does this bag offer ample space and waterproof material, but it also includes two clear toiletry bags (also waterproof) to help you reduce your zip-lock baggie usage. Plus, it comes in a wide range of pretty shades.

Capacity : 40 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Nicely priced; roomy; includes two toiletry bags
• Cons : Boxy shape

Best for Pockets : Athleta Excursion Backpack

Athleta Excursion Backpack

This pick, courtesy of Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs , is one that can hold every little trinket or gadget you own. “I thought this backpack was going to my go-to for hiking, but it’s actually my go-to for pretty much everything. I love how sleek it is, and yet, despite its slim appearance, it manages to fit my 15-inch laptop, my secondary screen, charger, headphones, e-reader, and mouse. It has handy organizational features, like an inner key ring, zippered outer pockets for me to stash my lip gloss and phone, and not one but two mesh pockets that fit my water bottle and an umbrella. Its handles are also made of a breathable fabric—so useful when I’ve worked up a sweat while out and about.”

• Pros :Lightweight; ripstop material resists snags and tears; mesh back panel for added support
• Cons: Larger on top shape

Best Minimalist Design : Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

“On my last flight I saw not one, not two, but multiple travelers with this style hanging from their backs. As someone who regularly takes Dagne Dover bags on trips, I understand the popularity. The neoprene material is strong, soft, and stretchy, which causes the bag to flex to your body and whatever you put inside. It's forgiving, allowing you to fit in and possibly overstuff everything you need for a trip. It also washes well, ensuring it will always have that chic appearance even after some wear and tear,” says Porcaro. Dagne Dover also makes excellent diaper backpacks like this parent-approved Indi Diaper Bag .

Capacity: 16 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Packs a lot; machine washable
• Cons: Neoprene is a bit heavier than other material; material creases easily

Best for Airplane Travel : Augustnoa Classic Noa

Augustnoa Classic Noa

“So many features drew me to this bag: the eco-friendly (plus water-friendly) material, smart design, and luggage sleeve—a must for any travel carry-on piece. There are ten pockets and compartments to organize essentials, something I took full advantage of when using. As an active person trying to hydrate more, I also appreciated the side pockets that securely held my water bottle (I bent over, and it didn't budge). It also includes a removable drawstring bag, something I always forget to pack for morning workouts and overnight travels,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 21 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Pockets on straps; laptop and tablet sleeve; two water bottle holders
• Cons: Pockets in the back and on straps are small

Best Roll Top : Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Expandable storage is always a plus with any travel bag. This backpack, from super cool brand Roark, has an adjustable top to allow more room. The roll-top also has a magnetic entry, allowing for easy and secure access on the move. Interior and exterior pockets, including one for your tablet or laptop, sunglasses, and a hidden pocket for your passport, are specific details that make this a unique backpack. Ergonomic air mesh padded straps, a quilted back, and chest straps prevent this from adding any discomfort to your travels. The appearance calls for adventure, but it equally works in cities.

Capacity: 27 L / Waterproof : 100% Nylon

• Pros: Streamlined look; quilted back; magnetic closure top
• Cons: Could use more internal pockets

Best Large Travel Bag : Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel 55L

The beauty of this bag is it says it right in the title—it's a black hole. With a 55-liter capacity, there's no doubt it will hold everything you need for a long weekend or even a long weekend trip. Ultra-comfortable to carry, it's perfect for hiking excursions, camping trips, or multi-city European backpacking adventures. Durably made with 100% recycled fabric, this fits in the overhead bin; if you want to check it, you can trust it will return to you just as you left it.

Capacity: 55 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros: Large, carry-on size, top and side handles; removable shoulder straps
• Cons: Rugged design

Best for Laptop : Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

If you're looking for a laptop backpack , this is a top choice. Hershel backpacks are a go-to for marriage and family therapist and mom of two boys, Whitney Steller. “I have had this for almost six years, and the quality is amazing. No rips or anything and the straps are still comfortable. “The classic grade school look was also a draw and the fact that it fits perfectly under a plane seat. This style, in particular, is eco-friendly, made from post-consumer water bottles, and has a padded compartment to fit up a 15-inch laptop.

Capacity: 20 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Optional strum strap to help disturbed weight; padded compartment for laptop
• Cons: No luggage sleeve

Best Y-Pack : Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

This is an awesome option for anyone who ends up leaving a trip with more than they brought. “The adjustable Y-shaped strap can be tight and secure or loosened to allow for more room, which is the reason why this is a piece of heavy rotation for me. It always shocks me how much I can fit/shove into the main compartment yet still slide my laptop out of the back sleeve. No matter if it’s filled with a hoodie and various pouches holding makeup, power cords, and snacks; it's easy to access. I like to use the zip pocket on the top to store antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, headphones, and anything else I want easy access to once I arrive on the flight,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 23.8 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Drawstring closure offers more space; zip pocket on top for easy access; durable material great for travel and the outdoors
• Cons: G-hook buckle closure can sometimes be tough

Best Waterproof : SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

The beauty of this piece is that it rolls up for easy packing within a suitcase or larger travel backpack. The fact that it's created from an extremely lightweight material also ups the packability and wear factor. Jen Ator, a personal trainer, used this on her honeymoon in Thailand. “Not only was it super sturdy and waterproof, but it fits everything we needed during day trips.” She also pointed out how handy the exterior pocket was for easy access to essentials like a phone to snap a picture of her and her husband.

Capacity : 18 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Lightweight; stowable
• Cons: No interior pocket

Best Convertible : Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Adaptability is vital when traveling, and this Thule convertible backpack offers various ways to hold it. If you're in a tight space, de-boarding, or want to give your shoulders a break, there is a longer shoulder strap and top handle to hold. Inside the backpack, you'll find compartments that look like your favorite easy-rolling carry-on suitcase, making it easy to keep everything with you secure and organized. Another standout feature is the exterior crush-resistant SafeZone compartment that's perfect for storing sunglasses or a phone.

Capacity: 21 ¾"H x 14"W x 8"D. / Waterproof : Water Resistant

• Pros: Crust resistant, two-way zip closure, RFID-shielded pocket;
• Cons: Expensive

Best for City Travel : PAK Large Nylon Backpack

PAK Large Nylon Backpack

“As a backpack I recently added to my collection, I was impressed by how many features were hidden in what seemed like a pretty basic bag. First, it’s worth noting how seamlessly this slid on and off my back, making it a breeze to sit on the subway or grab my wallet to buy coffee. At first glance, I was confused about the zipper on the bottom of the front pocket, but when I realized it was a coat sling, which, as someone who runs cold and always has an extra layer, is something I will use again and again. Another made-for-me feature is an extra large pocket for water bottles since it’s a personal pet peeve when they aren’t wide enough for standard sizes. Having only worn this around the city for daily life, I appreciate that the shape and look of the pack are city-ready and more polished. When I take this on international trips, I look forward to using the hidden theft-proof compartments,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 13.5”L x 7” W x 14” H / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Easy access pocket in the back, Coat sling, Large side pockets
• Cons: Not super large

Best Customizable : Roam Continental Backpack

Roam Continental Backpack

Anyone who is a fan of customization will appreciate this pick. Buyers can choose the color they want on the front, back, side, and straps to create a bag that is uniquely theirs. This is favorite of Glamour commerce editor Jenifer Calle , who has been using it for years. “It fits enough for weekend trips and vacation travel. I particularly like that the side zippers fit my Owala water bottle and there are plenty of zipper and pockets to hold my wallet, keys, chargers, lip balms, and more” says Glamour’s Calle.

Capacity : 26 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros : Customizable; 100-day trial period; soft material; luggage sleeve
• Cons : Expensive

By Malia Griggs

By Kelsey Clark

By Paula Lee

By Hannah Singleton

• Renew my Railcard
• Manage my Railcard

Managing your digital Railcard

What is a digital railcard.

• What is a digital Railcard download code?

How do I add a digital Railcard to my device?

Lost/replacement download code, frequently asked questions.

Digital Railcards are stored within the Railcard app on your smart phone or tablet, meaning there’s no need to carry the physical card around with you. They can be stored on up to two devices and used quicker than plastic Railcards as they do not need to be sent in the post.

The Railcard App is available to download from the  Apple App Store and the Google Play Store . The App is only compatible with devices that have the following software: Apple iOS 10 and above and Android 4.1 and above. The Railcard app is not compatible with Windows Phones.

How can I buy a digital Railcard?

Digital Railcards can be bought online only, go to the Railcard.co.uk  to get started. Once you have chosen your Railcard, you will be directed to your chosen Railcard website to buy your Railcard. When you are prompted to 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like', choose 'Digital'.

How quickly will I get my new digital Railcard?

In most cases, you should get your digital Railcard instantly after following the steps in the 'How do I add a digital Railcard to my device' section below.  Those applying for a Disabled Persons Railcard, Veterans Railcard or 16-25 Railcard as a mature student, will have to wait a little longer as these applications are checked manually. In which case please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be approved.

Can I renew to a digital Railcard?

Railcards can be renewed within 30 days of expiry, to either a digital or a plastic Railcard. Just log into your account and select 'Digital' when completing the application process.

What is the digital Railcard download code?

You need a digital Railcard download code to add your Railcard to your device. You can find this code in the email we send after you complete your Railcard application.

I can’t find the download code

If you can’t find your download code, please check your mailbox (including your junk mail) for an email from our Railcard team. If you still can’t find the email, you can request a new code by selecting the button below. Or you can return to the website where you bought the Railcard, log in to your account and follow the links to request a new download code, as per the 'Lost/replacement download code' section below.

Get a new download code here

Open the app*, and tap on the "+" symbol in the top right hand corner to get started.

Select "Add an existing Railcard" at the top of the screen.

Enter the download code you received in an email titled "Your digital Railcard download code", and click continue.

*The Railcard App is available to download from the  Apple App Store and the Google Play Store .

The download code that you received in your email expires after 10 days. If your download code has expired, or if you aren't able to find the email we sent you, please follow the steps below to generate a new download code.

Do you need a new download code for your 16-17 Saver or Veterans Railcard?

Please note:  the steps below are for all railcards, except 16-17 saver and veterans railcard. if you need a digital railcard download code for any of these two railcard, please follow the links below..

• How to generate a new digital Railcard download code for a 16-17 Saver .
• How to generate a new digital Railcard download code for a Veterans Railcard .

Follow the link to ' My Railcard ', and scroll down to the Railcard you would like to generate a download code for - click "Get a new download code"

You can now use this new download code to add your Railcard to a new device.

If you are asked to remove 1 device, click the bin icon next to the device name and then click 'Remove', the system will generate a new download code for you.

What happens if I have no battery life or can’t show my Railcard?

If you don’t have any battery life, or have forgotten your device, it won't be possible to check that your Railcard discount is valid. You could be asked to buy a single ticket for your journey, or be issued with a Penalty Fare.

If you do get caught out while travelling, you can make one claim a year to be refunded for any extra fare or penalty you incur.

What happens if I don’t have reception or I am offline?

Railcard are available offline for a period of up to 72 hours. The Railcard app on your device will continue to show your digital Railcard as long as your mobile device has connected to the internet at some point within the last 72 hours. However, you will need an internet connection to buy your digital Railcard or add it to a new device.

What happens if I lose my device?

In the unfortunate scenario where you lose your device, you can simply add your digital Railcard to a new device. If your Railcard is already associated to two devices, please log in to your account and you will find an option to Manage your devices for any active Railcards you own. Simply select the device you want to remove. Once you have done this you will be able to add your Railcard to a new device.

Why can’t I add my Railcard to another device?

You can store your digital Railcard on up to two devices at a time.

If you want to add it a third, you will need to remove it from one of your existing devices using the steps descirbed above.

Why has my Railcard been blocked?

If we detect suspicious activity on your Railcard, it will be blocked until we have had the chance to speak to you.

During this period, your Railcard will no longer be valid for travel.

If your Railcard has been blocked, you will need to contact our customer support team.

**Excessive device changing can result in a Railcard being blocked**

How do I unblock my Railcard?

You will need to contact our customer support team so that we can better understand the activity that has caused your Railcard to be blocked.

If appropriate, they will be able to help you get back online with your Railcard.

I have a plastic Railcard, can I swap it for a digital one?

Unfortunately you are unable to swap a plastic Railcard to a digital Railcard. However, when the time comes to renew your Railcard you can do this online and choose to have a digital Railcard.

Can I have a plastic and digital version of my Railcard?

Unfortunately you can only have one version of your Railcard – either plastic or digital. Once you have purchased your Railcard you cannot change the type of Railcard you have.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Travel Accessories

I’m a Frequent Flier, and These 15 Things Helped Me Survive an 18-hour, Nonstop Flight in Economy — From $6

These comfy travel essentials made my seat in coach feel like first class.

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

Even the most frequent fliers, like myself, will tell you that flying is hard on the body. Between the altitude change, long periods of sitting in confined seats, and recycled plane air, a long-haul flight can leave your body feeling depleted of energy, sore, and dehydrated. Plus, flying for long periods of time also takes its toll on the mind. Even though I’ve been a travel writer for nearly 10 years (I fly so often that I have all of my major airport codes memorized), I still get anxiety — particularly when I know that I’ll be stuck on a plane long enough to watch “The Godfather” trilogy. 

Fortunately, these types of flights have become more manageable thanks to my trusty long-haul flight packing list . Recently, I flew on Qantas’ new 16-hour nonstop flight from New York City to Auckland, and despite having business class tastes, I was on a coach budget. But, because I was intentional about what I packed in my carry-on , I was pretty comfortable from takeoff to touchdown. Armed with my arsenal of travel essentials , and my foolproof routine for using them, I almost looked forward to my return flight — the key word there is almost . So, whether your next long-haul flight is to New Zealand or Newfoundland, consider investing in these 15 travel writer-vetted items for a more comfortable experience in economy.

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow

I upgraded my flimsy, unsupportive travel pillow to this dual-density memory foam game-changer years ago. Now, it has more than 4,800 five-star ratings and is so popular that 2,000 of them were sold last month, according to Amazon. I love that it comes with seat straps, so I can attach it to any headrest and don’t have to worry about it sliding to one side. The removable, washable cover is also handy, and there’s even a pocket where I can stash my earplugs (which I'll go into more detail about later). And like all of the best travel pillows , the Cabeau Evolution S3 comes with a carrying case and compresses down to be about half its size for easy packing. 

Vouching for its comfort, one shopper wrote , “I just traveled to Israel and England this past month using this pillow and it allowed me to sleep an average of six hours on the four long-haul flights, which is the best I’ve ever been able to do in all my years of flying." 

Anker USB-C Portable Charger 

Not having a full charge on my devices stresses me out, and I hate relying on in-seat power stations on flights as, half of the time, they don't work (or the cabin crew won’t let you have your stuff plugged in during takeoff and landing). That’s why I always travel with Anker's best-selling power bank with nearly 5,500 five-star ratings. While the bank itself takes hours to fully charge, it can boost my iPhone 14 to 50 percent in about 45 minutes. And I only need to charge the power bank once every five days despite using it every day to charge my phone, smartwatch, GoPro 12, and Apple AirPods. It’s also compatible with Samsung devices and includes a USB-C port in addition to the USB-A port. A carrying case and cables are included. 

“It worked great,” according to a reviewer , who relied on it for a 14-hour flight. Another traveler chimed in to add that it’s “perfect when you are on planes or in airports for 20 hours.” 

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Facial Cleansing Towelette Singles

If you can’t shower on a plane, washing your face is the next best thing. Of course, the water from the taps in the lavatory doesn’t have a great reputation. For that reason, I travel with these tiny, pre-moistened cleansing towelette singles from Neutrogena. Despite being so gentle on the skin (i.e. no harsh astringents here), they remove makeup and even my mineral sunscreen, which can be hard to get off even with a full skincare routine and proper bathroom counter space). But don’t just take it from me. They have nearly 60,000 five-star ratings and more than 90,000 units were bought in the last month, making them no. 1 on Amazon’s list of makeup cleansing wipes best-sellers . 

Is it cheaper to buy wipes in bulk? Yes. But as you can see from the following review , sometimes, singles are the best way to go: "They don’t dry out when they are individually wrapped and you can take as many as you need for the trip." 

Crest Scope Mini Brushes-Disposable Toothbrushes With Toothpaste and Pick

It’s amazing how having a clean mouth can make you feel like a new person. But it can be hard to brush your teeth while you’re traveling. What’s great about these disposable toothbrushes is the fact that you don’t even need water, or toothpaste. The bristles feature liquid-like “beads” of Crest Scope. And despite being so compact, these toothbrushes also have built-in picks on the ends, which means that I’m not panicking if I run out of floss mid-flight. 

Amazon notes that more than 4,000 of them were sold in the last month, and many of the 3,100-plus five-star ratings come from grateful travelers who spend a lot of time in the air. As a matter of fact, one shopper called them their “go-tos on long flights.” 

Flex Flap Cell Phone Holder and Flexible Tablet Stand

While most long-haul flights have seatback screens, sometimes they don’t work or have the most recent season of “Yellowstone.” That’s why I like to download my favorite movies and shows on my phone. I’m starting to see more travelers do the same, and on my last flight, I noticed one with this handy phone holder/tablet stand. Designed by a flight attendant, the Flex Flap is a lightweight and compact way to prop up, display, and view your smartphone. When you need to mount your device, simply fold or hang the flap and adjust it until you get your desired height and angle. More than 4,000 of them were bought last month, and it has nearly 4,000 five-star ratings. 

According to one traveler , “It can hold your phone or tablet horizontally or vertically… The stand is also very sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about your device falling over.”

Loop Quiet Ear Plugs for Noise Reduction 

Most airlines give you disposable earplugs for overnight flights. The catch? They’re not the best quality (i.e. don’t expect them to drown out the wails of the crying baby two rows behind you). Instead, invest in these noise-reduction silicone earplugs. They come in six colors and include a carrying case, as well as customizable tips so you can fit them to your ears. Before balking at the $30 price tag, just know this: they’re reusable, and with more than 50,000 five-star ratings, they’re ranked no 1. on Amazon’s list of earplug best-sellers . 

One traveler , who wrote that they’ve always struggled to find earplugs that “strike the right balance between comfort and effectiveness,” called them a “game-changer.” 

SB Sox Compression Socks

Last year, when I flew 40 hours to the Maldives, I arrived in paradise with ankles and shins so swollen that I spent the first day scrolling on WebMD when I should have been snorkeling. Fortunately, it all could have been avoided had I worn compression socks . This particular pair not only increases your blood circulation, which prevents swelling and pain, but it also has cushioned heel and toe support to “provide unmatched comfort,” per the brand. 

Taking to the review section, a frequent flier raved that these socks came recommended by their nurse friend: "Thankfully, this [pair] worked so perfectly on my recent trip to Australia and New Zealand. For my long-haul flights, my feet did not swell at all. I will never buy any other brand from now on." 

Grace & Stella Under-eye Masks

These under-eye masks are described as "an energy drink for your eyes” by the brand. Meanwhile, one satisfied shopper , who wears them while “jet-setting around the globe,” called them “magic in a packet" as they get their tired under-eyes "refreshed and rejuvenated like I've had eight hours of sleep in just 20 minutes.” After reading that testimony, I wasted no time adding a pack to my carry-on for this long-haul flight. 

They're easy to slip on right before you land and really wake up your under-eyes with their brightening, de-puffing, and hydrating blend of moisturizing hyaluronic acid, fine line-smoothing glycerin, and wrinkle-reducing sea moss, and strengthening amino acids. 

Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter Receiver 

I don’t understand how we can send people to the moon, but airlines are still having us use headphones with cords. Hopefully, they hop aboard the wireless train soon, but until then, I’ll be using this Bluetooth transmitter to connect my AirPods to the in-seat entertainment console. I love not having to worry about getting tangled up in a cord or having it come unplugged when my seatmate gets up to use the loo. Not an Apple aficionado? No worries. This transmitter, which can last 20 hours between charges, works with most wireless headphones and earbuds. 

“The Bluetooth connectivity to my AirPods didn’t skip a beat,” one traveler was happy to report, noting that they tested it on back-to-back long flights and determined that this product is “worth every penny." 

Basic Concepts Airplane Foot Hammock 

Admittedly, when airplane foot hammocks first came out, I thought that they were dorky. But these days? I’m a believer. Elevating my feet on a long flight not only makes me feel more comfortable, but it also helps minimize swelling. What’s great about this particular foot hammock is its versatility. It offers three different positions, and thanks to its extra-long adjustable strap, it even works for the tallest of NBA players, according to the brand (granted, they should probably be flying business class). 

“I use this every time I go on long flights (like 20-hour long flights) and trust me, this makes economy so much more comfortable,” gushed a reviewer , who appreciated that it’s simple to set up and comes with a travel case.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Because airplane cabins circulate air pulled from the outside, where there’s very little moisture at cruising altitudes, it’s very important to stay hydrated. Otherwise, you can suffer from undesired symptoms like headaches, dry skin, scratchy throat, etc. Instead of waiting for the flight attendants to come around once every few hours with their drink cart, I pack a water bottle. I’m loyal to my Yeti Rambler ($40), but if that’s too pricey, consider this BPA-free top-seller from Owala with more than 33,000 five-star ratings. It’s also made with stainless steel and features double-wall insulation, so it keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. 

“I can always count on this bottle to keep my water refreshingly chilled,” one well-hydrated shopper said in their Amazon review. “I also appreciate the thoughtful design features of this bottle, such as the leak-proof lid and convenient carry handle.” 

Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream

Speaking of dry skin, to keep my hands from cracking on long-haul flights (where I use a ton of hand sanitizer), I lather on this best-selling, dermatologist-recommended cream . Its fast-acting formula alleviates dryness quickly, and unlike other hand creams, it's non-greasy, so I don't have to worry about accidentally getting it on my clothes. What's more, its 3-ounce tube makes it TSA-approved for my carry-on. Though it's an M.V.P. for long-haul flights, the Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream is great to have handy on every point of my trip; from the hotel to the beach, and beyond. 

“It lasts a long time, it doesn’t smell, and it keeps my hands soft,” summed up one traveler , who declared it their “favorite lotion.” 

Amazon Kindle

In-flight magazines may be things of the past (I was a huge fan of Skymall, although I always browsed, never bought), but these days, e-readers are where it’s at when it comes to reading on long-haul flights. This 5.6-ounce Amazon Kindle is great for travel because it’s ultralightweight. And despite being incredibly compact (it's just slightly larger than my iPhone 14), with its 16 gigabytes of storage, it can hold thousands of books. Plus, it can go up to six weeks in between charges. The high resolution screen is crisp and clear, and the adjustable front light and dark mode means that you won’t have to turn on your overhead seat light and wake up your neighbor. 

"It’s small enough to take anywhere," a shopper said . "It's fantastic for long flights and days lounging about." 

Benefiber On The Go Prebiotic Fiber Supplement Powder Set 

I have Crohn’s disease, so I have a very iffy digestive system. That said, even if your gut is healthy, long-haul flights — and traveling in general — can do a serious number on it. For that reason, I recommend stocking up on these single-serving prebiotic supplements, which were recommended to me by my gastroenterologist. Unlike most plane fare and junk food that I let myself indulge in while flying, these small packets (which I mix with any non-alcoholic beverage) are packed with fiber. Not only does this fiber increase your chances of having healthy bowel movements (and eliminating uncomfortable mid-flight bloating), it also encourages the growth of good gut bacteria. 

“These are very convenient to maintain a fiber regiment while traveling,” wrote one Amazon shopper , who has already reordered them several times. 

Lky Digital Sleep Mask for Side Sleepers 3-pack 

According to the Sleep Foundation , “Light is the most important external factor affecting sleep.” Scientists agree that we get more sleep, and better quality sleep, in dark environments. While most airlines give you eye masks on long-haul flights, they leave a lot to be desired with their low-quality designs. Fortunately, this mask — which has more than 44,000 five-star ratings — blocks 100 percent of light and promises total darkness. Plus, it has an adjustable headband, so you don’t need to worry about it sliding to one side (a feature that side sleepers will appreciate). And thanks to the 3D-contoured fit, it doesn’t rest flat against your eyes and won’t ruin your mascara. 

“These are great; they're light-blocking, lightweight, and super soft,” according to a traveler , who found that, unlike most masks that put pressure on the face, this one doesn’t leave their eyes feeling heavy and puffy when they wake up. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

See More T+L Shopping Deals