Concessionary fares on the British railway network

In addition to the large number and variety of short-term or localised promotional fares that have been available to passengers on the British railway network in recent decades (especially since privatisation), there are many permanent concessionary fare schemes available to passengers. Some of these take the form of Railcards, which can be purchased by people who qualify according to the conditions, and which give discounts for all journeys over a period; other concessions are available for individual journeys. As of 2025, the main Railcards include the 16–17 Saver, 16–25 Railcard, 26–30 Railcard, Senior Railcard, Disabled Persons Railcard, Family & Friends Railcard, Two Together Railcard, Network Railcard, and Veterans Railcard, with most priced at £35 for one year and the Disabled Persons Railcard at £20 for one year or £54 for three years.

In March 2025, the cost of most Railcards in England and Wales increased by £5 alongside a 4.6% rise in regulated fares, although the Disabled Persons Railcard was excluded from this increase. In Scotland, the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme was revised in April 2025, initially granting a 50% discount on standard single and return rail fares before changing in September 2025 to one-third off off-peak fares, with capped fares retained for rural zones and for ferry and subway travel. In all cases, details of the type of concession are printed on the passenger's travel ticket, to distinguish reduced-rate tickets from those sold at the standard full fare, and many concessions can now be verified digitally via mobile devices.