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Railcards and student discounts

Save on your Gatwick Express tickets when you use your railcards. Whether you’re using your 16-25 Railcard, Senior Railcard, or one of the many others available; save even more money on your discounted ticket by booking online.

What is a Railcard?

A Railcard is a discount card that gives you up to 1/3 off eligible train fares. It costs just £35 for a year, and whether you're commuting, visiting friends, or heading out for the weekend, it’s a simple way to save money on your travel.

Using your railcard on Gatwick Express

If you have any issues with your existing Railcard, please contact the Railcard Team on Twitter, Facebook, 0345 3000 250 or railcardhelp@nationalrail.co.uk. For more info please visit: www.railcard.co.uk.

Which Railcard is best for you?

Railcard

Discount

Key benefits


16–17 Saver

50% off Biggest discount available for 16-17 year olds. Enjoy the benefits and digital convenience. Find out more

16–25 Railcard

1/3 off

Great for college, uni, and young professionals aged 16-25, or if you're a full time student over 25.

Find out more

26–30 Railcard

1/3 off

Ideal for young adults early in their careers.

Find out more

Family & Friends Railcard

1/3 off adults
60% off kids

Excellent for family trips and group travel.

Find out more

Network Railcard

1/3 off

Great for frequent regional travel or days out across London and the South East.

Find out more

Senior Railcard

1/3 off

Affordable option for adults aged 60+ with wide network coverage.

Find out more

Two Together Railcard

1/3 off

Perfect for couples, friends, or travel partners. You only have to be 16 or over and travel together for this railcard to be valid.

Find out more
Disabled Persons Railcard  1/3 off (plus an adult companion) You and an adult companion can get 1/3 off most tickets including Advance tickets. Find out more
Veterans Railcard 1/3 off (plus an adult companion)
60% off kids
Veterans and a named travel companion can save 1/3 off, and up to 4 children get 60% off when they travel with you. Find out more
HM Forces Railcard 1/3 off adult fares
60% off kids fares
If you are a member or a spouse/civil partner of a member of the Regular Armed Forces or Volunteer Reserves then you are eligible. Find out more

How can I apply my railcard discount to my train ticket?

You can buy your Gatwick Express train tickets either at one of the self-service ticket machines in London Victoria and Gatwick stations or online. You will be able to apply your discount here.

If you are making an online booking, tick the railcard box to get your discount. 

Please ensure you have any railcards with you when you travel on all Gatwick Express services, as the rail staff will always ask to see both your railcard and your ticket. If you don’t have your railcard with you, you’ll need to buy a new ticket at the full price.

Can I use a railcard on a GroupSave ticket?

Because the Gatwick Express GroupSave tickets are already so heavily discounted, you are unable to use any railcards on top

I have an International Student Identity Card; can I use this to get discounted rail tickets?

Yes. We offer student discounts on Gatwick Express services. All you need to do is simply show your International Student Identity Card (ISIC) at the ticket office to save 25% off your rail tickets. Unfortunately we cannot accept ISIC cards online, so if you’re taking the train outside ticket office hours, you’ll need to buy the discount ticket in advance.

How can I apply for one of the railcards available?

For full details on how to apply for one of the many railcards available and for the terms and conditions, head to the National Railcards website.

Who can travel for free?

Children under 5

Children under 5 years of age travel for free across our network. Please note, children under 5 who are travelling without a ticket may only occupy a seat that is not required by a fare-paying passenger. For travel across the rest of the National Rail network, please visit the National Rail website.

Oyster cards

Certain types of Oyster cards allow passengers to travel free on some National Rail services within London Zones 1-6. For travel on Gatwick Express you will need to purchase an extension ticket when travelling outside the valid London Zones 1-6. For full details please visit the Transport for London website.

London Freedom Pass

Free travel with a London Freedom Pass is only valid on Gatwick Express services between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport under the following conditions:

  • An extension ticket must be purchased before travelling to cover your journey outside the London Freedom Pass zone between Coulsdon South and Gatwick Airport
  • Travel is only valid from 9.30am and until 4.30am weekdays, and any time on weekends and public holidays

For full details please visit the Transport for London website, and the London Councils website.