• Renew my Railcard
  • Manage my Railcard

national travel card uk

The official retailer of Railcards by National Rail

Get a Railcard

Just a few journeys and it's paid for!

Choose your Railcard  

Multicoloured beach huts on a sandy beach against a bright blue sky

Find your Railcard

Over 20 million people in Great Britain can save with one of our Railcards. Which one will you get?

16-25 Railcard

For those aged 16-25, save a 1/3 off rail fares for days out, seeing family and friends and even festivals!

Senior Railcard

For those aged 60 and over, save 1/3 off rail fares for days out, holidays, seeing family and friends, and theatre trips!

Two Together Railcard

For two named people travelling together, get an average annual saving of £129 plus special partner discounts!

Disabled Persons Railcard

If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult, you may qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard

26-30 Railcard

Valid for those aged 26-30. For just £30, save 1/3 on most rail fares to travel across Britain for a year!

Family & Friends Railcard

Children aged 5-15 get 60% discount on kids fares! Up to four adults and four children can travel on one card.

Network Railcard

For those travelling in the South East, aged 16 or over. Get an average annual saving of £191 plus partner discounts.

For those aged 16 or 17. Enjoy 50% off standard Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance and Season tickets, for just £30 a year.

Veterans Railcard

If you are a veteran of the UK Armed Forces, you may qualify for a Veterans Railcard. Save a 1/3 on most rail fares.

Help me choose

national travel card uk

Need help getting or using your Railcard?

Need help? Find out everything you need to know about purchasing, using and renewing your Railcard.

How do I renew my Railcard online?

national travel card uk

If you bought your Railcard online, you will be able to renew it when it is within 30 days of the expiry date.

Railcards bought at a train station cannot be renewed online.

What is the digital Railcard download code?

If you bought a digital Railcard, you will need a download code to add your Railcard to your Railcard app.

Your digital Railcard download code will be sent to your registered email address after purchase. You can also generate a new download code by logging into your account.

How do I get cheap train tickets?

With a Railcard you can get 1/3 off the price of most train fares.

This guide contains ways to get cheap train tickets, including getting the most out of your Railcard, finding promotions and booking in advance.

How to do I log into my account?

If you are having trouble logging in or have forgotten your password, follow this guide to quickly get access to your Railcard account.

Can I get a refund due to COVID?

We understand the restrictions due to COVID mean some Railcard customers haven’t made all of the journeys they had planned. After careful consideration the government has confirmed to us that Railcards will remain non-refundable and will not be extended. 

BritRail Passes

national travel card uk

BritRail provides international visitors to the UK with the freedom to keep to a flexible schedule while traveling throughout British rail’s extensive national network. BritRail’s range of rail passes offers unlimited train trips on each travel day as you journey across England, Scotland and Wales. Choose the BritRail pass that best suits your itinerary and hop on and off the train at exciting destinations like Edinburgh, London and Cardiff! What better way to visit Britain’s historic castles and countless landmarks than by train?

Discover the M-Passes

As the digital answer to rail travel, the M-Pass facilitates seamless travel by downloading your pass to your phone. With flexible and consecutive options to choose from, the M-Pass is easily scanned at the train station to start your journey. Once your purchase has been completed, an email will be sent with your activation code. For consecutive M-Passes you must select your first day of use and flexible M-Passes will select their intended dates of use. Flexible M-Pass holders get the added bonus of one free seat reservation for their trip!

Select your pass

Britrail pass, britrail england pass.

BritRail London Plus Pass

BritRail South West Pass

BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass

national travel card uk

Popular Passes

The best way to explore England, Scotland and Wales is with a BritRail pass, allowing for unlimited train travel on Britain’s National Rail Network! Journey to popular cities throughout Britain while enjoying scenic views of England’s rolling hills, Scottish highlands and Welsh National Parks.

If you’re visiting England, your best bet to travel around the nine distinct regions of this beautiful country is by train. Enjoy coastal destinations like Brighton and vibrant cities including London, Manchester, Liverpool & beyond!

The BritRail South West Pass will bring you to cities in England such as London, Bath, Oxford, and popular destinations along the coast from Plymouth to Penzance! You can also visit Swansea and Cardiff in Wales making this the perfect pass to discover the southwestern region of Britain today!

Travelling the UK with a BritRail Pass

national travel card uk

How to apply for or renew your National Entitlement Card

You can use getyournec.scot to apply for, renew and request a replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC). If you cannot submit your request online, please select from the menu if you are enquiring about a 60+ or disabled NEC, or the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel NEC for those under 22.

Local authority contacts for 60+ or disabled scheme

Using the details below, please contact your local authority or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) who can advise of the current application and renewal process in your area.

Aberdeen City

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633560
  • Phone number:  03000 200 293
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Aberdeen City website

Aberdeenshire

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633727
  • Phone number:  03456 081 208
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Aberdeenshire website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633719
  • Phone number:  03452 777 778
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Angus website

Argyll & Bute (SPT)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633297
  • Phone number:  0141 333 3211
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Argyll & Bute (SPT) website

Clackmannanshire

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633741
  • Phone number:  01259 450 000
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Clackmannanshire website

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633624
  • Phone number:  01851 822 661
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles) website

Dumfries & Galloway

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633670
  • Phone number:  030 33 33 3000
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Dumfries & Galloway website

Dundee City

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633725
  • Phone number:  01382 433 267
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Dundee City website

East Ayrshire (SPT)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633687
  • East Ayrshire (SPT) website

East Dunbartonshire (SPT)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633564
  • East Dunbartonshire (SPT) website

East Lothian

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633546
  • Phone number:  01620 827 827
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • East Lothian website

East Renfrewshire (SPT)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633570
  • East Renfrewshire (SPT) website

Edinburgh (City of Edinburgh)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633668
  • Phone number:  0131 200 2351
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Edinburgh (City of Edinburgh) website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633733
  • Phone number: 01324 506 607
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Falkirk website (Disabled)
  • Falkirk website (Over 60)
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633250
  • Phone number:  0345 155 0066
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Fife website

Glasgow City (SPT)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633740
  • Glasgow City (SPT) website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633603
  • Phone number:  01349 886 604
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Highland website

Inverclyde (SPT)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633744
  • Inverclyde (SPT) website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633678
  • Phone number:  0131 561 5455
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Midlothian website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633737
  • Phone number:  0300 123 4565
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Moray website

North Ayrshire (SPT)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633279
  • North Ayrshire (SPT) website

North Lanarkshire (SPT)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633284
  • North Lanarkshire (SPT) website

Orkney Islands

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633734
  • Phone number:  01856 873 535
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Orkney Islands website

Perth & Kinross

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633708
  • Phone number:  01738 475 000
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Perth & Kinross website

Renfrewshire (SPT)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633289
  • Renfrewshire (SPT) website

Scottish Borders

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633743
  • Phone number:  0300 100 1800
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Scottish Borders website

Shetland Islands

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633679
  • Phone number:  01595 744 868
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Shetland Islands website

South Ayrshire (SPT)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633559
  • South Ayrshire (SPT) website

South Lanarkshire (SPT)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633231
  • South Lanarkshire (SPT) website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633739
  • Phone number:  01786 237 500
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Stirling website

West Dunbartonshire (SPT)

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633511
  • West Dunbartonshire (SPT) website

West Lothian

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633285
  • Phone number:  01506 280 000
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • West Lothian website

Local authority contacts for Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633560
  • Phone:  03000 200 292
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633727
  • Phone:  03456 081 208
  • Email:   [email protected]
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633719
  • Phone:  03452 777 778 

Argyll & Bute

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633297
  • Phone: 01546 605 517
  • Email address:  [email protected]
  • Argyll & Bute website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633741
  • Phone:  01259 450 000
  • Email:   [email protected]
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633624
  • Phone:  01851 822 661
  • Email for 5-10 year olds:  [email protected]
  • Email for 11-21 year olds:   [email protected]
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633670
  • Phone:  0303 333 3000
  • Email:   [email protected]
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633725
  • Phone:  01382 433 267
  • Email: [email protected]

East Ayrshire

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633687
  • Email:   Online contact form
  • East Ayrshire website

East Dunbartonshire

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633564
  • Phone:  0300 123 4510
  • Email: [email protected]
  • East Dunbartonshire website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633546
  • Phone:  01620 827 827
  • Email:   [email protected]

East Renfrewshire

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633570
  • Phone:  0141 577 3001
  • Email: [email protected]
  • East Renfrewshire website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633668
  • Phone:  0131 200 2351
  • Email:   [email protected]
  • Phone: 01324 506 607
  • Email:   [email protected]
  • Falkirk website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633250
  • Phone:  0345 155 0066
  • Email:   [email protected]

Glasgow City

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633740
  • Phone: 0141 276 0727
  • Email:  [email protected]
  • Glasgow Life website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633603
  • Phone:  01349 886 604
  • Email:   [email protected]
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633744
  • Phone:  01475 715 450
  • Email:  [email protected]
  • Inverclyde website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633678
  • Email:   [email protected]
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633737
  • Phone:  0300 123 4565
  • Email:   [email protected]

North Ayrshire

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633279
  • Phone:  01294 310 000
  • Email: [email protected]
  • North Ayrshire website

North Lanarkshire

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633284
  • Email for Young Scot cardholders (Age 11+):   [email protected]
  • Email for age 5-10:  [email protected]
  • North Lanarkshire website for age 5-15
  • North Lanarkshire website for age 16-21
  • Phone:  01856 873 535
  • Email:   [email protected]
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633708
  • Phone:  01738 475 000
  • Email:   [email protected]

Renfrewshire

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633289
  • Phone:  0300 300 0209
  • Email:   [email protected]
  • Renfrewshire website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633743
  • Phone:  0300 100 1800
  • Email:   [email protected]
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633679
  • Phone:  01595 744 490
  • Email:   [email protected]

South Ayrshire

South Lanarkshire

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633231
  • Phone:  0303 123 1015
  • Email:   [email protected]
  • South Lanarkshire website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633739
  • Phone: 01786 233 562
  • Email: [email protected]

West Dunbartonshire

  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633511
  • Phone: 01389 738 282 
  • Email: [email protected]
  • West Dunbartonshire website
  • Associated card number (First six digits):  633285
  • Phone: 01506 280 150
  • Email: [email protected]

Get healthcare cover abroad with a UK GHIC or UK EHIC

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in EU countries, and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you'll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it.

You can apply for a new card up to 9 months before your current card expires.

A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites – they may charge you a fee to apply.

If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC instead.

The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

We also recommend you check FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK for the country you're visiting.

You can apply for a UK GHIC if you're a resident in the UK. You can also add your family members to your application when you apply.

You'll need to provide your:

  • date of birth
  • National Insurance or NHS number (if you're from England or Wales)
  • CHI number (if you're from Scotland)
  • Health and Care number (if you're from Northern Ireland)

Applying for family members

Every member of your family needs their own card. You can add your spouse, civil partner and children to your application when you apply. You must enter your own details first and apply for any additional cards when prompted.

If you've already completed your application and want to add additional family members contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services . You'll need to give us your reference number, name, date of birth and address so we can access your record.

After you apply

After you've submitted your application, we'll email you within 24 hours to let you know whether it has been approved or not (if you don't get a reply, check your junk folder). We may need to see additional information or documents before approving it.

Once your application has been approved, you should receive your new card within 15 working days. It will be sent to you by post.

If you do not receive it before you travel, and need medically necessary treatment during your visit, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to get temporary cover. For more information, see "If you don't have your card with you" towards the end of this page.

If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement

If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC rather than a UK GHIC. A UK EHIC provides cover for some countries that are not currently covered by the UK GHIC (these are Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). Like the UK GHIC, it's free and lasts up to 5 years. You can find out if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement on GOV.UK.

What your card covers

You can use your card to get state healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you come back to the UK (sometimes called "medically necessary healthcare"). This includes things like:

  • emergency treatment and visits to A&E
  • treatment or routine medical care for long-term or pre-existing medical conditions
  • routine maternity care, as long as you're not going abroad to give birth

You'll need to pre-arrange some treatments with the relevant healthcare provider in the country you're visiting – for example, kidney dialysis or chemotherapy – as it's not guaranteed that local healthcare providers will always have the capacity to provide this care.

Whether treatment is medically necessary is decided by the healthcare provider in the country you're visiting.

Not all state healthcare is free outside of the UK. You may have to pay for treatment that you would get for free on the NHS, if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country you're visiting.

Before travelling, you should check the state-provided healthcare services in the country you're visiting and any potential charges you may face.

Check the relevant country guide on GOV.UK for information on how to access treatment in the country you're visiting

What your card does not cover

A UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) does not replace travel and medical insurance or cover services like:

  • being flown back to the UK (medical repatriation)
  • treatment in a private medical facility
  • ski or mountain rescue

We advise that you have a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) and private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

Where you can use your card

You can use a UK GHIC when you're visiting:

  • an EU country ( see a list of EU countries on GOV.UK )
  • Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
  • St Helena, Tristan and Ascension

You can use a UK GHIC in Switzerland if you're one of the following:

  • a British national
  • a Swiss national
  • an EU citizen
  • a stateless person
  • a family member of someone who holds one of the above nationalities or statuses

The UK government is negotiating with other countries to expand the use of the UK GHIC, so always check coverage before you travel.

You can use a UK EHIC when you're visiting:

  • Liechtenstein
  • Switzerland

Visiting Norway

You can use a UK passport to get medically necessary healthcare in Norway if you're a UK resident.

Visiting Montenegro

You can get free emergency treatment in Montenegro but you'll have to pay for your prescribed medicines and for other medical treatment.

If you're a UK national, your UK passport will give you access to emergency healthcare in Montenegro.

If you're a UK resident but not a UK national you'll need your passport and a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) to get emergency healthcare.

Getting healthcare in other countries

You'll have to pay for treatment unless the UK has a healthcare agreement with that country .

Check if you're eligible for a UK GHIC

You'll be entitled to a UK GHIC if both of these things apply:

  • you're ordinarily and legally resident in the UK
  • you do not have healthcare cover provided by an EU country or Switzerland

There is information about what "ordinarily resident" means on GOV.UK

You may also be entitled to a UK GHIC if you're:

  • living in the EU or Switzerland with a registered S1 form
  • living in the EU or Switzerland with an A1 document issued by the UK
  • a family member or dependant of an entitled individual already listed

Check if you're eligible for a UK EHIC

You may be eligible for a new UK EHIC if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • you're living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and have been since before 1 January 2021 with a registered S1, E121, E106 or E109 form issued by the UK
  • you're living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein since before 1 January 2021 with an A1 issued by the UK
  • you're a national of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein who has legally resided in the UK since before 1 January 2021 and are covered under the Withdrawal Agreement – you may not be covered if you are also a UK national or if you were born in the UK
  • you're a family member or dependant of an entitled individual already listed

If your circumstances change and you no longer meet one of the above criteria, you may not be entitled to continue using the card and should contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services .

You must be entitled to use your UK GHIC or UK EHIC at the time of the treatment. If you use it to access healthcare that you're not entitled to, you may be liable for the full cost of all treatment received or face prosecution.

Applying for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC

To apply for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC, you'll need a letter from your university or college showing:

  • the name and address of the UK educational institution if you're travelling as part of your course
  • the address of where you're studying in the EU or Switzerland
  • details of the qualification you're studying for
  • the dates your study period in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland started and is due to finish
  • your permanent residential address in the UK

If the letter from your university or college does not include your permanent residential address in the UK, you'll be asked to provide further evidence to confirm this.

This is in addition to the information set out in "How to apply" above.

Students studying in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland applying for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC

If you normally live in the UK and have been studying in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021, you may be eligible for a new UK Student EHIC for use in the EU and your country of study.

You will not be able to use this card for treatment in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein unless one of these countries is your country of study.

If you started your course after 1 January 2021, or you're planning to study in an EU country, you'll need to apply for a UK Student GHIC. If you're studying in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can also apply for a UK GHIC but it will not cover you for treatment in those countries, even if you are studying there.

You can use the UK Student GHIC in the EU, Switzerland and your country of study, but not yet in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

Using a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) when abroad

You should take your UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) with you when you travel abroad. If you need medically necessary treatment, you'll need to present the card to the hospital (or other service provider) that is treating you – make sure that you are being treated at a public health provider and not a private one. Keep all receipts and paperwork.

Depending on the country you visit you may be expected to pay all or part of your bill upfront and then claim a refund afterwards.

Some countries ask patients to pay a contribution towards the cost of their care. This is known as a co-payment or patient share. You can claim back the difference between the total bill and the co-payment, but the actual co-payment is not refundable.

Your UK GHIC or UK EHIC will not cover costs that a local resident would have to pay.

If you don't have your card with you

If you need emergency treatment when you're in another country and do not have your UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) with you, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). A PRC gives you the same level of cover as a UK GHIC or UK EHIC.

A PRC also covers you if you've applied for a UK GHIC or UK EHIC and it has not arrived yet.

Find out more about PRCs and how to apply for one

You'll need to pay in full for treatment if you do not have a UK GHIC, UK EHIC or PRC. You should ask for a copy of your invoice and obtain a receipt.

How to claim a refund

To claim a refund for healthcare covered by your UK GHIC or UK EHIC, you'll need to download and fill in a refund claim form and send it to NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. You should include receipts and any supporting documents with your claim form.

Find out how to claim a refund for healthcare covered by your UK GHIC or UK EHIC

Incorrect charges for treatment

If you think you've been incorrectly charged for medical treatment, contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services .

Keep all documents relating to your treatment. You may need to provide more information to confirm your eligibility and the cost of the treatment you had. This could include:

  • receipts or invoices relating to treatment
  • confirmation that the treatment was state-provided
  • confirmation of payments made to healthcare institutions
  • documents relating to insurance cover if your insurer paid for treatment
  • discharge documents

NHS Overseas Healthcare Services will look at your claim to decide whether you were charged when you should have been covered. If they determine that your treatment should have been covered by the UK GHIC or UK EHIC, they'll reimburse you or your insurer for the costs of treatment that are covered by your card.

If you suspect GHIC or EHIC fraud

If you suspect that somebody has fraudulently applied for or used a UK GHIC or UK EHIC they are not entitled to, you can report this to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority .

Alternatively, you can email your concern to us at [email protected] .

Page last reviewed: 12 December 2023 Next review due: 12 December 2026

  •   Argentina
  •   Australia
  •   Deutschland
  •   Magyarország
  •   New Zealand
  •   Singapore
  •   United Kingdom
  •   United States
  •   繁體中文 (香港)

Travel Cards: What are the best options in the UK? 2024

Claire Millard

If you’re expecting to spend overseas - on holiday, when shopping online with international retailers, or even because you’re relocating to sunnier climes - you’ll want to find the cheapest and most convenient way to manage your money.

One option is to pick an international debit card - but are they really worth it? This guide covers all you need to know about:

How international debit cards can help cut bank fees and get a better exchange rate

What advantages there are to having an international debit card compared to a regular bank card

How international debit cards work

Which are the best travel and international debit cards available in the UK

Let’s dive right in.

Our Top 4 Travel Debit Cards in the UK:

Wise Travel Card

Post Office Travel Card

ASDA Travel Card

Sainsbury's Travel Card

Travel debit cards: the best options in the UK

How do travel cards work.

Travel debit cards allow you to spend and make withdrawals in a foreign currency easily - and often, for a lower fee compared to using a regular bank debit or credit card.

That means you can use your travel debit card when you travel internationally, to pay for your accommodation, food, shopping - and whatever else you plan to do. You can use your card to make cash withdrawals overseas to make sure you always have a ready supply of foreign currency for when cards aren’t accepted. And finally, you can use your travel card when you shop online with international retailers, to cut the costs of foreign transaction fees.

Types of travel card

You’ll find that there are 3 main types of travel cards that traditional banks offer : prepaid cards, debit cards, and credit cards. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages - make sure you research carefully to find the cheapest option for your spending. Here’s a rundown of some common travel card options for UK customers.

1. Prepaid travel card

Prepaid travel cards - also often known as travel money cards - are offered by a wide range of providers. You’ll top up your card in pounds before you travel, and then you can use your card to spend or make withdrawals when you’re away. Some cards also allow you to add funds online, so you can top up your card after you leave too.

Different prepaid travel cards have their own fee structures, with some charging for top ups, or having ongoing maintenance fees. Check out all the details, including the exchange rates available before you pick one.

2. International card with traditional banks

Most UK based banks which offer a linked debit card will allow you to spend and make withdrawals around the world. However, it’s extremely common to find that there are some extra fees to spend in a foreign currency - often including an exchange rate markup or foreign transaction fee of around 3%.

In the UK you can find the occasional bank or building society which offers a linked debit card with no foreign transaction fee - like the Virgin Money M Plus account, or the Cumberland Building Society Plus Account. However, these specialist accounts do often have other restrictive terms such as minimum balance requirements, or high transaction fees for other services.

You can also choose to spend internationally with your bank issued credit card - but this does risk higher overall fees once you take into account credit costs and any cash advance fees you run into, on top of foreign transaction charges.

3. Travel card with neobanks

You’ll often find that a travel card from a modern online provider - often called a neobank - is the cheapest and most convenient option. Accounts are usually simple to set up, and it’s easy to order your card online or in the provider app. Once you’re up and running you’ll often find you get a better exchange rate than the rate offered by your normal bank - or even the mid-market exchange rate with no markup at all.

Because neobanks are often specialists which operate online and don’t have the same overheads as traditional banks, you can often net a better deal, including no minimum balance requirements, ongoing charges or maintenance costs.

Best travel debit cards: a comparison

Shopping around is the best way to get the right travel card for your needs. There are several travel card providers in the UK which can offer a better deal compared to traditional banks, including online specialist services like Wise. Here’s a more detailed look at some of our top picks.

The Wise card allows you to make payments in more than 200 countries and in more than 150 currencies. Your card is linked to a handy Wise multi-currency account, which lets you hold, convert, send and spend in dozens of currencies, and manage your money on the go from your smartphone.

Pros of the Wise card

No minimum balance or ongoing charges

Hold and exchange 50+ currencies in your Wise account

Auto convert feature will make sure you always get the best possible deal on currency conversion

Manage your card in the Wise app, to freeze and unfreeze the card and get instant transaction notifications

Physical and virtual cards available

Cons of the Wise card

5 GBP fee for your first card

ATM fees apply if you make frequent withdrawals

Spending limits apply

No option to top up account in cash

Post office travel card

Apply for a Post Office travel card online, or by visiting your local Post Office branch with a government issued ID document. You’ll be able to hold 23 currencies in your account, and it’s free to spend any supported currency. Contactless and mobile payments are supported - but there are some fees you’ll need to watch out for, including ATM withdrawal charges.

Pros of the Post Office travel money card

Apply online or in person

Hold and exchange 23 currencies

No fee to spend currencies you hold in the account

Cons of the Post Office travel money card

3% foreign transaction fee if you spend in an unsupported currency

Cash withdrawal fees apply which vary by currency

Monthly maintenance fees apply from 12 months after your card applies

Read our full Post Office travel card review .

ASDA Money Travel Card

You can order an ASDA Money Travel Card online or by visiting a store which has an ASDA Money bureau. Your travel card can hold 16 currencies, and it’s free to spend in any of these currencies, including making ATM withdrawals. It’s worth noting that topping up your account in pounds comes with a fee, and there’s a steep charge for spending in a currency not supported by the card, so you’ll want to double check the currencies you require are all covered.

Pros of the ASDA travel card

24/7 global assistance

Hold up to 16 currencies

Contactless payments supported

No fee for ATM withdrawals

Cons of the ASDA travel card

2% fee to top up in pounds

High fees of 5.75% if you spend in a currency not supported by the card

Inactivity fees of 2 GBP/month apply after 12 months

Sainsbury Bank travel money card

It’s free to get the Sainsbury’s travel card, and it’s free and easy to make contactless payments in any of the 10 supported foreign currencies. You can also make ATM withdrawals in supported currencies without being charged a fee by Sainsbury’s. There are a few costs to watch out for though, including a GBP reload fee, and a high foreign transaction fee if you’re spending in any currency other than the 10 supported currencies.

Pros of the Sainsbury Bank travel money card

Hold up to 10 foreign currencies

Free to spend any currency you hold

Card will deduct funds from the correct balance when you spend in a supported currency, to avoid unnecessary fees

Cons of the Sainsbury Bank travel money card

Inactivity fees of 2 GBP/month apply after 18 months

Advantages of the travel debit cards

Getting an international debit card can be a good alternative to using traditional bank cards to spend money abroad. Advantages include:

Top up your account or card in advance to set a travel budget

Know the exchange rates in advance so there are no surprises

No need to tell your bank you’re travelling

Manage your money online or in an app for convenience

Overall costs are often far lower compared to using a bank

Are there any limitations on travel debit cards?

Travel debit cards aren’t right for everyone - here are a few drawbacks to consider:

Spending currencies not supported by the card can incur fees

You can’t always use your travel card for car rental as it’s not likely to have a credit facility

Some transactions - like paying at the pump for petrol - may result in a hold on funds within your account

Adding funds to your account may not be instant

How does a travel card work?

A travel debit card works similarly to a normal bank debit card in some ways:

Pay with your card directly with merchants - often with contactless functionality

Withdraw cash when you need it from ATMs

Check your balance online, in an app, or via an ATM easily to keep an eye on your money

Funds are deducted from your balance so there’s no worry about running up credit charges

However, travel debit cards have a few distinct advantages compared to regular bank cards:

Cards can often be ordered easily online or by phone

Top up your account whenever you like, to create a separate travel budget

Convert your pounds to foreign currencies in advance so you know the exchange rate before you spend

You’ll often get a better exchange rate compared to a bank, with lower transaction fees

There’s no need to tell the card issuer that you plan to travel

How can I use a travel debit card abroad?

Once you have your travel debit card, you’ll be able to start spending. You’ll need to double check that the merchant or ATM accepts the card network your card uses - Visa and Mastercard are most common, and are widely accepted internationally. You’ll also need to read through the card terms and conditions to make sure you’re aware of any fees that the card issuer applies when you spend or make withdrawals

One other important point when using an international travel card is to watch out for dynamic currency conversion (DCC). That’s when you’re asked by a merchant, or at an ATM terminal, if you’d rather pay in pounds or the local currency wherever you are. If you choose to pay in pounds you’ll usually be hit by high fees and a poor exchange rate - well worth avoiding if you want to make the most of your travel money. Always choose to pay in the local currency to get the best possible deal when spending or withdrawing with your travel card.

How to request a travel debit card

If you’re looking for a specialist travel debit card which lets you spend conveniently while cutting your costs, you may find the best available deal from an online provider such as Wise or Revolut . Signing up for an account is pretty painless, and can be done entirely online or through an app - and you’ll usually find the fees are lower compared to a traditional bank, too.

To show how easy it is, let’s take a look at how to sign up for a Wise card - we’ll cover Wise and a few other top UK travel debit card options in more detail, later:

Download the Wise app or head to the Wise desktop site

Sign up for a Wise account with just an email address, Google, Facebook or Apple ID

Get verified by uploading a photo of your ID documents

Order your card online or in the Wise app for a one time 5 GBP fee

Your physical card will arrive within a few days - or you can access your card details in the Wise app right away for mobile payments

What are the transaction fees which apply to a travel card?

Travel debit cards can offer a better deal when you spend in foreign currencies - but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re entirely free. Here are a couple of the key costs to consider.

Exchange fee

Some travel debit cards will convert your money from pounds to the currency you need with an exchange rate that includes a fee. This may be described as a foreign transaction fee, or a currency conversion charge, for example. For traditional banks this can often be in the region of 3% of the transaction value, although modern online providers do often offer a better deal, and may even skip this fee entirely.

Withdrawal fee

If you plan on making cash withdrawals you’ll also need to check the costs applied by your own bank, and keep an eye on the ATM to make sure the ATM operator won’t also levy a fee. ATM withdrawal fees do vary pretty widely. Some banks offer low, or fee free withdrawals at selected ATMs, but out of network charges can be steep. Again, online travel debit cards may have a more flexible approach to withdrawal fees which can save you money.

Conclusion: is the travel debit card worth it?

Picking the right travel debit card can mean cutting the costs of spending in a foreign currency, with lower transaction fees and a better exchange rate. However, different travel debit cards have their own advantages and disadvantages, with varying fee structures and a range of supported currencies. Compare a few cards, including travel debit cards from online specialist providers like Wise , to find the right one for you.

An international debit card lets you spend and make cash withdrawals in a range of foreign currencies - often with lower fees than using your normal bank card.

Many online and specialist providers allow you to apply for a card easily through a desktop site, app or call centre.

Use your travel debit card just like you would your regular card, to spend and make cash withdrawals around the world.

Travel debit card fees do vary based on the provider, and can include a foreign transaction fee when spending in an unsupported currency, top up charges and inactivity fees. Compare a few providers to get the best available deal for your needs.

  • Renew my Railcard
  • Manage my Railcard

national travel card uk

The official retailer of Railcards by National Rail

Get 1/3 off train travel with a Senior Railcard

Buy now renew my railcard.

national travel card uk

How much can I save?

People with a Senior Railcard  save on average £86 per year** , or  £5.26 per journey^ . If you’re travelling here’s an example of some of the savings you can make on train tickets:

Icon

Railcard price

national travel card uk

Get special offers and rewards from our partners

grüum image

FREE Shower Gel Bar Set (WORTH £24!)

Right chevron icon

Virgin Wines

£50 to spend at Virgin Wines plus FREE delivery & FREE Stemless Wine Glasses!

Railbookers image

Railbookers

We've teamed up with Railbookers to give Railcard holders a 5% discount on holidays...

How does using a Railcard work?

national travel card uk

Get your Railcard

national travel card uk

Buy your discounted train tickets

national travel card uk

Have your Railcard with you when you travel

Owl icon

Eligibility and terms of use

  • Buy a Railcard and keep it with you when you travel (on your phone or wallet)
  • Save on most tickets including Advance tickets
  • Valid in London & SE after the morning Peak

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?

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

Show faq answer

Your Railcard is not valid during the morning peak period when travelling between two stations in the  Network Railcard area  of validity.  Check locally to confirm morning peak times as these do differ.  This restriction does not apply on public holidays.

How do I purchase my Railcard online?

Please click ‘’Buy Now’’ on the website homepage and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to provide a valid passport or UK driving licence or National Identity number to verify your date of birth online and a digital passport-style photo if you have selected ‘Digital’ under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section.

If you have ordered a plastic Senior Railcard, please allow 5 working days for delivery. You can choose to pay for ‘Special Delivery’, but you will have to place your order before 15:45pm to guarantee that your Railcard is delivered within two days (Monday to Thursday) or three days (Friday to Sunday).

If you have ordered a digital Railcard, a download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. 

You will not be able to travel on discounted tickets until you have your Railcard.

What is a digital Railcard?

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.

Click here for more information on managing your Railcard

Can I buy a Senior Railcard in advance of my 60th birthday?

If you order online then yes, you can order one up to 14 days in advance of your 60th birthday. Please note that you cannot buy Railcards in advance of your 60th birthday from rail stations.

  • Find your local Age UK

Age UK  logo

  • Site search Enter search keywords
  • Back Information and advice
  • Back Money & legal
  • Back Benefits and Entitlements
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Benefit rates 2023-24
  • Benefits Calculator – what are you entitled to?
  • Bereavement Support Payment
  • Carer's Allowance

Changes to mixed age couples benefits

  • Changes to the benefit system
  • Cold Weather Payment
  • Council Tax Support
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Free bus pass and transport concessions

  • Free prescriptions for over 60s
  • Housing Benefit
  • How to challenge a benefit decision through mandatory reconsideration
  • How to get help with urgent or one-off expenses
  • How your benefits are means-tested
  • Income Support
  • Jobseeker's Allowance

Pension Credit

Personal independence payment.

  • Returning to the UK after living abroad
  • Support for Mortgage Interest
  • TV licence concessions
  • Universal Credit
  • Warm Home Discount
  • Council Tax rebate
  • Winter Fuel Payment
  • More money in your pocket information guide
  • Back Debt and savings
  • 8 ways to make the most of your savings
  • Debt help & advice
  • Energy advice for the home
  • Financial jargon checker
  • How to reduce your water bills
  • How to trace lost money
  • Using credit wisely
  • Back Income and tax
  • What is equity release?
  • Ways to reduce Council Tax
  • Inheritance tax
  • How to make money in retirement
  • Equity release information guide
  • Back End of life planning
  • Back Legal issues
  • Finding legal advice
  • How to be an executor information guide
  • Making a will
  • Power of attorney
  • Power of attorney information guide
  • Thinking about end of life information guide
  • What is a living will (advance decision)?
  • What to do when someone dies
  • Wills and estate planning information guide
  • Back Pensions advice
  • Annuities explained
  • Pension calculator
  • Pensions scams and fraud
  • State Pension
  • Tracing old pensions
  • What are workplace pensions?
  • What pension options do I have?
  • Back Scams and fraud
  • How to spot a catfish
  • Spotting TV Licence scams
  • Doorstep scams
  • Postal scams
  • Phone scams
  • What to do if you're the victim of a scam
  • Investment scams and fraud
  • Avoiding scams information guide
  • Help with the cost of living
  • Back Consumer advice
  • Changes to landline telephones
  • Back Health & wellbeing
  • Back Conditions and illnesses
  • Bladder and bowel problems information guide
  • Bowel problems
  • Coronavirus
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Hearing loss
  • High blood pressure
  • Influenza (flu) prevention
  • Malnutrition
  • Osteoporosis
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Back Health services
  • Dental services for older people
  • 9 health tests that could save your life
  • Getting the most from your medicines
  • Getting help when feeling unwell
  • NHS continuing healthcare
  • Your hospital stay
  • GP services for older people
  • Leaving hospital
  • Complaining about NHS services and hospitals
  • What standards you should expect from NHS services
  • Your hospital stay information guide
  • Back Being active
  • Getting active when you find exercise difficult
  • Getting active but not sure where to start
  • Helping someone to get active
  • Preventing falls
  • How to look after your feet
  • Walking tips
  • Physical activity videos to use at home
  • Staying steady information guide
  • Back Mind and body
  • 10 tips for ageing better
  • 5 tips to boost your mood
  • Getting a good night's sleep
  • Your mind matters
  • Mindfulness
  • Staying cool in a heatwave
  • Staying sharp
  • Preventing and treating burns
  • Back Loneliness
  • A Life Less Lonely
  • Caring for someone who's lonely
  • Feeling lonely
  • Back Keep well this winter
  • Keeping warm and well in winter
  • Keep your spirits up
  • Look after each other
  • Cold weather advice and tips
  • Managing money in winter
  • Winter wrapped up information guide
  • Winter illnesses
  • Back Relationships and family
  • Financial and legal tips before remarrying
  • Planning for end of life
  • Protection from abuse and neglect
  • Dating in later life
  • Sex in later life
  • How to deal with grief after a bereavement
  • How to adjust to living alone
  • Top tips for grandparents
  • Worried about someone?
  • Back Care & support
  • Back Finding and arranging social care
  • Care needs assessment
  • Home care: how to find the care you need at home
  • Back Paying for care
  • Financial assessment explained
  • Paying for residential care
  • Paying for homecare
  • How much does care cost?
  • Back Help for carers looking after a loved one
  • Carer's assessment
  • Financial support for carers
  • Balancing working and caring responsibilities
  • Caring for someone with dementia
  • Looking after yourself as a carer
  • Respite care: having a break from caring
  • What to do when your caring role changes or ends
  • Carer's checklist
  • Back Housing options in later life
  • Assisted living and extra-care housing
  • Safety in the home
  • Home adaptations to simplify home tasks
  • Specialist housing options
  • Renting and social housing
  • Homelessness
  • Moving in with family
  • Residential park homes
  • Sheltered housing
  • Back Problems with care
  • How to complain about care to your local council
  • Problems with homecare
  • Back Work & learning
  • Back Making the most of the internet
  • Computer training courses
  • Glossary of online terms
  • Getting started on the internet
  • Staying safe online
  • Keeping in touch using a video call
  • Making your device easier to use
  • How to download apps
  • Email essentials
  • What's WhatsApp?
  • Using social media
  • Is online banking safe?
  • How to transfer money and make payments
  • Shopping safely online
  • Online password security
  • Age UK's digital instruction guides
  • Back Discrimination and rights
  • EU citizens and settled status after Brexit
  • Help for Ukrainian nationals in the UK
  • Human rights
  • The Equality Act
  • Windrush Scheme
  • Your rights at work
  • Back Education and training
  • Build up your skills
  • Classes and courses
  • Higher education and university
  • u3a – Later life learning
  • Back Looking for work
  • Be your own boss
  • CVs and job applications
  • Job interview tips
  • Back Retirement
  • Preparing emotionally for retirement
  • Paul Lewis: Retirement planning advice
  • Living abroad after retirement
  • Retirement age
  • Back For professionals
  • Benefits hub for professionals
  • Mental health hub for professionals
  • Winter hub for professionals
  • Information guides and factsheets

Age UK Advice Line 0800 678 1602

Free to call 8am – 7pm 365 days a year Find out more

Telephone friendship

Get a free weekly friendship call. We'll match you with one of our volunteers. Our service is flexible to suit the different needs of everyone who takes part.

  • Sign up for telephone befriending
  • Find services near you
  • Find charity shops near you

Popular services

  • Age UK Advice Line
  • Befriending services
  • The Silver Line Helpline
  • Day Centres
  • Exercise and physical activity
  • Handyperson services
  • IT Training
  • Social activities
  • Back Services
  • Back Get involved
  • Back Donate
  • Make a donation
  • Back Leave a gift in your will
  • How to leave a gift in your will
  • Making and amending your will to include a gift to Age UK
  • Information for executors
  • The difference a gift in your will could make
  • Ways to write your will
  • Free Wills Month 2024
  • Will Aid 2024
  • Back Donate to our shops
  • Age UK and The Wombles join forces
  • Age UK's eBay store
  • Sustainability
  • Back Donate in memory
  • Make a donation in memory
  • Fundraise for Age UK in memory of your loved one
  • Make a one-off donation
  • Funeral donations and collections
  • Set up a Tribute Fund
  • Meaningful ways to remember your loved one
  • Make a major gift
  • The difference your money makes
  • Our professional fundraisers
  • Back Fundraise
  • Back The innocent Big Knit – get knitting for charity
  • innocent Big Knit updates
  • Back Sporting events
  • Run for charity
  • Skydive for charity
  • Cycle for charity
  • Charity walks and treks
  • Charity triathlon events and obstacle courses
  • Do your challenge for Age UK
  • Back Fundraising ideas
  • Most popular ideas
  • Sporty ideas
  • Fundraise at work
  • Fundraise at school
  • Fundraise while you celebrate
  • Fundraise as a community
  • Let's get fundraising
  • Pay in your fundraising
  • Fundraising resources
  • Leeds Abbey Dash
  • TCS London Marathon
  • Back Lottery and raffle
  • Play the Age UK lottery
  • Tuesday Treat Draw
  • Play the Age UK raffle
  • Gift the Lottery
  • Player Zone
  • How every entry helps
  • Are you a winner?
  • Lottery and Raffle rules
  • Back Volunteering
  • Telephone Friendship Service volunteering
  • The Silver Line Helpline volunteering
  • Connect and Support Service volunteering
  • Age UK shops volunteering
  • Local Age UK volunteering
  • Support our campaigns
  • Back Corporate partnerships
  • Why partner with Age UK
  • Back Ways we could work together
  • Can your company support the Age UK Telephone Friendship Service?
  • Latest jobs with Age UK

Age UK. Know what to do. 

Last year, over 10 million people trusted us to help them with some of the biggest issues in their lives. Learn more about how we help.

How your support helps

Here's how, with your support, Age UK is supporting older people through the cost of living crisis.

  • See the difference your donations make

Making older people's voices heard

  • Age UK know what to do
  • Campaigning with older people
  • Discover - news, stories and features
  • Media Centre
  • Policy and research
  • Wellbeing programmes
  • Politics and government
  • Back Our impact
  • Back Buy products
  • Back Over-50s Insurance
  • Car insurance
  • Home insurance
  • Motor breakdown cover
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel insurance with medical conditions
  • Back Independent living
  • Bathing Solutions
  • Stairlifts and Homelifts
  • Personal Alarms
  • Back Financial services
  • Funeral Plans
  • Legal services
  • Back Healthcare
  • Incontinence products

Benefits and Entitlements

If you're 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from discounts on your rail journeys to a free bus pass.

What transport concessions are available?

Can i get a free bus pass, can i get a discount on rail travel, can i get a london freedom pass, what if i have difficulty using public transport, what if i'm unable to use public transport.

There are several national public transport concessions available to older and disabled people. Some entitle you to discounts on your fares, while others allow you to travel for free.

Eligibility for these concessions depends on whether you have a disability or your age. 

Depending on your age and your circumstances, you might be able to get one of the following free bus passes, which allow you to travel free on local buses:

  • an older person's bus pass
  • a disabled person's bus pass

What age do I have to be to get an older person's bus pass?

You can get an older person's bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men.

Apply for your older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

If you're 60 or over and live in London, then you can get free travel on buses, trains and other modes of transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

Apply for your 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website

How can I get a disabled person's bus pass?

There's no central provider of the disabled person's bus pass – to find out if you're eligible and how to apply, you need to get in touch with your local council.

Find your local council and apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Are there any other discounts if I'm an older person or I'm disabled?

It's a good idea to contact individual transport operators to see if they offer discounts.

For instance, National Express offers Coachcards. These are discount cards for older or disabled customers. You buy them for a set fee of £12.50 and they get you a third off the cost of your travel across the year.

Find out more and order a Coachcard on the National Express website

Depending on your age and circumstances, you might be entitled to one of the below railcards:

  • a Senior Railcard
  • a Disabled Person's Railcard

Both railcards are discount cards. You buy them for a set fee to last either 1 or 3 years and they get you a third off the cost of your train travel.

Can I get a Senior Railcard?

The Senior Railcard is available for anyone aged 60 or over to buy.

You can apply on the Senior Railcard website using a valid passport or UK driving licence as ID. Alternatively, you can apply in person at most staffed railway stations.

Find out more about the Senior Railcard and apply online

Can I get a Disabled Person's Railcard?

The Disabled Person's Railcard is available to you if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • you're registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
  • you're registered as having a visual impairment
  • you have epilepsy
  • you receive a disability-related benefit, such as  Personal Independence Payment
  • you receive War or Service Disablement pension
  • you receive Attendance Allowance
  • you receive Severe Disablement Allowance
  • you receive War Pensioner's mobility supplement

Find out more about the Disabled Person's Railcard and apply online

Freedom Passes give London residents free travel in the city – including National Rail services, the Underground, buses, river services and trams – and free local bus journeys nationally.

If you live in London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass if one of the following applies to you:

  • you've reached State Pension age
  • you have a disability.

Find out more about Freedom Passes and apply on the London Councils website

National Rail has an interactive tool called Stations Made Easy, designed to help people find their way around stations and find more accessible routes, avoiding potential difficulties like stairs. This may be helpful if you have difficulty using public transport because of your health. 

Find out more and use the tool on the National Rail website

If you're disabled, you can't use public transport, or you don't have access to a car, you might also be able to use a community transport scheme – such as a social car, dial-a-ride, or taxicard scheme.

Shopmobility schemes help people shop in town centres by lending out wheelchairs and scooters. Some local councils also offer concessions on local public transport.

To find out what's available in your area, you can contact your local council or your local Age UK.

Find your local council on GOV.UK

  • Please select a search type
  • Please enter a valid postcode

Want more information?

Apply for an older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

We're here to help

We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.

About the Age UK Advice Line Find your local Age UK

Share this page

  • Share on Facebook

Last updated: Apr 14 2023

You might also be interested in...

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people who need help with daily activities or getting around.

Pension Credit information guide

If you’re over State Pension age and struggling to make ends meet, you might be entitled to Pension Credit. Download...

The way benefits are awarded to mixed age couples has changed. Find out if this affects you and what you should do if...

If you're over State Pension age and you're struggling to make ends meet, Pension Credit could help top up your income.

Become part of our story

  • Please enter a valid email address

Back to top

National Express logo

  • Stansted Airport
  • Luton Airport
  • Heathrow Airport
  • Gatwick Airport
  • Dublin Airport
  • London to Stansted
  • London to Luton
  • Heathrow to Gatwick
  • London to Gatwick
  • Luton to London
  • London Stratford to Stansted
  • Manchester Airport
  • Bristol Airport
  • Birmingham Airport
  • Bristol to London
  • London to Bristol
  • London to Leicester
  • Leicester to London
  • London to Manchester
  • London to Nottingham
  • Bournemouth to London
  • Glastonbury 2024
  • Grand National
  • Taylor Swift Eras Tour
  • Boomtown Fair
  • Women's Continental League Cup Final
  • FA Cup Semi Finals
  • Lost Village 2024
  • Foo Fighters in Cardiff
  • Download Festival
  • England V Sweden
  • Red Roses v Ireland
  • Women's FA Cup Final
  • Vehicle types for hire
  • Coach hire for school trips
  • Coach hire for events & occasions
  • Coach hire for business trips
  • Coach hire for sporting events
  • Coach hire for airport transfers
  • Cheap coach tickets
  • Buy a Coachcard
  • Using a voucher code
  • Student offers
  • Group offers
  • How to book special offers
  • Young Person Coachcard
  • Senior Coachcard
  • Disabled Coachcard
  • Travelling with us
  • Our coaches
  • Sustainability
  • Carbon offsetting
  • Customer experience
  • Onboard safety
  • Accessibility
  • Exploring on a budget: Free things to do and see
  • Affordable things to do by the beach this summer
  • 6 things to do in Leeds in a day
  • Live service updates
  • Track your coach
  • Explore our route map
  • View our timetables
  • Ukrainian free travel
  • Refunds & amends
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Luggage & lost property
  • Safety & security
  • Coronavirus safety measures
  • About our tickets
  • Flexible travel
  • Change & go
  • Seat reservation
  • Ticket & trip insurance
  • London Victoria
  • London Golders Green
  • All Stations
  • Manage my booking
  • Destinations
  • Why we're No. 1

All Airport Transfers

All Destinations

All Coach Hire Options

  • Read our blog

All Help & Advice

Travel across the UK by coach with National Express

Great value coach fares

To 100s of destinations this spring.

Choose Your Journey

  • Use my current location
  • Use our Route Map

Outbound date

Select time, outward journey, return date.

Select a return within 3 months of your outward travel.

Return Journey

Children under 14 years of age are not permitted to travel without being accompanied throughout the journey by a responsible person aged 16 years or over. Children aged 14 - 15 years old may travel unaccompanied, as from 5am, arriving at their booked destination no later than 10pm. Unaccompanied children will be asked for proof of age or a signed letter of permission from their parent/guardian. (sms or chat based messages are not permissible)

One infant aged 0-2 travels free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. Additional infants aged 0-2 must be paid for. If you are travelling with more than 1 infant aged 0-2, please book the additional infant as 'Children (3-15).

Do you have a Coachcard?

VISA logo

Book direct

It’s always cheaper when you buy on nationalexpress.com...

No booking fees

Checkout faster and save £1.50 when signed up to My Account...

Guaranteed seat

Every booking guarantees a seat all the way to your destination

Greener travel

Join us in our vision to be the UK’s most sustainable coach company…

Clock change - On Sunday 31 March, clocks will go forward at 1.00am. Please visit our service updates page for travel information.

Trustpilot

  • "Absolutely brilliant service. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional."
  • "Easy to sort out tickets, great service, will definitely use National Express again in the future."
  • "Very professional in maintaining the safety of all passengers."
  • "We've never had a coach driver more kind and helpful."

Clearpay logo

Travel now. Pay it in 4.

Clearpay is unregulated credit. Use responsibly. T&Cs & late fees apply.

Helping your spring fun happen

We'll take you there for less..., thousands of 5-star reviews, thanks to our first-class quality and great value fares..., never travelled with us, find out why we’re the nation’s no. 1 coach company…, easter weekend 2024.

Discover fantastic Easter fun by coach this bank holiday weekend...

Join My Account

Save on booking fees, amend tickets, checkout faster and more…

Sign up for free

Grand National 2024

Take return coach travel to Aintree for this world-famous racing event...

Use our Timetable Finder to see which services are running and when

Coach Tracker

Search for your service and track your coach in real time with Coach Tracker

Our Route Map automatically updates as more stops and services are added

Spain flag

Email Sign Up

Subscribe for updates & special offers!

Download Our App!

Book tickets & track your coach anytime, anywhere.

Download our App on the App Store

  • Career opportunities
  • Conditions of carriage
  • Cookie policy
  • Corporate governance statement
  • Gender pay report
  • Luggage policy
  • Open Return tickets
  • Our commitment to the environment
  • Passenger rights
  • Privacy Centre
  • Rail disruption
  • Service updates
  • Slavery & human trafficking statement
  • Student travel
  • Terms & conditions
  • Youth promise

TikTok Logo

Call or get in touch online We are here to help

Track your coach in real time

National Express West Midlands

Part of Mobico Group

National Express

© Copyright National Express Ltd 2024

Open Return Information

Book your return

Your Open Dated Return is valid for 3 months from your outbound journey. To guarantee your seat on your return you need to confirm your ticket before you travel on www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call 0371 781 8181.

Open Dated Return Information

If your return date is not yet known, open return tickets provide flexibility. When travelling within the UK, the return journey can be made within 3 months of the outward date of travel. To guarantee your seat on your return journey you need to confirm your ticket before you travel by visiting www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call us on 03717 81 81 81. Lines open 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm (calls to this number are charged at local rate). Valid on any day throughout the year.

Open returns are not available on European journeys.

Wheelchair accessibility

Accessible coaches.

The majority of stops along the routes listed below are accessible to wheelchair users but are subject to change. Please call us to check the latest situation before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

To see a list of accessible coach routes please visit our Accessibility page.

Assisted Travel Helpline

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

03717 81 81 81 - ( option 3)  (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week). Calls to this number are charged at local rate.

For more information please visit our Disabled travellers page.

Passengers & Wheelchair accessibility

Passenger descriptions.

Our passenger descriptions are designed to help you choose the right ticket for yourself or your fellow travellers.

Adult (16+) and Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by an adult (16+). Please note, you may be required to show proof of age at any point during your journey. Failure to do so, may result in the full adult fare being charged.

Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by a responsible adult (16+).

Disabled Children

Should be booked as Children. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our Assisted Travel Helpline.

We strongly recommend that you bring a car seat appropriate to your child's age, but ask you to take responsibility to fit the seat.

Booster Seats

Children aged between approximately 4-11 years old, or up to 150cm tall, may use booster seats. We carry a limited number onboard most coaches.

If travelling with a child, you may be required to show proof of age when buying tickets or at any point during your journey. Failure to do so may result in the child being required to pay the full fare for the journey on that day.

Booster seats

Children aged between approximately 4 years and 11 years or up to 150cm tall may use booster seats, we carry a limited number onboard most coaches along with our comfort fit seat belts.

Disabled children should be booked as children rather than 'Disabled'. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or you wish to book assistance with travel please call our Assisted Travel Helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

You can find a list of accessible coach stops on our Accessibility page .

Please call us 36 hours prior to travelling to check the latest status.

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance we recommend that you contact us on the following local rate telephone number: 03717 81 81 81 (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week) 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

Adult (26 - 59)

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged between of 26 and 59 inclusive.

Child 0 - 12 inclusive

Children aged 12 or under travelling on any European service must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Unaccompanied children will not be carried

Young persons (13 - 25)

Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Young persons aged 16 or 17 years can travel alone on European services but only if they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Senior (60 and over)

Passengers aged 60 and over are entitled to receive a small discount on European journeys. On European journeys a 50% discount is given to carers, please call us on 08717 818177 to book.

Please select your passenger type first and then add your coachcards.

We have three different Coachcards available, each offering savings of 1/3 on all of our Standard and Fully Flexible coach fares all year round.

Prices shown include your coachcard discount, your coachcard number will be required during the booking process.

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged 2+. Adults under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel alone on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over or they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Infants 0-1 Inclusive

Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

national travel card uk

  • Business and industry

Consumer card spending, flow of spending across the UK:

Analysis of consumer card spending trends covering where UK cardholders are spending money.

Consumer card spending, flow of spending across the UK: 2019 to 2023

https://www.ons.gov.uk/releases/consumercardspendingflowofspendingacrosstheuk2019to2023

Official statistics are produced impartially and free from political influence.

Is this page useful?

  • Yes this page is useful
  • No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

COMMENTS

  1. Oyster, Contactless and Travelcards

    You can use Oyster or contactless pay as you go (PAYG) to travel at any time on National Rail services (which includes Elizabeth line and London Overground), as well as London Underground, DLR, London Buses and London Trams. To find out where you can use PAYG on Oyster and where you can use it on contactless, please check the London Rail and ...

  2. Railcards

    The official retailer of Railcards by National Rail. With a Railcard you can up to 1/3 off rail travel. ... Up to four adults and four children can travel on one card. Network Railcard. For those travelling in the South East, aged 16 or over. ... Advance and Season tickets, for just £30 a year. Veterans Railcard. If you are a veteran of the UK ...

  3. Passes

    BritRail provides international visitors to the UK with the freedom to keep to a flexible schedule while traveling throughout British rail's extensive national network. BritRail's range of rail passes offers unlimited train trips on each travel day as you journey across England, Scotland and Wales.

  4. Travelcards and group tickets

    Travelcards. A Travelcard (in the zones it's valid for) gives you unlimited travel at any time on bus, Tube, Tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and National Rail services in London. You can use it on all buses, and if valid in zones 3, 4, 5 or 6, on all trams. Travelcards can start on any day.

  5. Anytime Day Travelcard

    Anytime tickets allow you to travel at any time of the day. You may need to travel by a specific route or train company but the ticket will state this. You are allowed to break your journey. A Travelcard allows customers to travel to London and enjoy unlimited travel throughout London on National Rail, London Underground, DLR, and London Tram ...

  6. UK Digital Railcards for £30

    All new Railcards cost £30 for the whole year, except for the Disabled Persons Railcard, which costs just £20. Once you have a Railcard, you can get 1/3 off the price of your rail travel, making it a great way to secure cheap fares. Some Railcards are also available as a three-year option for £70, giving you even greater value for money ...

  7. Entering the UK: Before you leave for the UK

    Find out what documents you need to enter the UK depending on your nationality, immigration status and travel plans. Learn about visa requirements, border control, baggage checks and layovers.

  8. How to apply for or renew your National Entitlement Card

    How to apply for or renew your National Entitlement Card. You can use getyournec.scot to apply for, renew and request a replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC). If you cannot submit your request online, please select from the menu if you are enquiring about a 60+ or disabled NEC, or the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel NEC for those under 22.

  9. UK launches Global Health Insurance Card

    11 January 2021. UK's new Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC) launched as part of UK-EU deal. Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC) will gradually replace existing European Health Insurance ...

  10. Insecure ID cards phased out as travel document to strengthen UK

    From today (Friday 1 October 2021), most EU, EEA and Swiss citizens will need a valid passport to enter the UK as the government stops accepting national identity (ID) cards as a travel document.

  11. Save on Travel with a Coachcard

    Your Coachcard entitles you to purchase Tickets for certain Services, discounted as follows: one third (1/3) off the price of an adult 'Standard' or 'Fully Flexible' fare for one of our Services; 15% off the price of an adult 'Fully Flexible' fare for coach travel to an Event, as detailed on the "Events" page of our website.

  12. Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC)

    A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites - they may charge you a fee to apply. If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC instead. The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance.

  13. Travel Cards: What are the best options in the UK? 2024

    Travel debit cards: the best options in the UK. Wise travel card. Hold and spend in 50+ currencies with the mid-market exchange rate. Some fee free ATM withdrawals, with low charges once plan limits are exceeded. No ongoing charges or minimum balance. Post Office travel card. Supports 23 currencies.

  14. Senior Railcard

    How much can I save? People with a Senior Railcard save on average £86 per year** , or £5.26 per journey^ . If you're travelling here's an example of some of the savings you can make on train tickets: London - Liverpool. Railcard price. £68.60 £45.25*. Doncaster - London.

  15. Over 60 travel concessions & free bus pass

    Both railcards are discount cards. You buy them for a set fee to last either 1 or 3 years and they get you a third off the cost of your train travel. ... Freedom Passes give London residents free travel in the city - including National Rail services, the Underground, buses, river services and trams - and free local bus journeys nationally ...

  16. Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

    In these cases, you can continue to use your national ID card to enter the UK until at least 31 December 2025. ... Irish citizens can continue to use a passport card to travel to the UK.

  17. Travelcard Season Ticket

    An Annual Season Ticket offers 52 weeks' travel for the price of 40 already-discounted 7-Day Season Tickets and Travelcards. A Travelcard allow customers to travel to London and enjoy unlimited travel throughout London on National Rail (including Elizabeth line and London Overground services), London Underground, DLR, London Trams and London ...

  18. Coach Travel & Airport Transfers

    Book coach travel to 100's of UK towns, cities and airports with National Express coaches. Skip to journey planner. Accessibility; Manage my booking; My Account. Login or Sign up. FAQ. Airports . Airports . Stansted Airport; ... Children aged 14 - 15 years old may travel unaccompanied, as from 5am, arriving at their booked destination no later ...

  19. Off-Peak Day Travelcard

    Outward Journey. Day Of Travel. Off-Peak Day Travelcards are valid for travel on the date shown on the ticket and until 04:29 the following morning. All travel must be completed by this time. Time Of Travel. The National Rail Journey Planner will automatically work out which tickets are valid for your journey.

  20. Identity cards

    You can't use your identity card for travel. ... Don't include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. ... Help us improve GOV.UK.

  21. 16-25 Railcard

    A 16-25 Railcard costs £30 and it'll save you 1/3 on rail fares throughout Great Britain for a whole year, including all Standard and First Class Advance fares. Take a look at all the ticket types you can make savings on with a 16-25 Railcard. You are eligible if you're aged 16-25, or over the age of 26 and in full-time education.

  22. Consumer card spending, flow of spending across the UK:

    Consumer card spending, flow of spending across the UK: Analysis of consumer card spending trends covering where UK cardholders are spending money. From: Office for National Statistics. Published ...