Download the app
© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
Download the app
© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
7 min read
Written by
Purpl
Published on
November 28, 2024
The Disabled Railcard is a national scheme designed to make train travel more accessible and affordable for people with disabilities. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about the Disabled Railcard, including who qualifies, the disabled railcard application, and the key benefits it provides.
This is another valuable way to save money when travelling, helping disabled passengers enjoy greater freedom when getting out and about.
The Disabled Persons Railcard is a discount card that allows individuals with disabilities to save money on train travel in the UK. It provides a 33% discount on most train fares for the cardholder and one accompanying adult.
You can apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard if you have a disability or long-term health condition that makes travelling by train more difficult. The railcard is designed to make public transport more accessible, while also helping to reduce the cost of regular travel for disabled passengers and their companions.
The following groups of people are typically eligible to complete the disabled railcard application:
Meeting any of these criteria allows you to apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard and start saving on rail travel across the UK.
To apply for the disabled railcard you will need to have one of the following documents to meet the eligibility requirements.
You can choose to have either a digital railcard or a plastic card version to keep in your wallet or handbag.
If you choose the digital Railcard option you can download the Railcard app and add your digital card via the download code you will be provided with. Please note that the app is not compatible with Windows phones.
The Disabled Persons Railcard costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years, and gives you one-third off most rail fares in Great Britain.
Plus, an adult companion (carer or friend) travelling with you will also get one-third off their ticket.
On average, railcard holders save around £126 per year in ticket costs.
Yes, in most cases it is:
However, there are scenarios where it might be less beneficial:
| Journey Price (Return Ticket) | Saving for Cardholder (1/3 off) | Saving for Companion (1/3 off) | Total Saving per Trip | Trips Needed to Cover £20 Card | Trips Needed to Cover £54 Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £30 | £10 | £10 | £20 | 1 trip | 3 trips |
| £60 | £20 | £20 | £40 | 1 trip | 2 trips |
| £90 | £30 | £30 | £60 | Less than 1 trip | 1 trip |
| £120 | £40 | £40 | £80 | Less than 1 trip | 1 trip |
You can apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard either online or by post. Please note that you cannot apply at a railway station. Below is how to apply via either route.
If you prefer to apply for your Disabled Persons Railcard by post, you will need to download the Disabled Persons Railcard application form, complete it and return with your proof of eligibility and payment to the address below. Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to ‘ATOC Ltd Railcard’
National Railcards
PO Box 8626
SWADLINCOTE
DE11 1JA
Please note that processing takes longer than for online applications, so allow extra time to receive your card.
Need extra support? You can email the team at [email protected] or call their helpline on 0345 605 0525.
If you have applied online: once your online payment has been successfully processed you will receive an email confirmation and acknowledgement of your application (please note that this confirmation email cannot be used to buy discounted tickets). It will then take around 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed and approved.
If you have purchased a plastic Railcard: please allow 10 days for delivery in addition to the 5 working days for your Railcard application review. You can choose to pay for Special Delivery, but you will have to place your order before 15:45pm to guarantee that it is delivered within 2 days (Monday to Thursday) or 3 days (Friday to Sunday).
If you have purchased a digital card: it will be available to use straight away. You will be sent a download code to your email address, along with instructions on how to download your card. Please also allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed and approved.
If you have applied via the post: this process takes longer so you will need to allow around 15 days to receive your Disabled Persons Railcard.
It’s really easy to renew your card. You can do this through your Account section or go to the website and click on the ‘Renew’ button.
You can also renew over the telephone: 0345 605 0525 (7am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday) – make sure you have your card details and a payment card ready.
For customers with hearing impairments, you can renew by Textphone or minicom on 0345 601 0132.
Or via the post by downloading the application form as detailed in the ‘how to apply’ section of this article.
You can use your railcard as many times as you like. Just make sure to have it with you when you travel.
For more information or to apply, visit the Disabled Persons Railcard website today.
National Express have a Disabled Coachcard that gives you 1/3 off the price of coach tickets. The Disabled Coachcard is £15, Plus £3 postage and packaging. When you book a ticket make sure you check the Coachcard box and don’t forget to carry your Coachcard with you whenever you travel, along with your ticket.
To apply, head to the National Express website here.
Your local authority might offer a scheme to help with taxi costs if you have a disability. The type of support you can get depends on where you live. Different councils or authorities may offer different benefits, so it’s important to check with them.
To find out whether your council offers a taxi scheme and whether you would be eligible for it, contact your local authority.
In London, this is called the TaxiCard and is a subsidised service providing Black Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles to those who might find it difficult or impossible to access other modes of transport. Taxi card applications vary by borough but you can go to the London Councils website for more information.
No, it will cost you £20 for a single year or £54 for a three year card. Prices correct December 2024.
With a Disabled Persons Railcard you will get 1/3rd off the price of a ticket as will one other person travelling with you as your carer.
You will make back the initial cost of a single year ticket if you make 1 or 2 trips, if you want to increase your savings further then take out the three year offer and knock a further £6 off your average saving.
Your Disabled Persons Railcard can be used at any time of day to buy discounted train tickets. Did you know you can also link your Disabled Persons Railcard with an Oyster Card to get 1/3 off travel around London. Disabled Persons Railcards are not valid to use on Season tickets.
As long as you have a Disabled Persons Railcard then one other person travelling with you can also get 1/3rd off their rail ticket. They do not need to provide evidence that they are your carer.
No, the Disabled Persons Railcard can be used in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), it cannot be used for rail travel in either in Northern Ireland nor the Republic of Ireland.
Accessible Travel in the UK: Your Guide to Booking Trains, Buses, Taxis and More
How to Apply for PIP Personal Independence Payment
How to Get 25% Off Disneyland Paris Tickets as a Disabled Guest
Blue Badge Holders: Act Now to Avoid Paying £195 in Road Tax