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Student Season Tickets

Unlock savings with monthly tram passes, are travelling to school, college, or university, enjoy savings of up to 38% on tram travel tickets with our monthly passes..

Whether it’s your daily commute to lectures, group study sessions, hanging out with friends, or a night out in town, you can start saving now.

Let Metro take you wherever you need to go – simply choose the best student travel pass to suit you and you’re all set!

Your Metro travel pass covers travel for a month, an academic term or a year

See prices below for 18+ students

Student Monthly Direct Debit

• Valid for unlimited tram travel within all Metro zones 1-4.

Student Term Metro Pass

Student 3 term metro pass, enjoy seamless travel and significant savings with our student tram passes.

See our student season tickets explained below

Students aged 17 and under

See if you're eligible for a monthly child pass.

The photocard lets you buy child rate tickets, meaning you get 50% off the adult price.

If you’re between 16 and 18 years old, you could get cheaper travel to school or college with a 16-18 photocard.

You must also live at a property where Council Tax is paid to one of these councils: Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.

Students aged 18 and over

Enjoy 38% discount off with a monthly student pass.

• Enjoy unlimited travel in all zones at any time including evening & weekends during term times.
• No need to buy ticks everyday. Avoid the queues and travel with peace of mind knowing you already have a ticket to ride.

Just so you know...

All student season passes must be accompanied by a photo card and student ID while travelling.

If you don’t have a photo card yet, request yours at Swift .

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16-18 photocard

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Get child rate tickets

• Get child rate tickets with a 16-18 photocard!

If you are aged 16-18, you are entitled to child rate travel when you have a valid 16-18 photocard.

What is a 16-18 photocard.

A 16-18 photocard allows you to buy tickets at child rate.

How do I get a 16-18 photocard?

I need a 16-18 photocard and a pass: 

When you buy a pass online , we will automatically send it to you loaded onto a 16-18 photocard.

I need a 16-18 photocard but do not need a new pass:

You can order a blank 16-18 photocard here .

What tickets can I buy with my 16-18 photocard?

You can buy the following tickets with your 16-18 photocard:

• Single & day tickets
• 1 week & 4 week passes
• Monthly Direct Debit subscription

Please note

Your parents must pay council tax to one of the following Metropolitan Councils to qualify - Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Solihull or Coventry.

Topping up & updating your Swift card

How do i buy tickets with my 16-18 photocard.

Topping up your card online

You can top up your existing 16-18 card online , by choosing the ticket you want and following our online order process. Once you've paid for your ticket, you will need to update your card using the Swift Collector app for this to work

Topping up at a Payzone agent

You can top up your card by taking it to a Payzone agent , who will load the ticket onto your existing 16-18 card. You cannot get a new 16-18 card from a Payzone agent.

Buying tickets on the bus

If you want to buy a ticket on the bus , you will need to show your 16-18 card and ask the driver for the ticket you want. You will then need to pay cash and take your ticket before taking your seat.

I've loaded my ticket onto my 16-18 card, what do I do now?

Once you have your ticket loaded onto your 16-18 card, simply hold the card to the reader when you board the bus until the light goes green and take a seat.

Other Swift card FAQs

How do i replace my lost 16-18 photocard.

If you have a pass loaded onto your 16-18 photocard, you can request a replacement via our webform  here .  

If you do not have a valid pass on your 16-18 photocard, you can order a new card  here.

I am currently on a child Direct Debit but will be turning 16, what happens next?

Don't worry, we will automatically send you a 16-18 card up to a month before your current child Swift card expires.

If you do not receive your 16-18 card 5 working days before your child Swift card expires, please contact us  here .

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A Guide To Student Travel Discounts In The UK

By Rebecca Maher on August 12th, 2022

Benefits of Student Travel Discounts in the UK

Who doesn’t love a discount card! Especially when you are a student, and the cost of living is on the rise! Some of the best student travel discounts in the UK include travelling via train, tube, and bus. We want to help you save money so that you can enjoy student living with Downing Students as much as possible. So, we have put together our top tips to save money when travelling around the UK with student travel discounts.

Student Discount on Trains

You will be happy to hear that all cities home to Downing Student’s accommodation are situated in the best central locations with access to public transport links close by.

Including: London , Liverpool , Leeds , Coventry , Cambridge , Newcastle , Glasgow , Edinburgh and Exeter .

16-25 Railcard

If you’re between 16-25, good news! You can save money by applying for a railcard, saving 30% off train travel. This student travel card is ideal for students regularly travelling to and from university campuses, or those UK students that are looking to travel home at weekends.

How To Apply For A 16-25 Railcard

Just £30 a year, 16-25 railcards can be purchased either online or at staffed ticket stations. You can also buy your student travel card online, providing you download the Railcard app to access your 16-25 railcard. If you know you will be doing a lot of traveling over the next three years, a 3-year 16-25 railcard costs just £70.  All you need to do is purchase your railcard by having a valid debit card, valid UK driving license or international passport and a digital passport style photo to upload for your discount card.

16-17 Saver Railcard

Heading to college and not sure what transport methods to look at? You can save yourself 50% off all train travel by applying for a railcard. This includes season tickets, standard, off-peak and anytime travel. Ideal for travelling to campus, fun days out and even traveling home too.

How To Apply For A 16-17 Saver Railcard

To get your hands on a 16-17 travel card, you need to provide evidence of age, (national ID, passport, UK Driver’s License), have a good photo for ID purposes and finally a debit or credit card to secure your student travel card. TIP – if you move to university and you’re not quite 18, make sure you purchase one of these. It could be the month before your 18 th birthday and it will see you through for 12 months with a 50% saving.

London Underground Student Discount

Staying with us at Vega London , The Lyra or Atlas for the 22/23 term? Make student living that much easier and benefit from student travel discounts UK. Or maybe you know friends who will be living in London and you plan to visit them, this saving can help you then.

18+ Student Oyster Card

Get yourself an oyster card for your student travel in and around London. You will save 30% with this student deal, providing you live in a London Borough during term time. An oyster card is super beneficial allowing you to buy discounted travelcards, bus and tram season tickets.

How To Apply For A 18+ Student Oyster Card

To get your 18+ oyster card, apply online by providing an email address, student enrolment ID, a London borough address and a digital photo.

16+ Zip Oyster Photocard

Fresh out of school or college? This one is for you! Get 50% off adult pay as you go fares on bus, Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line (excluding between West Drayton and Reading) and most National Rail services in London.

How To Apply For A 16+ Zip Oyster Photocard

A parent or guardian is required to apply for an oyster card for students under the age of 18 . If you are 18 or over, you will need to apply online and create a photocard in keeping with the 16+ zip oyster terms and conditions.

Coach Student Discount

Travelling by coach is considered one of the most low-cost ways of travelling. Sure, on some occasions it may take a little longer to travel, but using a young persons’ coach card will definitely help you save money – meaning you can focus more on studying and ultimately, enjoying student life!

Young Persons’ Coach card

For just £12.50 for the year or £30 for three years, you will save a third of the price on coach travel on standard and fully flexible fares. Even better, you will save money travelling to events and festivals too – winner!

How To Apply For A Young Persons Coach card

A young persons’ coach card can be purchased using the online registration form, with the travel card then delivered to your home address within 7 days. Alternatively, you can call National Express who can arrive delivery of your student travel card for you.

With student living throughout the UK, Downing Students accommodation is located within the best city central locations to ensure our students have easy access to nearby transport links for student travel. Take Vega London for example, a quick 5-minute walk away from Vauxhall Underground.

Looking to study at University of Warwick, Coventry? You are in luck! When you book your next home away from home at City Village   student living you get a FREE, yes FREE bus pass! Hurry, this offer won’t be around for much longer!

Like to learn more? We would love to hear from you!

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How to Land Some Serious Student Travel Discounts

Take Advantage of Your Age and Score Tons of Student Travel Discounts

If you're between 12-26, the travel industry considers you a student traveler and that means you're eligible for student travel discounts. Travel companies from Rail Europe to Greyhound to YHA offer student discounts, so if you're planning on taking a trip, you'll likely find a way to save money. Discover which of the different options is best for you. 

Student Travel ID and Discount Cards

Several student travel ID cards, like ISIC , exist, and they can provide student travel discounts on everything from travel to books and movies. Flashing a student travel ID card at sightseeing sites around the world can often earn you a student travel discount, even if no student travel discounts are advertised. If you're going traveling, definitely pick up a student ID card before you go. Even if you have to pay $20 or so for the card, you'll easily make that money back over the space of a year. 

Student Airfares are Cheaper Than Cheap

Student airfares are generally available to student travelers under 26 who are enrolled in school. To sign up for them you'll typically have to sign up with an email address from a college.

Student airfares may give you huge discounts over regular airfares—studenf flights are usually cheaper than alternative flights on Skyscanner. Student airfares are also generally far more flexible than regular tickets. STA and Student Universe are two examples of student travel agencies offering true student airfares, and it is recommended that you look at both if you're planning on taking a trip. 

Train Discounts for Students

Eurail and Amtrak are among the many train companies offering student travel discounts. Rail Europe provides a straightforward way to find and buy European train passes on Eurail trains at a student travel discount. In the U.S., Amtrak offers some promotions for student travelers however, discounts are now regional rather than across the board. National trains, like the UK's train systems, may limit student travel discounts to locals (buy a UK Eurail pass instead).

Bus Discounts for Students

Student travelers can grab a 20 percent  discount on Greyhound , with a Student Advantage Card. Hop-on, hop-off bus services like Busabout, the European bus service, offer promotions but are really geared toward student travelers, to begin with, so are already affordable. Cheap buses , like Chinatown buses or Boltbus, may offer specials in the United State at times, but, again, are so affordable that you'll likely choose to travel with them anyway. Be sure to book Boltbus as soon as you know your travel dates, as the price only increases as you get closer to your travel date. 

Student Accommodation Discounts

Student accommodation discounts are hard to find, as hostels don't really offer discounts to travelers unless you'll be staying long-term (longer than a month.) Having said that, hostel discount cards do exist and promotions can be found in the off-season (i.e. winter in Europe). 

YHA and HI offer a discount card for travelers that entitles you to a small discount, and the Nomads Hostels discount card gives you $1 off each night you spend in one of their hostels -- not huge discounts, but could end up saving you money if you'll be traveling for a decent amount of time. For more information check out this list of hostel discount cards . 

If you're not a fan of hostel chains, you may want to stay in a hostel anyway. We've seen dorm beds offered for as little as 50 cents a night in Pakse, Laos to just $20 a night in Sydney, Australia, so there are always going to be affordable options for budget travelers. If you need to save money, dorm rooms are definitely the way to go. 

If you're looking to spend as little as possible on accommodations and don't fancy the idea of a hostel, there are several options for student travelers.

First, take a look at  Couchsurfing , which will be the most affordable accommodation option you have open to you: it's entirely free! Through couch surfing, you'll be able to spend the night on a local's couch, saving you money on accommodations and giving you a more authentic insight into the place where you're traveling. It really is a win-win situation. Make sure to check out your host's reviews before requesting to stay in a place, as you'll want to make sure you won't be putting yourself in an unsafe situation. 

Alternatively, if your cash is running low, but you prefer a little more comfort when you travel, housesitting could be the way to go. Housesitting is just what it sounds like: you get to watch someone's house (and likely their pets) while they're out of town, and in exchange, you get free accommodations. As a student, it might be tough to get on the housesitting lists, as owners do like to hire people with renting/owning a property experience, but if you can get great references, give it a go. 

Spring Break Deals

Spring break is a great time of year to take a trip if you're under 25, as plenty of companies will be offering student discounts for the month! Groupon usually has some great spring break deals for students, and STA Travel can always be relied on to help you save money. 

If you can't find a package that grabs you, you could create your own spring break deal using student airfares and affordable accommodation, like hostels. 

Be Aware of the Student Discount Label

Before you jump at a student discount, make sure to spend a few minutes doing your research to see how legitimate they truly are.

Some student discount packages are just normally priced deals that have been repackaged as a "student deal." In order to find out if you're grabbing a bargain or not, shop around on the price to see what else is out there. If you find a cheap student airfare, for example, head to a travel  aggregator , such as Skyscanner , to see if you're actually saving money or if you'd be better off just grabbing a flight with a budget airline. It always pays to to do some research over assuming you're going to be saving money. 

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16-18 photocard

Am i eligible for a 16-18 photocard.

• You are eligible for a 16-18 Photocard if
• you live at a property within the West Midlands area and that property would be covered by councils in Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall or Wolverhampton for council tax purposes, and
• you are 16 years of age (or will be 16 within 6 weeks of your application for a 16-18 Photocard) and you will be under 18 years of age on 1 September of the current academic year, and
• you are in full time education for not less than 12 hours per week and receive no payment or bursary for your studies (i.e. if you are paid to study for example on an apprenticeship or work placement scheme you will not be eligible).
• Please make sure you are entitled to the 16-18 Photocard before buying a child rate season ticket of any duration. Refunds can't be given if you find out later you're not eligible.

What can I do with a 16-18 Photocard?

• Your 16-18 Photocard allows you to buy either a child cash fare, a child season ticket or a child Direct Debit ticket from operators who are members of West Midlands Combined Authority Child Concessionary Fare Scheme ("the Scheme") with the following exceptions:
• It cannot be used to purchase child day rate tickets (only single tickets), and
• You must be able to present your card when purchasing your child cash fare or season ticket
• Your card must be kept with your child season ticket at all times.
• The terms that apply to the use of child season tickets can be found on the ticket in question and/or on the leaflets and application forms published in relation to those tickets (Operators may have additional conditions of use that you should make yourself aware of when purchasing the ticket)
• Journeys outside of the West Midlands area will require you to pay an additional cash fare or to purchase a child rate add-on to your season ticket.

When can I use my 16-18 Photocard?

• Subject to the September exceptions below, you must produce your 16-18 Photocard when purchasing child rate season tickets.
• You must always produce your 16-18 Photocard to buy child cash fares at the time of travel
• Child cash fares are only valid for travel
• to and from school/college (and that travel must be before 9.30am and between the hours of 3.30pm and 6.00pm) or
• in connection with the school or college curriculum outside these times;
• between Monday and Friday and in term time.
• You must produce your 16-18 Photocard for inspection on each journey and when requested to do so.

What must I not do with my 16-18 Photocard?

• Your 16-18 Photocard is valid for your use only. You must not share it or otherwise allow others to use it. If you do so this will be considered a fraudulent use of the 16-18 Photocard and you will forfeit the right to use your 16-18 Photocard without right to a refund.

Other important matters

• You are obliged to inform us and return your 16-18 Photocard if you cease to be eligible (i.e. if you move outside the relevant area or leave full time education). Card should be returned to Ticketing Delivery, 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham B19 3SD
• By applying for your 16-18 Photocard you confirm that all information given to obtain your 16-18 Photocard is true and accurate. If we subsequently find out or are informed that the information given was not correct or accurate we reserve the right to confiscate or cancel your 16-18 Photocard and you will forfeit the right to use it
• Your 16-18 Photocard is eligible for one academic year and you will need to reapply each academic year and prove your eligibility
• Your 16-18 Photocard is not valid if it is damaged, defaced or altered in any way
• We may charge you for a replacement 16-18 Photocard if it is lost, stolen or damaged. Loss or theft of or damage to your 16-18 Photocard should be reported to West Midlands Combined Authority immediately
• Your 16-18 Photocard does not guarantee you a seat on any journey and does not give you priority over other passengers
• You are subject to the conditions of carriage of the Operators whose service you are using. Operators may require you to leave a service is you behave inappropriately.
• We reserve the right to refuse to renew your Photocard or to cancel or confiscate it if you behave inappropriately or are found to have taken part in anti-social behaviour or criminal activity whilst using or waiting for bus, train or metro services. Anti-social behaviour is any behaviour that may cause harassment, alarm or distress to other passengers and employees on the network. This could include but is not limited to:
• Verbal or physical abuse
• Damage at stops or on transport
• Graffiti and vandalism
• Drinking alcohol or being intoxicated
• Drug use or being intoxicated/under the influence of drugs
• Rowdiness and/or being part of a group exhibiting intimidating behaviour including swearing or using inappropriate, threatening or insulting language
• West Midlands Combined Authority reserves the right to alter prices or conditions of use at any time and will make such changes known to you via wmnetwork.co.uk
• West Midlands Combined Authority reserves the right to refuse to reissue a pass at any time
• We will treat any data you provide with us in line with data protection principles. Further details can be found in our Privacy Policy .

September Exceptions

• During August and September you can buy and use child rate season tickets valid for a term and Child Direct Debit tickets without a 16-18 Photocard while you wait for your new 16-18 Photocard to be delivered to you. You must have a valid 16-18 Photocard displayed with your ticket by 1 October for your child rate season ticket to remain valid.
• Child rate season tickets valid for less than a term or child rate cash fares can only be bought once you receive your 16-18 Photocard.

Customer Services - Ticketing Transport for West Midlands Phone: 0345 303 6760 Email:  [email protected]  

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Student Travel Discounts

Oyster cards or contactless payment cards are the cheapest way to pay for single fare journeys on the underground, buses, DLR and some trains in London. 

Pay as you go

If you don't travel frequently, you may find pay as you go is the cheapest option. If you visit a tube ticket office, you can also link a 16-25 Young Persons Railcard  to your Oyster card to save money on off-peak travel.

16+ Zip Card 

Students aged 16 and 17 can apply for a 16+ Zip card and request to have the form stamped at the Student Hub. Students aged 18 and over need to apply for a 18+ Student Oyster card

18+ Student Oyster Card

With an 18+ Student Oyster Card, you can save 30% off adult-rate Travelcards & Bus/Tram season tickets.

Eligibility

To get an 18+ Student Oyster Card you must be:

• A student aged 18 or over
• A registered, full time student for a minimum of 14 weeks course duration
• Living at a London address during term-time

 How to apply

Once you have enrolled, applications can be made online with  TFL

You will need:

• A colour digital photo to upload
• Your CID number from the College
• Your course start and end dates
• The full postal address of your London based term-time address
• A valid debit or credit card
• To use the end date on your student card

 You can find more information, including full terms and conditions on the  Transport for London website

Frequently Asked Questions

Are part-time students eligible for the 18+ student oyster card.

Part-time students are not eligible.

When will my card expire?

Your 18+ Student Oyster Card will expire on your course end date.

How long will it take to get my card?

After the College has confirmed your student registration to TFL, you should receive your card within two to three weeks. 

You can track the status of your application by signing into your 18+ web account with TFL.

What information does the College release about me to TFL?

Once you have made an application for the 18+ Student Oyster Card, the College is required to confirm that you are a registered student, and the expected end of your course.  

If you make an application for an 18+ Student Oyster Card, you are agreeing to the College releasing this information to Transport for London and its agents.

Am I eligible for a 16+ Zip Oyster card?

Only students aged 16 and 17 can apply for the 16+ Zip Oyster card. The application form can be stamped by staff at the Student Hub,

Students aged 18 and over can only apply for the 18+ Student Oyster Card. 

Where can I find out more information about the 18+ Student Oyster Card?

You can find out more information on the  TFL website

• Renew my Railcard
• Manage my Railcard

Valid for anyone aged 16-25 years old  and mature students in full time study*

How to get 1/3 off rail fares.

*If you’re a mature student in full time study, you’ll need to submit a proof of age or study when buying your 16-25 Railcard. Find out more here .

About 16-25 Railcard

If you live in london, you can even get 1/3 off tube fares on oyster.

Once you’ve bought your Railcard, go to a London Underground station with your 16-25 Railcard and ask a member of staff to add your discount to your Oyster card.

Please note:

1. The Railcard is available to residents of Great Britain aged between 16 and 25 years of age and mature students in full-time study. You will be required to provide details of your valid passport of UK driving licence as proof of age and mature students need to prove eligibility.

2. Railcard to be carried on all journeys and used when purchasing discounted tickets.

3. A minimum fare applies for all journeys between 4.30am-10am Monday to Friday. If you travel regularly before 10am then a weekly or monthly season ticket may be more appropriate (Railcard discount will not apply). However there is no minimum fare in July or August, on Public Holidays, and at weekends.

4. A full set of 16-25 Railcard Terms & Conditions is available from any staffed station ticket office or at www.16-25railcard.co.uk .

5. The Railcard and train travel are subject to the National Rail Conditions of Carriage.

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What travelcards & discounts can I get on public transport?

Studying in London is a unique experience compared to other universities. Whilst the capital offers an unrivalled amount of things to see and do, it can at first be challenge. Although there are a few discount options available to help reduce costs, understanding which one is best and most suitable can in itself be a confusing process. Most students are aware of the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard, but there are also other, lesser known discount railcards. So, which one is the best? The simple answer is that it depends entirely on you - how frequently you use the transport network, and during which times.

Important to know:   If you’re travelling on public transport in London, check the  Transport for London (TfL) to see which services are running, plus y ou can sign up for email updates from TfL.

What is the 18+ Student Oyster card and how can I get one?

The 18+ Oyster entitles you to 30% off travelcards and Bus and Tram season tickets. It is available to full-time King’s students living in the Greater London area, and you apply online using the TfL website at a cost of £20. You’ll simply need your course dates, the student number on your ID card, as well as a photo and your email. Applying a discounted travelcard to an Oyster gives peace of mind that you won’t spend any more than the amount you’ve already paid. However, bear in mind there is no discount to pay-as-you-go fares with an 18+ Oyster. You could be overpaying for a travelcard if you aren’t using the tube or buses frequently, so it is worth considering the other option before handing over £20 to TfL. We recommend reading the detail of what the benefits are, as well as the eligibility criteria for this travel card at TfL 18+ Student Oyster photocard . If you are eligible and wish to apply, please refer to our specific guidance when applying as a King’s student in the guidance below. Important to know: If you take a break from your studies, you won’t be eligible for the 18+ Oyster card for the duration of your interruption.

How do I apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

Full-time students can apply for a Transport for London (TfL) 18+ Student Oyster photocard, which provides a 30% discount on travel in London. You can  apply online  via the dedicated TfL site and will need a digital photograph and a credit/debit card. You can check your eligibility at  TfL 18+ Student Oyster which also includes important information about how and when applications will be validated. Steps when making your application

When you make your application, please ensure that you select King’s College London as the institution: ‘King's College London, James Clerk Maxwell Building, 57 Waterloo Road.’ (institution code 0403).

If selecting the institution from a list, make sure to select King's College London, and not the NHS Foundation Trust or “King's London.”

If you don’t apply to the correct 'King's College London' your application will be rejected by another institution and you may have to make a new application and incur the £20 administration fee again.

When entering your Course Details (Step 3) you will be asked to provide your Student enrolment (ID) Number. This is the 7 or 8 digit number on your student card. Please do not enter the ID that begins with a “K” as this may cause delays in approving your application.

Important to know:

Most part-time students and students on a break/interruption of study are not eligible for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard. Please refer to the more detailed guidance at  TfL 18+ Student Oyster and to our guidance on interruptions for undergraduate students or postgraduate taught students .

The King's Student Funding Office confirms whether applicants are registered as full-time for TfL.

Applications  cannot be approved until the first day of term , so the Student Funding Office will begin approving application from then onwards.

How long will it take for my Oyster application to be approved? The Student Funding Office approves all Oyster card applications directly with TfL. It takes a couple of weeks for this to come through at the start of term, but these are approved as soon as possible. 

What is the 16+ Student Oyster card and can I get one?

If you are still 17 on the 31 August ahead of starting your degree course (usually September), you should be able apply for this discount without university approval, and it will remain valid until your 18 th birthday.

Foundation courses can count as level 3; this means that if you are 18 and studying on the King’s International Foundation course, you can apply for this discount but because of your age, you’ll need to get approval from King’s for this.

To apply (for students on Foundation courses):

Submit a Form Request and upload your application form.

We will check your record and ensure you meet the relevant criteria, and then sign and stamp the form for you, returning it to you via email.

If you're eligible, we will then let you know - at which point please book an appointment to come a collect your form in person.

Important to know: When seeking to apply for this discount travelcard, please make sure you read all the information at 16+ Zip Oyster photocard and please refer to the TfL Eligibility criteria before applying . If your application is rejected because you are ineligible, you run the risk of losing your application fee. If you are at all unsure if you are eligible, please seek advice from TfL .

What is the National Rail 16-25 Railcard and can I get one?

Important to know: When it comes to the railcard, there is no discount to peak fares Monday-Friday 06:30-09:30 and 16:00-19:00 or to bus fares. How can I apply?

If you’re aged between 16-25 years , you can do it all online yourself, opting for a digital or plastic railcard at 16-25 Railcard .

If you’re over 25 , you are best to apply for the  26-30 Railcard .

If you’re over 30 and a full-time student , you’ll need to start off your application online and then you’ll be directed to a Mature Student Railcard application form, which we’ll need to sign and stamp for you. Please:

If you would like to collect this in paper form in person, please ensure you have still logged a  Form Request  and uploaded your application form first, and let us know through your enquiry if you want to collect the completed form in person.

• Students studying on a distance learning course don’t qualify for a railcard. Please visit the  16-25 railcard eligibility  for more information.

I’m a part-time student; am I eligible for this railcard?

We will check your record and ensure you meet the relevant criteria by liaising directly with your department for confirmation, and then sign and stamp the form for you, returning it to you via email.

This railcard is not tied to your student status but rather your age; if you’re under 25, you can apply whether you’re a student or not.

Always carry your 16-25 Railcard when buying tickets and travelling.

If you’re unsure if you’re eligible for this railcard, visit 16-25: Are you eligible?

What is the National Rail 26-30 Railcard and can I get one?

A valid passport or UK Driving Licence to verify your identity.

A digital passport-style photo saved to your computer, tablet or mobile phone.

A debit or credit card.

The  Railcard app .

Check when and with which ticket(s) you are permitted to use your 26-30 railcard by visiting  Where and when can I use my Railcard?

Always carry your 26-30 Railcard when buying tickets and travelling.

I’m a mature or part-time student; am I eligible for this railcard?

Both the 26-30 and the 16-25 railcards are dependent on your age, so you don’t have to be a student to apply. Anyone under 31 is covered by either one of the railcards without needing any further approval – you can apply directly through the website. The main difference comes if you are studying and over 30; for this you’re best to refer to details for the 16-25 railcard.

Comparing the 18+ Student Oyster card and 16-25 Railcard: which student travel card is right for me?

If you are not using public transport frequently but instead walking or cycling to university and only using the tube occasionally, the 18+ Oyster may not be worthwhile. To check fares for travel across the different zones using the various payment methods, refer to TfL 18+ Student fares . Unless you travel very regularly on pay-as-you-go fares, a 16-25 Railcard may be more appropriate to save money on off-peak fares, when using the tube or city trains to see friends or explore London for leisure. Even if you use the tube frequently on one day, fares automatically cap at the zone rate, ensuring you can’t spend any more than this in one day. Caps can increase year on year, so if you think you might stick to standard pay-as-you-go, we recommend checking TfL’s Pay as you go caps . The 16-25 railcard offers an additional ⅓ off daily caps when using the tube off-peak bringing the cap down further. On the other hand, if you are regularly using transport to travel into university and at peak times, the discounted travelcard allows for unlimited journeys on a weekly or monthly basis, and so may make the 18+ Oyster better value. If you do opt for the 18+ Oyster, you can still apply a 16-25 railcard discount allowing for the best of both worlds. You can opt for a discounted travelcard in the weeks you use public transport frequently whilst allowing for a pay-as-you-go discount when not using transport frequently outside of term time. If you are living in Zone 2, you may opt for a Zone 1-2 weekly travelcard to get to university, but use the 16-25 Railcard when you make journeys to Zone 3 and beyond to explore areas outside of Central London. A combination of the two allows for maximum flexibility. In the end, it depends entirely on your personal use. It’s a good idea to check how much you are using public transport to see if the total regularly exceeds or is below the cost of a travelcard for your zone. To work out what you’re spending your money on to help you budget better, refer to our guide on managing your money .

Additional support for students with disabilities  

I’m a disabled student living in London, can I apply for a freedom pass?

If you live in a London borough and meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply for a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass, which can provide free access to public transport across the Transport for London network. For further guidance on how to submit an application, visit the London Councils webpage ​​​​​​.

Step 1: Make sure you're using either an Oyster or Contactless Card

Paper ticket fares are incredibly expensive in London, and nowadays often unnecessary when so many credit and debit cards have the contactless feature.

You will know if your debit card is contactless depending on whether it has the contactless symbol. Though contactless removes the need to top-up, discounts cannot be applied and it can be more difficult to keep track of spending.

Adult Oyster cards are available at ticket machines at any Tube station for a £5. Even if you opt to apply for an 18+ Oyster, it is worth paying this while you wait for your 18+ Oyster, because it can sometimes take a couple of weeks for the university to approve this for you.

Step 2: How much are you using transport and when?

To keep track of usage, make sure to register your Oyster Card online following the instructions on the TfL website. Once you have done this, you can view journey history and see daily expenditure.

You may wish to set up a Contactless and Oyster account which also has a matching app , which allows you to check your journey history, easily top-up credit and you’ll get notifications when your credit runs low.

Keeping track of your journeys and your spending means you can total the weekly and estimate the monthly and annual costs, and compare this with the cost of discounted travelcards for each zone. For details on fares across a range of transport types in the capital visit TfL Find fares .

Step 3: Apply for the discount cards

If you find you are exceeding the cost of a travelcard via pay-as-you-go fares it is likely that an 18+ Oyster is a sound investment and can be applied for online. Please refer to our guidance in How do I apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

If you are only occasionally using public transport and therefore coming in below the cost of a travelcard, or simply want both discounts and the option of discounts on trains throughout the UK, you can apply for the 16-25 Railcard online .

Buses are almost always cheaper than the tube and the Hopper Fare gives you unlimited journeys, made within 1 hour of touching in.

Remember to tap in and tap out at all stations even if there are no barriers. Forgetting to tap both in and out on the tube will lead to a penalty fare .

King’s Student Funding Office confirm student attendance to TfL for applications to be approved. September and October are very busy periods as many students apply for the 18+ Oyster card, so bear in mind you may need to wait; please allow at least 3 weeks for processing.

How can I travel around London on a budget?

If you’d like to minimise your travel on public transport and want an alternative cheap mode of transport, you could try  Santander Cycles . This is an easy bike hire system with no need to book in advance. You can simply hire a cycle by going to your nearest docking station terminal with a debit or credit card. Be sure to take your card with you; while contactless cards are accepted, but contactless devices including phones and smartwatches, are not .

You can also download the free Santander Cycles app  and pay for the hire using the app instead. For up to 30 minutes, you can ride an unlimited journey for just £2. Every additional 30 minutes will be charged at £2. Remember to return your cycle within 24 hours to your nearest docking station terminal. Otherwise, you may be charged.

The Money Mentors have also put together some tips in their blog  Getting around London: practical tips .

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