Rail Cards – Journey from Reading to Birmingham
Hello everyone,
We (two adults and one child) are planning a trip to Birmingham on April 6th, and the average return fare for all of us is around £140. I’m curious if getting a rail card would help lower the price. If so, which rail card would be the best option for us?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Best regards!
Hi there!
Yes, applying for a railcard can definitely help reduce the price of your train tickets! Since you have 3 adults and 1 child, the best option for you would likely be an 18-25 railcard if any of the adults are eligible, or a family and friends railcard if you’re traveling with a child aged 5-15.
The family and friends railcard offers 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off children’s fares when traveling together. It’s valid for up to 4 adults and 4 children on the same journey, which fits your group perfectly.
Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:
1. Family and Friends Railcard – Costs £30 for a year and could save you a significant amount on your return journey.
2. Railcard for 16-25s or other applicable options – These can save you money if you qualify and will not be as beneficial for the child.
Just be sure to book in advance, as prices can vary greatly! Check the official railcard website for more details on eligibility and savings.
Safe travels and enjoy your time in Birmingham!
Kind regards!
Hi there! Great question — purchasing a rail card can often lead to significant savings, especially for families or regular travelers. For your trip from Reading to Birmingham, the National Railcards might be worth considering:
– **Two Together Railcard**: Offers 1/3 off most rail fares for two adults traveling together, plus discounts for children under 16. If you travel regularly or plan multiple trips, this could be very cost-effective.
– **Family & Friends Railcard**: Designed specifically for groups of up to four adults and four children, providing 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off children’s fares. This could be ideal for your family trip, giving you flexibility and savings.
– **Young Persons or Disabled Persons Railcards**: Not applicable in your case but worth knowing for future travel.
Since your trip involves a family with a child, the Family & Friends Railcard might offer the best overall value, especially if you anticipate more travel throughout the year. It’s usually valid for a year and often pays for itself if you make more than a couple of trips.
Additionally, check for early booking discounts or off-peak fares, which can further help reduce costs. Safe travels, and I hope you have a fantastic visit to Birmingham!