All Change! 16-17 Saver rules shake-up and how to save money on train tickets

Thousands of young people will be able to keep saving 50% on train fares after turning 18 as part of new government plans.

From 17 August 2026, the 16-17 Saver railcard will remain valid for 12 months from the date it is bought.

This is a change from the current rule where the card expires when the holder reaches their 18th birthday.

Young people travelling to school, college, apprenticeships, training and work are all set to benefit.

It's estimated more than 70,000 students will save an average of £175 in rail fares because of the change.

But it's not the only way to save on tickets, here is what you need to know...

What is the 16-17 Saver and how is it changing?

The 16-17 Saver rail card allows eligible teenagers to travel on most rail journeys across Great Britain for half the adult fare.

You must be 16 or 17 years old to buy the card and it costs £35 a year.

Under the existing rules, the railcard expires on the holder's 18th birthday, even if they bought it only a few months earlier.

From 17 August, anyone buying a new 16-17 Saver will be able to use it for a full year from the date it was bought, which brings it into line with other National Rail railcards.

To make the most of the change, it is best to buy the card the day before your 18th birthday, it will be then be valid for the entire year that you are 18.

How much could you save?

The 16-17 Saver gives holders 50% off most rail fares across Great Britain.

The previous expiry rules meant some young people lost around £175 in potential savings after turning 18 before the end of their course.

Keeping the railcard valid for a full 12 months means students can continue benefiting from discounted travel throughout the academic year.

Buy the card just before you turn 18 to get the most savings from the card.

Who is eligible for a 16-17 Saver?

Anyone who is 16 or 17 years old can buy a 16-17 Saver. You just need to live in Britain.

The railcard costs £35 and gives you 50% off most Standard Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance and Season Tickets across much of the National Rail network.

How to save money on train tickets by booking in advance

Having a rail card is not the only way to save cash on train tickets.

Planning your journey and buying tickets earlier rather than later to get an Advance ticket is the best way to get low price tickets.

Advance tickets are released before the day of travel and are often much cheaper than buying a ticket at the station. They're available in limited numbers, so the cheapest fares tend to sell out first.

The drawback is that Advance tickets are only valid on the specific train you've booked. If your plans change, you may need to pay a fee to change your ticket, plus any difference in fare.

If you're travelling during school holidays or at weekends, it's worth booking as early as possible to secure the lowest prices.

What is split ticketing?

Split ticketing involves buying two or more tickets for different parts of the same journey instead of one ticket for the whole route.

For example, instead of buying a single ticket from London to York, you might save money by purchasing one ticket from London to Peterborough and another from Peterborough to York – even if you stay on the same train.

The train must stop at each station where your tickets change, but you don't usually have to leave the train.

Split ticketing doesn't always save money, so compare the total cost before you book. Using online journey planners and train booking websites can check whether split tickets are cheaper.