Rail Travel Voucher

[WillPS]

After my First Class fail in November, I got a £7 Rail Travel Voucher from EMT. This has sat on my desk unused, since I usually prefer to book online (either with the TOC for a discount or TPE/SWT and get cashback).

Now, my girlfriend's railcard needs renewing, can I purchase a new railcard with this voucher?

 

[causton]

I think so, as long as it's at a station. FWIW I have read that cafes/buffet cars will take them, so you can buy a few sandwiches with them!

From Google: "Rail vouchers can also be used to buy railcards. Anything really that can be bought from a rail ticket office can be purchased using rail vouchers."

 

[WillPS]

Ahhah! That might be a winning idea!!

Don't suppose that extends to Rail Gourmet buffets?

 

[causton]

Ahhah! That might be a winning idea!!

Don't suppose that extends to Rail Gourmet buffets?

Hmm... no idea - the only references I can find are GNER/National Express/East Coast accepting £7.50 in rail vouchers for a £10 food voucher. I don't know if that still is valid though, so I would actually just recommending buying the railcard using the vouchers then spending the money you saved on a sandwich

 

[Mojo]

What kind of Railcard are you looking to buy? Assuming she is able to buy online (ie. she has a British drivers license or passport and is not a mature student trying to buy a 1625 Railcard), then 1625, Family/Friends and Senior railcards are cheaper online, being 10% cheaper for the annual one if you input the discount code.

 

[WillPS]

Hmm... no idea - the only references I can find are GNER/National Express/East Coast accepting £7.50 in rail vouchers for a £10 food voucher. I don't know if that still is valid though, so I would actually just recommending buying the railcard using the vouchers then spending the money you saved on a sandwich

Ahhh right I see, that makes sense, you'd have to buy the £10 catering voucher before getting on.

What kind of Railcard are you looking to buy? Assuming she is able to buy online (ie. she has a British drivers license or passport and is not a mature student trying to buy a 1625 Railcard), then 1625, Family/Friends and Senior railcards are cheaper online, being 10% cheaper for the annual one if you input the discount code.

We're making a journey on Wednesday though, do they turn-around same day and use First Class post? If not there's no point risking it for £2.90 in saving.

 

[Mojo]

Ahhh right I see, that makes sense, you'd have to buy the £10 catering voucher before getting on.

We're making a journey on Wednesday though, do they turn-around same day and use First Class post? If not there's no point risking it for £2.90 in saving.

lt says

Your Railcard will be posted to you free of charge by First Class post within one working day. You’ll need to allow enough time before your journey for your Railcard to reach you – so you can take full advantage of some great savings.

, so no, you can't order it for Weds.