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National Rail Railcard application for US citizen

I’ll be in UK in June 2022, traveling on a lot of rails. I’ve tried to submit application to purchase a National Rail Senior Card (tourists are eligible). Application won’t go through, I suspect it’s the number of characters in US Passport (to use as identification and eligibility). I have requested online help (none yet), and I have read all FAQ’s. Any suggestions? I want to start buying tickets soon. Thanks for any help you can lend.

Posted by
33733 posts

what's said above.

You don't any sort of number or anything to BUY the tickets, just indicate (although this is very early yet) that you have the particular Railcard and get it when you get here, before your first trip using it. You must have one when you USE your ticket, for whenever your tickets are checked, either at a ticket barrier before you get to the train, on board the train or as you leave the platform after your journey.

Posted by
8859 posts

I’ll just add that you can print out the application and complete it in advance so the process at the train station is fairly quick.

Posted by
135 posts

I helped my American relative with this a while ago. I know there is a website that allows the US passport numbers to go through. I'll have a look and get back to you.

Posted by
10 posts

Marion, I just purchased my card. This is what I found and did. Put in the first 28 digits/letters/etc. of your passport number and then add the two final digits at the far right. It worked fine for me, and I downloaded the app and applied the code they sent me, so everything looks good. Hope this is helpful for you.