We are going to england in September. After our first night in London we'll be taking a train to our first destination. I want to purchase a Two Together Railcard for my & my hubby. How much time do I need to allow for taking photo's and going to the office to get the railcard issued? I'll already have booked my train ticket and want to make sure I dont miss it. Also the photo booth - is it cash or credit card?? Thanks so much!!!! Everyone here has been a great help for my trip planning. Cheers, Jan
Posted by
Washington DC
27063 posts
You should be able to take photos with you from home. For some rail cards, it's OK to photocopy a passport photo; sometimes you need to reduce the size a bit to meet the requirements of the card-issuing authority. I wouldn't want the hassle of getting photos made in when I could be out sightseeing instead. I've never used a photo booth.
I picked up a senior railcard quite quickly at a Scottish rail station this year. I don't remember whether it required a photo, but I do travel with a few photocopies (different sizes) of my passport photo just in case I need them.
Posted by
United Kingdom
119 posts
It should take just a few minutes, in person at a railway ticket office, for the plastic version. Do this on arrival day, but not at a busy time, after you've dumped your luggage, only one purchaser needs be present, then your ready next morning.
Tips I would suggest to speed this up.
As mentioned bring the two sets of photos with you, bring a few colour copies of your passport ones thIs should be ok, don't waste money or time on photo booths.
Download and complete the application form from home, have the fee of £30 with you, CC will be fine.
There is an option for an online digital version that is stored on your phone or tablet, but there have been technical delays and complaints since November, stick with the staffed ticket office.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2775 posts
Hi, go to.....railcard.co.uk to purchase the Two to Together, after you pay you will get an confirmation of your purchase. You will need to take a passport size photo of you and your husband with you. Once in London you can go to any railway station to get your railcard, they will need your confirmation and your pictures, then they will get your card, it will only take a few minutes.
My friend and I did this and it was so easy.
Posted by
Tweed Heads NSW Australia
23 posts
most visitors to England , Wales or Scotland will at least be travelling in twos or more ( not sure if one can “ two together with more than one “ if you know what I mean “
will cheapen your rail travel
don’t stress if you can’t do it - just book in advance if you know your dates
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8346 posts
You can pre purchase tickets and make reservations in advance at the “two together” rate online. Bring your pictures with you from home. Also, you can print out the application and complete it in advance. You purchase your rail pass at the first manned station after your arrival and before train travel. It will take less than 10 minutes for them to make the pass and print out all your tickets for you.
Posted by
United Kingdom
119 posts
most visitors to England , Wales or Scotland will at least be travelling in twos or more ( not sure if one can “ two together with more than one “ if you know what I mean<
Three or more adults receive an automatic Groupsave fare with most of the train companies at the station when they buy off-peak train tickets. No Railcard or booking needed for this .
Posted by
Washington DC
27063 posts
Tickets bought at the Two Together rate cannot be used by one person traveling alone, which could happen if one of the parties decides to skip a planned excursion. One of our other posters--probably Nigel--mentioned in an earlier thread that there's a way to pay the upcharge so the Two Together ticket isn't a total waste.