We (family of 4) are planning to get a railcard to cut costs on 3 train trips during our 2 week stay in the UK. Am I correct in my knowledge that I cannot get it mailed to the US? I can have it sent to a friend in the UK and she can send it to me if needed. Also, does anyone know if I can do this with a US credit card? Next, if I do this, can I reserve discounted tickets (I'm in the 60-90 day window) without actually having the card in my possession yet? It will take at least a week to get it here by my plan. Also, is it best to order railcard and individual tickets online or by phone?
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1556 posts
I have only bought these in person in London and had no problems using a US credit card.
Also, I'm guessing you don't actually need the card in your hand - just the card # to be able to book your tickets. I suggest that you have your friend go to a train station, buy the travel card for you and email you the # - you can pay them for the cost of the card later - it isn't all that much. Just a thought.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
All your questions are answered in the FAQs here. To keep things simple, you could simply wait and buy your card at any National Rail station.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
"you could simply wait and buy your card at any National Rail station. "
If you did the above you would have to pay far higher fares because buying national train tickets in advance costs significantly less.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
What I meant to say was to book tickets in advance to take advantage of discount fares, but to buy the family railcard upon arrival in the UK. The railcard site says that it's okay to do that, so long as one knows he/she will have it in hand when it's needed.