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Join Which? TravelWhy you might be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard without realising
The card gives you a third off all UK train tickets for you and your travel companion
An Orwell prize-nominated investigative journalist, Kate lives in Portugal and covers news, travel rules, tourist taxes and visas.
Even if you weren’t previously eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard, you should check again for 2026.
The eligibility criteria for a Disabled Persons Railcard has broadened twice in 2026, meaning more people could qualify to apply and receive discounted rail travel for themselves and a travel companion on each journey.
The first expansion was in March, when it was announced that new forms of ‘proof’ would be accepted. Examples of newly eligible people with disabilities include those who hold blue badges or disabled bus passes, and those who can’t drive on medical grounds and can prove so with a letter from the DVLA or a health professional.
Then, in September, the eligibility criteria widened to include more disabilities and conditions, ‘including some long-term or degenerative medical conditions, and neurodiversity where it has a substantial impact on a person’s ability to travel by train’.
Read on for more about the Disabled Persons Railcard, to get the latest on eligibility, and to find out how to apply for one if you think you qualify.
What is a Disabled Persons Railcard, and what does it get me?
A Disabled Persons Railcard is one of nine types of railcard, all of which entitle the cardholder to a third off the standard cost of rail tickets in the UK.
Other types of railcard you may have heard of include the Senior Railcard for those aged 60 and over, the 26-30 Railcard, and the Two Together railcard for those who travel by rail together regularly.
There is an annual fee for all railcards – most cost £35 per year. A Disabled Person’s Railcard is cheaper, costing £20 per year. If you normally spend at least £60 per year on rail travel, you’ll make back the cost of the railcard on your discounted trips.
You can also purchase a three-year Disabled Persons Railcard for £54.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
The railcard website has an eligibility checklist, along with a table that explains what you’ll need to provide to prove your eligibility.
For example, if you hold a Blue Badge or Disabled Persons Bus Pass, you’ll just need to provide a copy of the front and back of the badge or bus pass.
If you have neurodivergence or a long term health condition, the route is slightly different. You’ll need to provide a report or letter from a health professional that explains your accessibility needs, and which demonstrates that you experience ‘significant disability-related barriers’ to rail travel. Alternatively, you can complete a short Impact Declaration form, and have it signed by a health professional.
How to apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard
The Railcard website estimates that applying online should take around 10 minutes. The page has an option for someone to apply for the railcard on your behalf.
Once you’ve checked your eligibility and gathered the necessary evidence document(s), you’ll need to find a passport-style photo of yourself and go to the Disabled Persons Railcard sale page.
- Choose your duration by clicking either ‘1 year’ or ‘3 years’.
- Choose whether you prefer a digital railcard (available within 5 working days through the railcard app on your phone) or a plastic card, which will be delivered within 15 days.
- Select whether the railcard is for yourself or for someone else.
- Select the Terms and Conditions tick box, and click ‘continue’.
- Type in the personal details for the cardholder.
- Select the disability that applies in your situation.
- Select the form of ‘proof’ you’ll be providing, and upload the file.
- Upload your passport-style photograph as a JPEG or PNG (it must be under 5MB). You can easily zoom in and crop it using the tool provided.
- Register for a Railcard account, or log in if you already have one.
- Pay for your railcard.
Next time you book and pay for rail tickets, remember to choose a railcard-discounted fare.
You’ll be asked to show the railcard by the train conductor, so make sure you have it to hand, or loaded onto your phone on the app.
