Using Railcards on Stansted Express

Save on your Stansted Express journey with a Railcard

A Railcard is a discount card that gives you significant savings on train travel across Great Britain, including Stansted Express. With most Railcards offering up to 1/3 off fares, they’re ideal whether you’re travelling to Stansted Airport, commuting, or exploring. 

Many Railcards pay for themselves after just a few journeys, making them great value for both regular travellers and visitors.

In many cases, our pre‑discounted tickets (such as Advance fares) may offer better value than using a Railcard. When you search, we’ll show you our lowest priced fare available based on your journey and selection, helping you choose the option that works best for you.

Using your Railcard on Stansted Express

Railcards are accepted on Stansted Express services and can be applied when booking online, at ticket machines or at station ticket offices.

Railcard discounts are available on selected fares, including standard Off-Peak and Anytime tickets. 

Some discounted fares (such as Advance, Duo or Group tickets) are not eligible.

Why use a Railcard?

 

Save money on every journey

Railcard discounts are available on selected fares, helping reduce the cost of your journey - especially on standard tickets such as Off‑Peak and Anytime.

 

 

Make the most of your journey

Your Railcard can be used across the wider rail network, making it ideal for Stansted Airport transfers, day trips from London, or travelling further across Great Britain.

 

 

Great value for short stays and frequent travel

Many Railcards cost around £35 (£25 for Club 50) and often pay for themselves after just a few journeys - ideal for airport trips and extra travel.

 

 

Simple, digital and easy to use

Railcards are usually available on your phone, so you can apply your discount when booking and carry it with you throughout your journey.

 

How to add a Railcard when booking

Adding a Railcard is quick - but if your group has a mix of Railcards, you may need to add tickets in a few simple steps.

  • Add one Railcard per booking search
  • Travellers without a Railcard can be booked together
  • Some Railcards (like Two Together or Family & Friends) allow multiple people in one booking

Examples

👤🎫

Everyone has their own Railcard

Add 1 passenger with their Railcard → add to basket → repeat for each person

👤 🎫 + 👤

Mixed group (some with Railcards, some without)

Add each Railcard holder individually → then book the remaining passengers together

👤👤🎫

Shared Railcards (e.g. Two Together or Family & Friends)

Add all eligible passengers in one booking → apply the Railcard once

Railcard Types

Railcards are designed for different types of travellers, based on age, travel habits and group size.

  • 16–17 Saver – 50% off most fares
  • 16–25 Railcard – ideal for students and young adults
  • 26–30 Railcard – for young professionals
  • Students – We offer discounted travel to anyone with an International Student Identity Card when purchasing tickets at a station ticket office. 

  • Two Together Railcard – save when travelling as a pair
  • Family & Friends Railcard – extra savings for families and groups

  • Network Railcard – great for regional journeys and group travel

  • Senior Railcard – for customers aged 60+
  • Disabled Persons Railcard – includes discounts for a companion
  • HM Forces Railcard – for Armed Forces personnel

Key information

  • Railcard discounts for Stansted Express are available on standard fares such as Off‑Peak and Anytime
  • They are not valid with discounted fares, such as Advance, Duo or Group
  • You must carry your valid Railcard with you and show it alongside your ticket if requested
  • Some Railcards have time restrictions or minimum fares, particularly during weekday mornings
  • Railcards can be used across most National Rail services in Great Britain

Railcard Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Railcards are accepted on Stansted Express services and can be applied when booking online, at ticket machines or at station ticket offices.

Select your Railcard during the booking process.

If your group has multiple Railcards, you may need to add passengers separately. See the guidance above for examples.

You can save 1/3 off Stansted Express train tickets with a railcard:

  • 16-17 Saver Railcard - up to 50% off
  • 16-25 Railcard - up to 1/3 off
  • 26-30 Railcard - up to 1/3 off
  • Senior Railcard - up to 1/3 off
  • Two Together Railcard - up to 1/3 off
  • Family & Friends Railcard - up to 1/3 off, kids get 60% off
  • Network Railcard - up to 1/3 off, kids get 60% off
  • Veterans Railcard - up to 1/3 off
  • Disabled Persons Railcard - up to 1/3 off
  • Greater Anglia Club 50 - save up to 20% on the Stansted Express website and 10% at the station.

Yes. You must carry your valid Railcard and show it with your ticket when requested.

Railcard discounts are available on selected fares, including Off‑Peak and Anytime tickets, but may not apply to some discounted fares such as Advance, Duo or Group tickets.

Some Railcards include minimum fares or time restrictions, especially during weekday peak periods. Check your specific Railcard for details.

Some Railcards (such as Two Together or Family & Friends) allow multiple passengers. Others are only valid for the named cardholder.

Only if the Railcard allows group travel and you are travelling with them. If you are not travelling, each passenger must have their own valid Railcard.

Some Railcards can be used at peak times, but restrictions or minimum fares may apply depending on the type.

You’ll need to cancel your ticket (if eligible) and rebook with your Railcard selected.

Yes, you can use a railcard to get a discount on train tickets at the Stansted Airport station ticket office and ticket machines.

📞 0345 301 1654 (9am–5pm, excluding Christmas Day)
✉️ [email protected]

You can add your Railcard when buying Stansted Express tickets at station ticket offices, ticket machines, or on our website.

If you’re booking online, please refer to the section above, “How to add a Railcard when booking”, which explains how to add Railcards for different group types and booking scenarios.

Yes, you can use a railcard to get a discount on train tickets at the Stansted Airport station ticket office and ticket machines, if you choose not to purchase online.

Yes, you can buy any National Railcard and Greater Anglia's Club 50 Railcard at our train stations.

Yes – you can use a 16–25 Railcard on Stansted Express when booking eligible fares such as Off‑Peak and Anytime tickets.

Yes – the 26–30 Railcard can be used on Stansted Express for discounted travel on eligible fares.

Yes – Senior Railcards are valid on Stansted Express and can be applied to eligible fares for a discount.

Yes – Disabled Persons Railcards are accepted on Stansted Express and offer discounts on eligible fares, including for a companion where applicable.

Yes – the Two Together Railcard can be used on Stansted Express when both named passengers travel together on eligible fares.

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