Young persons' discounts & railcards

Young persons' railcard discounts are available for many rail operators via Rail Europe. However, you don't always need a railcard to obtain a youth discount, but you may need to prove your age on board the train.

In addition to standard youth discounts, further discounts may be available for young travellers with a railcard. These vary between countries; we've added details below.

Age qualifications for youth passengers vary across rail operators and countries. Please see What is the child & youth passenger train ticket age limit? for specific details.

You may find that the price of a youth ticket is the same as an adult fare, or that the ticket type defaults to adult. We automatically show the cheapest suitable fare, which may be an adult or a youth ticket, even with the railcard discount.

Discounts by rail operator

In the UK, the 16-25 Railcard gives 1/3 off most fares. Railcard holders can add the railcard to their search on Rail Europe to find and book discounted fares. There are no discounts on standard fares for youth travellers who do not have a railcard.

There are no discounts on standard fares for youth travellers who do not have a railcard, and we currently cannot offer French railcards.  

In Spain, holders of a Carné Joven railcard can obtain youth discounts on fully-flexible tickets. Carné Joven railcard holders can add the railcard to their search on Rail Europe to find and book discounted fares. There are no discounts on standard fares for youth travellers who do not have a railcard.
There are no youth discounts on regular tickets. Adult and youth ticket prices are the same.
In Germany, student travellers under the age of 27 can save 50% on the BahnCard 50. BahnCard 50 holders (suitable for frequent travellers) receive a 50% discount on non-saver fares. BahnCard holders can add the railcard to their search on Rail Europe to find and book discounted fares. There are no discounts on standard fares for youth travellers who do not have a railcard.
Youth discounts are available for traveller up to 24 included.
There are no youth discounts on regular tickets. Although it is not supported on Rail Europe yet, youths (under 26) can save up to 50% with a Vorteilscard (€19–29, valid for one year, requires photo).
There are no youth discounts on regular tickets. Although they are not supported on Rail Europe yet, there is a range of Youth railcards available to purchase on the Belgian rail operator's website.
There are no youth discounts on regular tickets.
There is no discounted fare for youth.