WANT A RAILCARD? GET A GOLD CARD
With train fares being so high, the usual discount on off peak travel of one third is important if you qualify. You can find out what national railcards are available here But for many people the only railcard they can get is a Network Railcard, which anyone can buy, but which is only valid after 10.00 Monday to Friday and has a minimum Monday to Friday fare of £13 (more for a travelcard) and only covers the south east.
The answer may be to buy an annual season ticket, called a Gold Card. This entitles you to one third off off peak travel in the south east from 9.30 without a minimum fare.
The cheapest annual season is from Newhaven Harbour to Newhaven Town which costs £216 at the beginning of 2026, which is a lot, but if you do a lot of shorter journeys the payment may be worthwhile.
Additionally, you can nominate someone else to get a railcard they qualify for, for £10, an immediate saving of about £20.You also receive up to 60% off child tickets (for up to 4 children aged 5 to 15),
Updated February 2026