EMR Frequently Asked Question

Is there any special discount you would recommend at EMR?
East Midlands Railway (EMR) offers a wide range of exclusive discounts and special offers that make train travel more affordable and enjoyable. When you book through EMR, you can unlock fantastic deals on attractions across London and beyond, including 2FOR1 entry offers, one-third off savings, and many other discounts at top destinations. From museums and galleries to live events, exhibitions and unique experiences, EMR’s offers cater to travellers of all ages and interests. These discounts are ideal for leisure trips, weekend getaways and family adventures, ensuring you get more value from every journey.

Does EMR offer group train tickets and discounts?
Absolutely. EMR makes group travel simple, flexible and cost-effective, whether you’re planning a family day out, a school trip, a society gathering or corporate travel. By choosing the right ticket for your group size, you can enjoy significant savings, reserved seating where available, and assistance from EMR’s dedicated booking team.

GroupSave – for 3 to 9 passengers
If you’re travelling with three to nine people, GroupSave tickets allow you to save around one-third off adult fares. Even better, you can take up to four children for just £1 each, making it one of the easiest ways to enjoy cheap off-peak train travel with friends or family.
GroupSave tickets offer automatic discounts on off-peak group travel and do not require advance booking. However, they are not available online. You can purchase them at any EMR ticket office or onboard if there is no ticket office at your departure station. Please note that GroupSave is not available on all routes.

Groups of 10 or more
For larger groups such as school trips, sports teams, stag or hen parties, or society outings, EMR offers tailored group travel solutions. Groups of 10 or more can save up to 26% on open return fares, enjoy reserved seating where possible, and receive full support from EMR’s Group Travel team. Simply submit a request through their group booking form, and the team will manage the details so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

Private train carriage hire
For special occasions, match days or business travel, EMR also offers exclusive carriage hire on selected services. This option is ideal for private events and corporate journeys requiring extra comfort or privacy.

Are there any train ticket discounts for disabled passengers at EMR?
EMR provides a variety of discounts and services designed to make train travel more accessible, affordable and comfortable for disabled passengers and their carers. The Disabled Persons Railcard allows eligible passengers to save an average of £113 per year on train travel.

Disabled passenger & carer train discounts
Although there is no standalone carer railcard, EMR offers several ways for carers to travel at reduced rates or free of charge when accompanying a disabled passenger.

• Disabled Persons Railcard – This railcard offers 33% off train fares for the cardholder and one companion, which may include a carer. It is available for a small annual fee and provides excellent value for regular travellers.
  
• Assistance card holder discounts – Carers or companions travelling with passengers who have specific accessibility needs, such as visual impairments, may be eligible for discounted or free travel.
  
• Passenger Assist service – While not a discount, this free service offers help with boarding, alighting, seat reservations and general travel assistance, ensuring a smooth journey for both passengers and carers.
  

Discounts for visually impaired passengers
Visually impaired passengers who do not hold a railcard can still receive discounts when travelling with a companion. Available discounts on Anytime tickets include:

• 34% off First or Standard Class Anytime Single or Return tickets
  
• 34% off Anytime Day Single tickets
  
• 50% off Anytime Day Return tickets
  

If travelling alone without a railcard, discounts do not apply. Passengers will need documentation confirming their disability, issued by recognised organisations such as Social Services, local authorities, RNIB or St Dunstan’s.

Disability season tickets
Blind or partially sighted passengers can purchase one adult Season Ticket covering two people for the price of one, allowing a different companion to travel with them on different days.

Travelling in your own wheelchair
Passengers travelling in their own wheelchair throughout the journey may qualify for the same Anytime ticket discounts listed above. The discount also applies to one companion travelling with them.

Does EMR offer train ticket discounts for children?
EMR offers excellent discounts for families travelling with children, helping make family rail journeys more affordable.

Children under 5
Children under 5 travel free of charge when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. They may sit on an adult’s lap if seats are full. If you want a reserved seat for a child under 5, you’ll need to purchase a child ticket.

Children aged 5 to 15
Children aged 5–15 receive 50% off adult fares on both single and return tickets. They are also eligible for seat reservations on reservable services. If a child looks 16 or older, it’s advisable to carry proof of age.

If I’m a student, can I get a discount at EMR?
EMR supports students with several railcards that help reduce travel costs for commuting, visiting home or exploring new cities.

16–17 Saver Railcard
Designed for 16–17 year olds, this railcard offers:

• 50% off Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares
  
• 50% off selected Season Tickets
  
• Valid across England, Scotland and Wales
  

The railcard costs £35 and remains valid until the day before your 18th birthday, making it excellent value.

16–25 Railcard (Young Persons Railcard)
Available to travellers aged 16–25, or mature students aged 26+, this railcard offers one-third off rail fares across Britain. It applies to most off-peak and Advance tickets but excludes Season Tickets. A £12 minimum fare applies on weekday morning peak travel.

26–30 Railcard
Ideal for young professionals and mature students, the 26–30 Railcard offers one-third off rail fares on most off-peak and Advance tickets. It’s valid for one year and can be purchased up until your 31st birthday.

Are family train tickets available at EMR?
EMR offers excellent family rail discounts through the Family & Friends Railcard.

• One-year railcard: £35
  
• Three-year railcard: £80
  

Benefits include:

• Up to 33% off adult fares
  
• Up to 60% off child fares (ages 5–15)
  
• Free travel for children under 5
  
• Valid for up to four adults and four children
  

This railcard is ideal for parents, grandparents and guardians travelling with children and can be used for peak and off-peak journeys.

Is there a Senior Railcard at EMR?
The Senior Railcard is available to passengers aged 60 and over and costs £35. It offers one-third off Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares, plus access to exclusive discounts on attractions, accommodation and entertainment.

Can I get a Veterans Railcard at EMR?
Veterans who have served at least one day in the UK Armed Forces or Merchant Navy on qualifying operations are eligible for a Veterans Railcard. This offers:

• One-third off rail fares for the cardholder
  
• One-third off for a companion travelling together
  
• Up to four children travelling with 60% off

Does EMR provide a price promise?
EMR offers a Price Promise to ensure you always get the best value. If you buy an EMR Season, Anytime or Off-Peak ticket and later find the same ticket cheaper elsewhere, you can claim a refund of the difference. The ticket must match exactly in journey, date, time, ticket type and conditions, and the lower price must be publicly available and verifiable.