Two Together Railcard to cut train fares for couples and friends

The new Two Together Railcard costs £30 a year and can be used an unlimited number of times by two named and photographed people to save a third on journeys.

However until 30 April, enter the code TOGETHER10 online and you'll get 10% off, making it £27 for the year.

Before today's launch, most railcards were only available to those who were either under 26, over 60, disabled, serving in the armed forces or travelling with children (see our Cheap Train Tickets guide for full details on railcard discounts and more tips on cutting costs).

The Two Together Railcard is the first national railcard to be launched for 30 years, and gives couples or pairs of friends, relatives or colleagues the chance to make significant savings on fares.

It can be used to save on standard and first class anytime, off-peak and advance tickets for travel throughout England, Scotland and Wales after 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day on weekends and bank holidays.

Average saving 'over £100'

Rail firms expect the average saving for holders of the Two Together Railcard to be over £100 a year.

Two super off-peak single tickets from Birmingham New Street to London Euston, for example, would normally cost £45.80. But with the new railcard two passengers can get to the capital for £30.50 each – a saving of £15.30.

Two advance single tickets from Newcastle to Leeds will now cost £14.50 – saving £7.50.