In this post, I will share some tips on How to Get Student Discounts for Travel. As a student, I know how exciting it can be to plan a trip, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a semester abroad. But let’s be real, traveling can also be tough on the wallet.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you, as a fellow student, save money while exploring the world. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting student discounts for travel, from flights and trains to hotels and attractions. By the end, you’ll be ready to book your next adventure without breaking the bank.
Traveling as a student doesn’t have to be a financial burden. There are countless ways to get student discounts for travel, making it more affordable to explore new places. Whether you’re a high school student planning a gap year or a college student dreaming of a backpacking trip, these discounts can make your travel dreams a reality.
I’ve used these strategies myself to save money on trips, and I’m excited to share them with you. Let’s dive in and make your next trip both memorable and budget-friendly. Being a student comes with unique opportunities to save on travel. From discounted flights to cheaper train tickets and even free museum entries, your student status can open doors to affordable adventures.
In this guide, I’ll share my personal tips and practical advice you can use right away. You don’t need to be a travel expert to take advantage of these deals—just a student with a desire to explore. Let’s get started with the steps to secure those discounts.
How to Get Student Discounts for Travel
Getting student discounts for travel is easier than you might think. Here are the key steps I’ve learned to help you save:
Verify Your Student Status
To access most student discounts, you’ll need to prove you’re a student. Always carry your student ID, as it’s the most common form of verification. Some services, like airlines or travel websites, might ask for additional proof, such as a school email address or an enrollment letter.
For example, Emirates requires a valid student ID or school acceptance letter for their student fares (Emirates Student Fares). I recommend keeping digital copies of these documents on your phone for easy access when booking or checking in.
If you don’t have a student ID or want access to global discounts, consider getting an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). It’s widely accepted and can unlock savings on flights, accommodations, and attractions worldwide. I got mine for a small fee, and it’s paid for itself many times over with the discounts I’ve received.
Use Student Travel Websites
There are websites designed specifically for students that offer exclusive travel deals. I’ve had great success with StudentUniverse, which partners with over 80 airlines to provide discounts of up to 30% on flights for students and young adults aged 18-25.
Other platforms like STA Travel and Student Beans also offer deals on flights, hotels, and more. These sites often require you to verify your student status, but the process is quick and usually involves entering your school email or uploading a document.
Signing up for newsletters from these websites is a smart move. I’ve received emails about flash sales and limited-time offers that saved me hundreds on flights. For example, Student Beans occasionally offers up to 50% off travel deals (Student Beans Travel), so it’s worth checking their site regularly.
Check with Airlines and Train Companies
Many airlines and train companies offer student discounts, but you might need to do a little research to find them. Airlines like United, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines have student-specific fares, often with perks like extra baggage allowance or flexible booking options.
For instance, United offers a 5% discount for travelers aged 18-23 through their MileagePlus program (United Young Traveler Discount). Similarly, Scandinavian Airlines provides up to 70% off for students aged 12-25 (SAS Youth Fares).
For train travel, Amtrak offers a 15% discount for students aged 17-24 when you book at least one day in advance (Amtrak Student Discounts). In Europe, Eurail provides up to 25% off for students aged 12-27 (Eurail Youth Discounts). I always check the provider’s website or call their customer service to confirm eligibility and any special requirements, like booking through a specific app or using a promo code.
Look for Student Discount Cards
A student discount card can be a game-changer for frequent travelers. The ISIC, which I mentioned earlier, is accepted in over 130 countries and offers discounts on everything from flights to museum tickets. In the UK, the NUS Totum card provides similar benefits, including savings on travel and transport (UNiDAYS Travel). These cards usually have a small annual fee, but the savings can quickly add up, especially if you’re traveling internationally.
Types of Student Discounts Available
Now that you know how to access student discounts, let’s explore the different types of travel expenses where you can save.
Flights
Flights are often the biggest travel expense, but as a student, you can score significant savings. Discounts vary widely, from 5% to as much as 70%, depending on the airline and route. For example, Emirates offers up to 10% off economy fares and 5% off business class for students aged 16-31, plus an extra 10kg of baggage (Emirates Student Fares).
Scandinavian Airlines provides at least 10% off all flights for students aged 12-25, with some routes discounted up to 70% (SAS Youth Fares). Singapore Airlines offers discounts for students enrolled in eligible colleges, along with increased baggage allowances (Singapore Airlines Student Privileges).
I’ve found that booking through student travel websites like StudentUniverse or KAYAK for Students can help you find these deals more easily. Some airlines also offer additional perks, like free flight changes or lower baggage fees, which can be a lifesaver if your plans change.
Trains and Buses
If you’re traveling within a country or across Europe, trains and buses are budget-friendly options with student discounts. In the U.S., Amtrak’s 15% discount for students aged 17-24 applies to most routes, and in some states like California or New York, you might get up to 25% off (Amtrak Student Discounts).
In Europe, Eurail offers up to 25% off for students aged 12-27, making it a great choice for exploring multiple countries (Eurail Youth Discounts). Bus companies like Megabus and Eurolines also provide student fares, especially for longer routes (SmarterTravel).
When I traveled across Europe, I used a Eurail pass and saved a ton by booking early and traveling during off-peak times. Always check the terms, as some discounts require booking or specific verification.
Accommodations
Hotels and hostels are another area where you can save as a student. Chains like Choice Hotels offer up to 10% off through their Choice Privileges program, which also includes free breakfast and high-speed internet at most locations (Choice Hotels Student Discounts).
Hotels.com provides up to 25% off, plus an additional 10% student discount through Student Beans. Hostels are naturally more affordable, and sites like Hostelworld often have student-exclusive deals.
When I stayed at a hostel in Amsterdam, I got a discount just by showing my student ID at check-in. It’s always worth asking about student rates, even if they’re not advertised.
Attractions and Activities
Exploring local attractions is one of the best parts of traveling, and your student ID can get you discounted or even free entry. Many museums, zoos, and amusement parks offer student rates.
For example, in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA provide free or reduced admission for students with a valid ID (MoMA Discounts). In Amsterdam, the Stedelijk Museum offers tickets at half price (9 euros instead of 17.50 euros) with a student card (College Life).
I always check the attraction’s website or call ahead to confirm student discounts. Some places, like the Art Institute of Chicago, even offer free admission during certain hours for students (CollegeData).
Tips for Maximizing Student Discounts
To make the most of your student status, here are some tips I’ve found helpful:
- Book in Advance: Booking flights, trains, or hotels early can secure the best deals. I saved over $100 on a flight to London by booking three months ahead through StudentUniverse.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Traveling midweek or during off-peak seasons often results in lower prices. For example, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday can be cheaper than on weekends.
- Compare Prices: Use comparison sites like KAYAK or Skyscanner to check prices across multiple providers. These sites often have student-specific filters.
- Sign Up for Newsletters: Travel companies like StudentUniverse and UNiDAYS send exclusive offers to subscribers. I’ve gotten last-minute deals on flights and hotels by staying on their mailing lists.
Common FAQs About Student Travel Discounts
Here are answers to some common questions about student travel discounts:
- Who is eligible for student discounts?
Most discounts are for full-time students at accredited institutions, but some, like those from StudentUniverse, extend to part-time students or young adults aged 18-25. Always check the specific eligibility requirements. - How do I prove I’m a student?
A valid student ID is usually enough. Some providers may ask for a school email, enrollment letter, or verification through platforms like SheerID (SheerID Student Deals). - Are there discounts for non-traditional students?
Yes, many discounts are available for students of all ages, including online or part-time students, as long as they’re enrolled in an accredited program. - Can I get discounts for group travel?
Some providers, like Iberia Airlines, offer additional discounts for groups of four or more (Iberia Joven). Contact the provider directly to inquire about group rates.
Conclusion
Traveling as a student is an incredible opportunity to explore the world, and with student discounts, it’s more affordable than you might think. By verifying your student status, using dedicated travel websites, and checking with airlines, hotels, and attractions, you can save significantly on your next trip.
I’ve used these strategies to visit places I never thought I could afford, and I’m confident you can too. Always carry your student ID, plan, and be flexible with your travel dates to maximize your savings.
Key Citations
- 9 Airlines That Give Students and Young Adults Discounts and Exclusive Benefits
- Valuable travel discounts and deals for college students and young adults
- 80+ Best Student Discounts to Use in College
- StudentUniverse Flights for Students
- Choice Hotels Student Hotel Discounts
- Emirates Student Special Fares
- United Airlines Young Traveler Discount
- Scandinavian Airlines Youth Fares
- Singapore Airlines Student Privileges
- Amtrak Student Discounts
- Eurail Youth Discounts
- Student Beans Travel Discounts
- UNiDAYS Travel and Transport Discounts
- Hotels.com Student Discount via Student Beans
- MoMA Discounts for Students
- SheerID Student Deals and Offers
- The Best Student Travel Discounts and Where to Find Them
- 6 Museums To Visit with a Student Discount