Table of Contents
Best Student Travel Discounts: Flights, Trains, Buses & More
If you’re a student looking to save on travel, you’re in luck—there are dozens of airlines, transportation providers, and booking platforms that offer exclusive student discounts. Whether you’re studying abroad, heading home for the holidays, or planning a budget-friendly getaway, knowing where to find these deals can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
This guide breaks down the best student travel discounts in 2025, including for flights, trains, buses, and booking sites. We also share how to access them, what student verification is needed, and tips to stretch your budget even further.
✈️ Best Student Discounts on Flights
1. StudentUniverse
Best for: Booking discounted international and domestic student flights
✔️ Exclusive student airfares with up to 30% off major airlines
✔️ Partners with airlines like United, Lufthansa, British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Emirates
✔️ Offers flight deals, travel packages, and group bookings
✔️ 24/7 customer service for students
📌 How to Access: Create a free StudentUniverse account and verify your student status.
2. Airlines That Offer Student Discounts (Direct)
| Airline | Student Offer |
|---|---|
| Emirates | Up to 10% off flights + extra baggage allowance when booked via student page |
| Qatar Airways | Up to 20% off flights, free Wi-Fi, and flexible changes for students |
| Singapore Air | Special student fares + extra baggage (up to 40kg) |
| Lufthansa Group | Discounted fares through the “Generation Fly” program |
| Air Canada | Discounted youth and student fares + multi-stop flexibility |
📌 Tip: Always check the airline’s official student page—benefits may vary by destination and age (often under 26 or under 30).
🚆 Student Discounts on Trains
Amtrak (USA)
✔️ Up to 15% off for students aged 17–24 with the Student Advantage Card or when booking via Amtrak’s student fare portal
✔️ Applies to most routes if booked at least 3 days in advance
✔️ Valid government-issued ID or student ID required at boarding
Eurail / Interrail (Europe)
✔️ Up to 25% off rail passes for travelers aged 12–27
✔️ Flexible travel across 33 European countries
✔️ Digital passes and budget-friendly youth hostels make this ideal for backpacking students
📌 Tip: Book youth fares on European trains (e.g., SNCF, Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia) even if you’re not buying a rail pass — they’re often 10–30% cheaper than adult fares.
🚌 Student Discounts on Buses
FlixBus (U.S. & Europe)
✔️ Offers up to 15% off student fares in some markets
✔️ Extra discounts via student promo codes or during seasonal student sales
✔️ Ideal for cheap travel between cities or countries
Greyhound (U.S.)
✔️ 10% off for students with a Student Advantage membership
✔️ Annual membership also includes discounts on food, entertainment, and more
📌 Tip: Many student bus deals require a Student Advantage or ISIC card, so consider buying one if you travel frequently.
🏨 Student Discounts on Booking Platforms
StudentUniverse Hotels & Tours
✔️ Offers discounted hotel rates and curated travel packages for students
✔️ Often includes free breakfast or activity credits
✔️ Tour packages available in Europe, Asia, and Latin America
Hostelworld
✔️ Budget hostel listings worldwide
✔️ Discounts for student groups or long-term stays
Booking.com & Hotels.com
✔️ While they don’t offer direct student discounts, students can stack offers:
- Sign up for Genius Rewards (Booking.com)
- Use Rakuten, Honey, or credit card portals for cash back
- Apply limited-time student promo codes
📌 Tip: Book hotels through platforms that let you pay on arrival or cancel for free—especially important for students with changing schedules.
🌍 Best Travel Cards & Memberships for Students
1. ISIC Card (International Student Identity Card)
✔️ Globally recognized student ID
✔️ Discounts on transportation, attractions, hostels, and more
✔️ Accepted in 130+ countries
2. Student Advantage Card (U.S.-Based)
✔️ Discounts on Amtrak, Greyhound, Booking.com, Lenovo, and more
✔️ Costs around $30/year, but pays for itself with 1–2 bookings
3. UNiDAYS / ID.me / SheerID
✔️ Verification tools used by airlines and travel platforms to confirm student status
✔️ Free to sign up and often required to unlock discounts
💡 Tips for Maximizing Student Travel Discounts
- Book Early: Student rates can sell out fast, especially on international flights and trains
- Verify Your Status: Keep a valid student ID or digital verification (like ISIC or UNiDAYS) handy
- Travel Off-Peak: Use flexible dates to access even deeper discounts
- Use Points or Miles: Many student-friendly credit cards offer travel rewards
- Compare Platforms: Sometimes booking directly with an airline using a student code is cheaper than using third-party platforms
✅ Final Thoughts: Best Student Travel Discounts
| Category | Best Provider | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | StudentUniverse | Student-only airfares + group travel options |
| Direct Airline | Qatar Airways / Emirates | High % discounts + extra baggage and flexibility |
| Trains (U.S.) | Amtrak | 15% off for students with advance booking |
| Trains (Europe) | Eurail Youth Pass | Huge savings + flexible European travel |
| Buses | Greyhound / FlixBus | Low fares and extra % off with student ID or Advantage Card |
| Hotels | Hostelworld / StudentUniverse | Great for backpacking and budget city stays |
| ID Cards | ISIC / Student Advantage | Unlocks hundreds of deals across travel, retail, and more |
📌 Bottom Line: If you’re a student, don’t miss out on exclusive discounts just for you. With the right tools and a little planning, you can travel smarter, cheaper, and more often — whether for study abroad, spring break, or your next adventure.
✈️ 🎓 Study hard. Travel far. Spend less.
