Senior Citizens And Train Travel: Allowed Or Not?

Senior citizens are allowed to travel by train, and there are several discounts available to them. In the UK, anyone over the age of 60 can get a Senior Railcard, which offers a third off train travel. In the US, Amtrak offers a 10% discount to those aged 65 and over. However, in India, the national rail service withdrew concessions for senior citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic to discourage non-essential travel.

Senior citizen discounts on train travel

Senior citizens are allowed to travel by train and are often eligible for discounted fares. In the United States, passenger train service is provided by Amtrak, which offers a 10% discount to passengers 65 years of age and over on most rail fares. This discount is also available to travellers 60 years of age and over on cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada. Senior citizens in India can also benefit from discounted train fares, with male senior citizens above 60 years of age eligible for a 40% concession and female senior citizens 58 years and above eligible for a 50% discount on Duronto, Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, Rajdhani, Mail and Express trains.

In the United Kingdom, while there is no official senior citizen train ticket, there are various discount cards that individuals aged 60 and over can sign up for to save on train travel. One such option is the Senior Railcard, which offers individuals aged 60 and over a 1/3 discount on train travel in Britain for £30 a year or £70 for three years. Similar schemes are available for specific regions, such as the Club 50 Greater Anglia, which offers 10-20% discounts on Off-Peak and Advance fares for individuals aged 50 and over for £20 a year.

Senior citizens interested in taking advantage of train travel discounts should be prepared to provide valid proof of age when purchasing tickets and during their journey. It is also worth noting that these discounts may not be applicable on certain routes or in conjunction with other discounts, so it is recommended to check the relevant train company's website for specific terms and conditions.

Senior citizen reservation quotas

Senior citizens are allowed to travel by train and are even offered discounts and special quotas to make their journey more comfortable.

• The Senior Citizen Reservation Quota is available for men aged 60 and above and women aged 58 and above, regardless of their purpose of travel.
• This quota includes a 40% fare concession for men and a 50% fare concession for women in all classes, including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto trains.
• However, this concession does not apply to Garib Rath, Gatimaan, Vande Bharat, Suvidha, and Humsafar trains.
• To book tickets under this quota, individuals can select the "Lower Berth/Sr. Citizen" option during the booking process on the IRCTC website or app. Alternatively, they can request this quota by writing "Yes" on the reservation form when booking at a counter.
• It is important to note that this quota is subject to availability, and there may be instances where senior citizens are allocated berths under the general quota.

Lower Berth Quota:

• In addition to the Senior Citizen Reservation Quota, there is also a Lower Berth Quota designed to make travel more convenient for senior citizens and individuals with special needs.
• This quota is applicable to men over 60 travelling alone, women over 45 travelling alone, or two passengers meeting these criteria travelling on the same ticket (PNR).
• Pregnant women can also avail of this quota by presenting a medical certificate at the time of booking. However, bookings for pregnant women under this quota can only be made at Indian Railway booking counters or reservation offices.
• The Lower Berth Quota ensures that individuals with limited mobility can secure lower berths, making it easier for them to board and disembark the train.
• It is important to note that there is a limit to the number of lower berths available under this quota, and they are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Senior citizens can benefit from these special quotas and discounts to make their train travel more accessible and comfortable. These initiatives by railway operators aim to provide a more inclusive and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers.

Wheelchair and mobility assistance

If you or someone you're travelling with needs a wheelchair or mobility assistance, it is recommended that you book assistance in advance. You can book help, arrange a seat reservation or wheelchair space, and find out about accessibility and facilities by contacting the Train Operating Company (TOC) or carrier with whom you are travelling.

You can specify if you are travelling in a wheelchair directly from the search page by clicking on 'Add mobility needs'. If you are travelling on a TGV (high-speed train), you will have access to a reserved space in first class at second-class rates.

If you need additional assistance, SNCF offers the Assist'enGare service, which provides assistance at the station and accompanies you to your seat. This free service must be booked at least 24 hours before your train's departure time.

In India, instructions exist for the provision of wheelchairs at stations, with coolies providing escorts (on payment). Zonal Railways have also been advised to provide free-of-cost 'Battery Operated Vehicles for Disabled and Old Aged Passengers' at Railway Stations.

In the UK, it is advised to inquire about the safety of stops and stations to ensure they have elevators and working telephones in case assistance is needed.

Senior citizen travel restrictions during COVID-19

Senior citizens in India previously enjoyed a travel ticket concession, with men aged 60 and above receiving a 40% discount on train tickets, and women aged 58 and above receiving a 50% discount. However, in March 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian Railways withdrew this concession for health and safety reasons. Despite the resumption of normal train services, the concession has not been restored, upsetting many senior citizens.

In the UK, there is no official senior citizen train ticket, but there are various discount cards available for those aged 60 and over, such as the Senior Railcard, which offers a third off train travel in Britain for £30 a year. Additionally, some train companies or regions have their own discount cards or passes for those over a certain age. For example, Greater Anglia offers a Club 50 card for £20 a year, providing discounts of 10-20% on Off-Peak and Advance fares.

In the US, Amtrak offers a 10% discount for passengers aged 65 and above, making train travel an affordable alternative to air travel or long-distance driving.

Discount cards for over 50s

Senior citizens are indeed allowed to travel by train, and there are a number of discount cards available for over 50s to save money on train tickets. While there is no official senior citizen train ticket, there are plenty of discount cards available for those who have reached a certain age.

Senior Railcard

The Senior Railcard is available to anyone aged 60 or over. For £30 a year, or £70 for three years, cardholders can get 1/3 off train travel in Britain. This includes Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance tickets. The Senior Railcard can also be linked with an Oyster Card to get 1/3 off Off-Peak travel in London.

Club 50 Greater Anglia

Club 50 is a railcard for those aged 50 and over, offering discounts on Greater Anglia and Stansted Express services. For £20 a year, members can get between 10-20% off Off-Peak and Advance fares.

Club 50 ScotRail

ScotRail also offers a Club 50 membership for those aged 50 and over, providing discounts on train journeys in Scotland. For £15 a year, members can get 20% off Off-Peak and Advance fares when bought online, and 10% off when purchased at a train station or over the phone.

Travel South Yorkshire Senior Pass

For those living in South Yorkshire and of eligible age (equivalent to the female state pensionable age), the Travel South Yorkshire Senior Pass offers 50% off Northern train services between stations in the South Yorkshire rail network at selected times. This pass is free!

60+ London Oyster Photocard

The 60+ London Oyster Photocard allows free rail travel on many rail services in London. It costs £20 and gives free travel on TfL (Transport for London) Rail and some National Rail services. It can be used anytime on London Overground and TfL Rail services, and after 09:30 on some National Rail services.

C2c Senior Rover Ticket

The c2c Senior Rover ticket allows unlimited one-day train travel for £7, or £10 including London destinations. It is available to anyone aged 65 and over and can be used Mondays to Fridays after 09:30, excluding trains within the London Travelcard zones from 16:00 to 18:59.

Regional and Local Discounts

There are also various regional and local schemes offering free or discounted rail travel for senior citizens in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These include the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS), the Older Persons Freedom Pass for London, the Over 60s Travel Pass for Merseyside, and the Senior SmartPass for Northern Ireland.

Frequently asked questions