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Over 50s

Over 50s

Senior Railcard

If you're 60 plus, you can save a third on most Standard and First Class rail fares throughout Britain when you buy a Senior Railcard.

Buying a Senior Railcard

To get your Senior Railcard, first you'll need to pick up an application form at your nearest station or travel agent. You can also complete an online application form on the Senior Railcard website.

First-time applications

If you're applying for the first time, you will need:

  • a completed application form
  • either your birth certificate, passport or driving licence to prove your age

Where to buy or renew your Railcard

You can either go to your nearest station ticket office or travel agent.

You can also buy or renew the Railcard by phone. For details of your nearest train company telephone 08457 48 49 50. Allow 14 days before your journey for your new Railcard to reach you.

Cost and payment details

The cost of a Senior Railcard is £24. You can pay by cash or by cheque, debit, credit and charge card or postal order - or over the phone, using your credit or debit card.

Some dos and don'ts

Remember that:

  • you'll need to take your Railcard with you when you book your ticket and keep it with you when you travel
  • to get your saving when you buy tickets online you will need to put a tick in the box to register that you are a Senior Railcard holder
  • you cannot use your Railcard to buy a ticket once you have boarded a train unless it was not possible to buy a ticket at the station
  • the Railcard is for your own use, and doesn't cover any accompanying adults or children

Some local authorities supply them at a reduced price or free of charge. You'll have to check locally.

Where the rail concessions apply

The Senior Railcard can be used nationally.

You can also get a discount on some ticket types offered by individual train companies, so enquire locally for details.

When you can travel

You can use the Senior Railcard throughout Britain at any time, with the exception of morning peak journeys within the London and South East area, Monday to Friday. It's best to check when you buy the ticket.

Other benefits

From time to time, different train companies advertise special offers for Railcard holders, like 2 for 1 entry to London attractions – museums, galleries, theatre, restaurants, boat trips – and similar offers across the country.

Local incentives or initiatives

There are local initiatives too, like the freedom pass that allows free travel on London's public transport system for older people who live in a London borough.

Local passes are paid for by local authorities, and usually available from your local post office or town hall. You'll find that some concessions start at 55 years of age, some at 60 and some at 65.

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