UK and Europe Senior Deals
Why is train travel so popular with seniors? There are several ways to answer this question:
- Train travel is less stressful
- No early flight check-ins
- Avoid fatigue from driving long distances – or driving in unfamiliar surroundings
- Comfortable and civilized accommodations
- Great discounts for seniors
In addition, traveling with a rail pass has a number of great benefits; from the breathtaking scenic views, the convenience of arriving in city centers, the overall fast and frequent service, the flexibility it provides for any itinerary and its environmentally friendly advantages.
British Rail Senior Passes
Seniors, 60 years or older, visiting the UK can save with BritRail’s Senior Discount, receiving approximately 15% off the First Class adult fare on a:
- BritRail FlexiPass
- BritRail Consecutive Pass
- BritRail England FlexiPass
- BritRail England Consecutive Pass
A BritRail FlexiPass and BritRail Consecutive Pass allow for unlimited train travel in England, Scotland and Wales, while a BritRail England FlexiPass or BritRail England Consecutive Pass is best if your focus falls on England, the heart of Britain, home to nine distinct regions including London.
Seniors can also bring the grandkids along thanks to BritRail’s Family Discount, as one child between the ages of 5 and 15 travels free when accompanying senior BritRail pass holders. Additional kids get up to 50% off the regular adult rate and children under 5 travel free and do not need a ticket.
Seniors will especially love first class seating, as it features larger seats, picture windows, more space for both passengers and baggage and is usually less crowded. On many routes First Class offers extras, including free tea and coffee. Some routes even offer free snacks and newspapers. Certain long haul routes have table or buffet services. First Class is always at the London end of the platform which eliminates any long walk at the Londonterminal! Most commuter routes radiating from the big cities have First Class accommodations and avoiding the crowd is especially noticeable on trains during busy rush hour.
Europe Senior Rail Passes
Only a few select countries offer senior rail pass fares, but several passes offer a ‘Saver’ fare for groups of 2 to 5 people, where each passenger receives up to 15% off on the normal adult price. Saver passes are often offered in first or second class but this ultimately depends on the pass chosen.
The following are senior rail pass options for non-European residents:
Eurail Ireland: Seniors 60 years or older can purchase a Eurail Ireland Pass in first or second class and receive a discount on the adult fare. That’s an approximate savings of 15% of the adult fare in first or second class!
Eurail Romania: Seniors 60 years or older can purchase a Eurail Romania Pass in first class and receive a discount on the adult fare. That’s an approximate savings of 20% of the adult fare in first class!
Balkan Flexi Pass: Seniors 60 years or older can purchase a Balkan Flexi Pass in first class and receive a discount of approximately 20% off the adult fare. The Balkan Flexi Pass offers unlimited rail travel in the following countries: Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey.
The following are senior rail pass options for European residents:
Interrail Global Pass Senior: Seniors 60 years or older can purchase an Interrail Global Pass Senior and experience train travel in 30 European countries. That’s an approximate savings of 10% of the adult fare in first or second class!