Who is eligible for the Senior Railcard?
Anyone 60 years or older can buy a Senior Railcard and avail of the over 60 train discount. If you buy online, you can apply up to 2 weeks before your 60th birthday, but your Senior Railcard will only be valid from your birthday onwards. If you buy at a station, you must already be 60 or over.
Both residents of Great Britain as well as international visitors are eligible for the card, meaning over 60s on holidays to Great Britain can enjoy discounted train tickets too!
Apply for your Senior Railcard for 1/3 off Standard and First class rail fares now.
Where can I use my Senior Railcard?
You can use your Senior Railcard for train travel in England, Scotland and Wales within the National Rail network for senior discounts on rail fares. In addition to National Rail trains, the Senior Railcard is also valid for TfL integration, meaning you can enjoy Oyster card discounts by linking it to your Railcard for 1/3 off Off-Peak pay-as-you-go fares in London. Please note that Eurostar services and Season tickets are excluded.
How to apply: Which documents do I need for a Senior Railcard?
- A smartphone with the TrainPal app
- Proof of age: You will need to prove you are over 60 to apply for the Senior Railcard, by either providing a UK driving licence, a passport or a National ID.
- Photo: A digital, passport-style photo is required for the Senior Railcard.
The Senior Railcard online application can be completed on the TrainPal app for quick and easy processing. Start your Senior Railcard application now!
How much can you save with a Senior Railcard?
Over 60s can save 1/3 on both Standard Class and First Class fares with the Senior Railcard, allowing you to enjoy added comfort on your train journeys. Your senior train discount applies to Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance tickets, offering you flexibility for trips away or visiting family.
You can save £112.00 on average when travelling with a Senior Railcard (based on the average savings made by cardholders between April 2024 and March 2025, excluding price of Railcard). Check out the savings you can enjoy on popular routes when you book with a Senior Railcard:
Ticket types and time restrictions of the Senior Railcard
The Senior Railcard provides both a Standard and First Class discount on Advance, Anytime and Off-Peak fares. Unlike youth discount cards, the Senior Railcard does not require a minimum fare. However, train travel times for the over 60s discount may be subject to morning peak restrictions in the London and South East area – check your specific operator for exact restrictions. Senior Railcard restrictions also mean your discount does not apply to Season tickets.
Standard Anytime & Anytime Day (Singles & Returns)
First Class Anytime & Anytime Day (Singles & Returns)
Standard Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak (Singles & Returns)
First Class Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak (Singles & Returns)
Standard Advance
First Class Advance
Caledonian Sleeper: Enjoy discounts on seated products as well as Club Solo or Classic Solo rooms.
Gatwick Express
Stansted Express
Heathrow Express
RailAir Through tickets between Reading and Heathrow Airport
Anytime Day Travelcards: Save when purchased as part of a ticket to London from outside the London Zones area (subject to a £23.60 minimum fare)
Oyster Card Discounts: Link your Railcard to your Oyster card to save on Off-Peak pay as you go single fares and Daily Price Caps across National Rail, London Underground, Overground, and DLR
Most Rail Rover tickets
PLUSBUS tickets
Isle of Wight Services: Discounts on select rail/sea journeys with Wightlink, Red Funnel Ferries, and Hovertravel (must be part of a journey to/from a National Rail station)
Morning peak time when traveling within the London & South East area (Journeys made Monday-Friday before 10:00 am, except bank holidays)
Season Tickets
Eurostar tickets
Special excursion or Charter trains
Senior Railcard vs. Two Together Railcard: Which one should I get?
| Feature | Senior Railcard | Two Together Railcard |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | People aged 60 and over | Two named people aged 16 and over who travel together |
| Price (1-Year) | £35.00 (£80.00 for three years) | £35.00 |
| Discounts | 1/3 off | 1/3 off |
| Restrictions | Not valid for weekday morning peak travel in the London & South East area* | Not valid for journeys before 9:30 am, Mon-Fri |
| Season Tickets | | |
| First Class | (1/3 off) | (1/3 off) |
| Oyster Discount | | |
| Use in Scotland | | |
How to choose the right Railcard for you?
Just because you are over 60 does not necessarily mean the Senior Railcard is the only choice for you. The way you travel will be a huge deciding factor in which Railcard is most beneficial for you. For example, for couples over 60s, the Two Together Railcard is cheaper upfront at £35.00 for two versus £70.00 for two Senior Railcards – however, if one of the pair frequently travels alone, two separate Railcards may be the better investment for your case.
We've broken down some over-60s scenarios below to help you identify your travel style and make the right decision for you.
Choose the Senior Railcard
for The Solo/Flexi Traveller
You're an over-60 passenger that frequently goes on solo day trips by train or regularly takes the train with different companions – spouse, friends, children or grandchildren.
In this case, a Senior Railcard is the best option for you – while its discount is only valid for one cardholder, it offers complete flexibility to travel alone or with any companion. The Two Together Railcard, on the other hand, requires both named cardholders to travel together, and isn't flexible for multiple different travel buddies.
Choose the Two Together Railcard
for The Committed Pair
You and your partner – who is not yet 60 – regularly commit to taking trips across the country together a few times a year. Your schedules are flexible enough to allow travel after 09:30 on weekdays.
In this case, the Two Together Railcard is your best option – both passengers get a 1/3 discount for a single £35.00 fee. This is especially useful if one or more passengers aren't yet eligible for the Senior Railcard.
Choose the Senior Railcard
for The Londoner
You're an over-60 resident or frequent visitor of London, and need to use the Tube, DLR or Overground for off-peak travel around the city.
The Senior Railcard is the better choice for you here, as it can be linked to an Oyster card for 1/3 off pay as you go fares outside peak hours. The Two Together Railcard does not offer this benefit.
How to buy and use the Digital Railcard on TrainPal
Step 1
Log in or register your TrainPal account
Step 2
Select the Railcard
Step 3
Enter your information
Step 4
Verify with a digital passport-style photo and ID
Step 5
Complete the purchase on TrainPal
Step 6
Activate with any train ticket purchase within 180 days
FAQs about Senior Railcard
What is a Senior Railcard?
A Senior Railcard is a national Railcard for individuals aged 60 or over. It provides a 1/3 discount on Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares. You can buy a Senior Railcard at £35.00 for one year of £80.00 for three years.
How can I get a Senior Railcard?
You can complete a Senior Railcard application online via the official Railcard website or in person at staffed National Rail ticket offices. You will need to provide proof of age in the form of a UK driving licence, a passport or National ID.
Can I use my Senior Railcard before 10 am?
Yes, Senior Railcards can be used before 10:00, but restrictions apply in certain areas. In the London & South East network area, peak hour time restrictions apply on weekday mornings. You will need to consult locally for specific restrictions, but they typically apply before 10:00. This restriction does not apply on bank holidays.
Can I buy a Senior Railcard at the station?
Yes, you can buy Senior Railcards at most staff station ticket offices. You will need to complete an application form and provide proof of age.
How do I renew a Senior Railcard?
Senior Railcard renewal can be carried out online through the official Senior Railcard website. This can be done up to one month before its expiry date by logging into your online account.
How old do you need to be for a Senior Railcard?
You must be 60 years of age or older to be eligible for a Senior Railcard. You can apply for the card up to two weeks before your 60th birthday if applying online, but it won't be valid until your birthday.
Can you use a Senior Railcard on Eurostar?
No, Senior Railcards are not valid for discounts on Eurostar services.
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