Your golden ticket to cheaper fares
Journeys to visit loved ones or explore new places don't need to break the bank. While there’s no official citizen senior rail ticket, with the right discounts, Railcards and know-how, cheap rail travel is always within reach.
Senior Railcards
From cultural escapes to afternoon adventures, Railcards make train travel cost-effective year-round.
Railcard options for seniors
- Senior Railcard: The Senior Railcard grants you 1/3 off standard and first class anytime, off-peak, and advance tickets.
- Two Together Railcard: Perfect for those who usually travel with the same companion (aged 16+), the Two Together Railcard gives both of you 1/3 off when you journey together.
A one-year Railcard costs just £35 and often pays for itself in only a few trips. For those with a Senior Railcard, the three-year option at £80 offers the best long-term value, saving you £25 compared to renewing annually.
How to buy your Railcard
- Visit the Railcard website: Go to the official Railcard site to start your application.
- Verify your age: Have a valid UK driving licence or passport ready to confirm your details.
- Provide a photo: Upload a clear, digital passport-style photograph.
- Pick your format: Choose a digital card for your smartphone or a physical card to be sent by post.
Digital Railcards are available for immediate use once downloaded to the app, while physical cards typically arrive within 10 working days in the mail.
To make sure your 1/3 discount is valid for your train journey, keep these restrictions in mind:
- Not eligible for morning peak travel: Senior Railcard discounts do not apply during morning peak times or for journeys made entirely within the London and South East area (Monday to Friday).
- Travel together: If using a Two Together Railcard, both cardholders must remain together for the trip’s entire duration.
- Proof of discount: You must carry your valid Railcard (either on your phone or the physical card) at all times in case of ticket inspection.
Did you know?
When you purchase your railcard through National Rail, you can also access a range of special deals on meals out, theatre performances and experiences via the official Railcard website.
First time using your Railcard?
If you are new to Railcards, follow these steps to secure your discounted train fares:
- Plan your journey: Use our Journey Planner to find your route and add the number of passengers. Remember, if multiple people are travelling using Senior Railcards, each passenger must have their own valid card.
- Apply the discount: Choose 'Senior Railcard' or 'Two Together' from the dropdown menu before searching for your tickets. If buying at a station, simply show your card to the ticket office staff.
- Purchase your tickets: Your 1/3 saving will be applied automatically to all eligible fares.
- Show your card: When our onboard teams check your ticket, make sure to present it alongside your Railcard.
Top rail tips for seniors
Here are our top tips for saving on your train tickets and making your journey that little bit more comfortable!
Grab a Railcard
Unlock 1/3 off your journeys with a Senior Railcard (over 60s), or save together when travelling as a pair with a Two Together Railcard.
Travel during off-peak times
Flexible on when you set off? Shifting your travel times outside busy peak hours is one of the easiest ways to pay less. Find out more about Off-peak times and tickets.
Book early to get Advance tickets
If you’re planning a longer trip across our network to cities like Liverpool, London, or Birmingham, booking an Advance ticket is the best way to find our lowest fares. Better yet, you can use your Railcard alongside Advance tickets to unlock extra discounts.
Check 'how busy is my train?'
Use our train loading tool before you set off to see how busy your service is likely to be and choose a quieter time to travel.
Book assistance if needed
Whether you’d like assistance with bags, help getting onto the platform, or guidance through busy stations, Passenger Assist is free to book for any journey or let station staff know when you arrive.
Unlock savings beyond train travel
Hundreds of attractions offer 2FOR1 and discounted entry when you travel by train. Popular attractions on our network include Bletchley Park, Old Royal Naval College and Coventry Transport Museum.
Frequently asked questions
There is no official Senior citizen rail ticket. However, Yyou are eligible for a Senior Railcard once you reach 60. If applying online, you can order your card up to 14 days before your 60th birthday, so you can make the most of your senior ticket discounts!
Discounts are only eligible for railcard holders. Over-60s can save 1/3 on most advance and off-peak LNR fares by using a valid Senior Railcard, making every train journey more cost-effective!
A one-year Senior Railcard is £35, which typically pays for itself in just two or three journeys. For even better value, a three-year card is available for £80, saving you money compared to renewing one-year cards.
When purchasing LNR train tickets using a Senior Railcard, simply select your Railcard type from the dropdown menu when booking online to see your discounted prices on eligible fares. If you prefer to buy your tickets at a station, show your Railcard at the ticket office before you pay.
Yes, a physical Senior Railcards and Two Together Railcards can be bought at any staffed ticket office. You must bring proof of age and a passport-style photo for each traveller.
Please note, when purchasing a Senior Railcard you must be at least 60 years old on the day you purchase in person.