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What is the Senior Railcard?

A Senior Railcard is available to anyone aged 60 or over. You can use it throughout England, Wales and Scotland and it’s valid for 12 months.

A Senior Railcard will give you savings on most tickets, normally a third off most standard and first-class fares.

Visitors to Britain can also purchase a Senior Railcard, provided they are aged 60 or over.

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. The only restriction is morning peak journeys in the London and South East area, Monday to Friday (not including public holidays). It's best to check when you buy the ticket.

Buying a Senior Railcard

To buy your Senior Railcard, you'll need to fill out an application form. You can pick up a form from your nearest station ticket office or you can complete the form on the Senior Railcard website.

• Senior Railcard website Opens new window

What you will need

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

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

If you are renewing your Senior Railcard, you will need:

• a completed application form
• your existing Railcard
• payment

You can find the current price and payment details of the Railcard on the Senior Railcard website.

• Senior Railcard website Opens new window

Where to buy or renew your Senior Railcard

There are three ways you can buy or renew your Senior Railcard.

Online

You can buy a Railcard online. You will need to register as a user on the Senior Railcard website the first time. To verify your eligibility, have your passport or driving licence to hand.

Complete the online application process and once payment is made, you will receive an email confirmation. To make your payment online, you will need a credit card.

Your Senior Railcard will be dispatched within three working days.

• Buy a Senior Railcard online Opens new window

In person

You can buy a Senior Railcard from a staffed station ticket office or National Rail licensed travel agent.

Take your completed application form and proof of age if it is your first application. If you are renewing your Railcard, take your application form and existing Railcard. Stations and agents accept cash, debit and credit cards, and postal orders.

Over the phone

You can also buy or renew a Senior Railcard by phone. To find your nearest train company telephone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50. Payment can be made by credit or debit card.

Allow 14 days before your journey for your new Railcard to reach you.

Some dos and don'ts

Remember that:

• you'll need to take your Senior 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 Senior Railcard to buy a ticket once you have boarded a train unless it was not possible to buy a ticket at the station
• the Senior Railcard is for your own use, and doesn't cover any accompanying adults or children
  

Other benefits

From time to time, different train companies advertise special offers for Senior Railcard holders. These include two for one entry to attractions – museums, galleries, theatre, restaurants, boat trips – and special offers on accommodation and restaurants. Check the Senior Railcard website to find out about benefits

• Senior Railcard offers Opens new window

More useful links

• Rail travel (travel and transport section)

• Travelling by train (disabled people section)

Useful contacts

• Travel and leisure contacts

• Over 50s contacts