You probably remember those glorious college days, when summers were spent working just long enough to save up some money for a long backpacking trip around Europe. You'd find a travel buddy, buy a Eurail pass and hit the open road.
Whether your backpacking days are far behind you or you still bunk at youth hostels to save money, it's nice to know that rail passes are still around. Best of all, some rail system operators offer a senior discount on rail passes.
Senior Rail Pass Discounts in Canada
VIA Rail Canada offers senior discounts on two types of rail passes, the Canrail Pass and the Corridor Pass.
The Canrail Pass allows travelers age 60 and older 12 days of Comfort Class (Economy) train travel anywhere in Canada over a 30-day period. You can add up to three more days of travel to the pass for an extra charge. Prices vary by season; peak season is June 1 through October 15. In off-peak months, the price of the pass drops dramatically.
The Corridor Pass gives travelers age 60 and older ten days of unlimited train travel in southern Ontario and Quebec , including Quebec City, Montreal, Niagara Falls, Toronto and Ottawa. This pass is available in VIA 1 (First) and Comfort (Economy) Classes. You can only make one round trip journey between two particular cities; this restriction groups certain suburban stations with the nearest large city.
Senior Rail Pass Discounts in Europe
According to RailEurope (link below), senior discounts for travelers age 60 and older are available on rail passes in the UK, Ireland, France and Romania. You'll need to purchase your rail pass before you leave home. You may want to book seat reservations once you arrive, particularly in high season; the pass alone does not guarantee you a seat. Standing in a train corridor is not fun.
Within the UK, seniors can buy discounted first class BritRail and BritRail England passes, good for 4, 8, 15 or 22 days of travel in a two-month period.
The Eurail Ireland Pass allows you to travel in second class for five days in a one-month period. Similarly, the Eurail Romania Pass gives you either five days of second class travel over one month or 10 days' travel in a two-month period.
If you're visiting France, the France Pass offers three days of rail travel in a one-month period. You can purchase extra travel days if you need them. The senior discount only applies to the first-class France Pass; if you're traveling on a budget, the second-class adult France Pass is a better deal.
Buy European Senior Rail Passes Direct
What About the Eurostar Chunnel Train?
The Eurostar train, which goes through the "Chunnel" between the UK and the European continent, does advertise senior fares. The U.S. dollar price of a senior fare ticket is equal to the adult ticket price, but you do get better opportunities to exchange your tickets if you purchase a senior ticket.
