A guide to the Senior Railcard and Disabled Persons Railcard in the UK
Here’s a clear guide to the best railcards for older people in the UK, what they offer, and where they can purchase them. Railcards are one of the few benefits of getting to a certain age!
The obvious choice – the Senior Railcard (Over-60s Railcard)
The Senior Railcard is the main railcard designed specifically for older travellers.
It’s suitable for anyone aged 60 or over. They can even buy it up to 2 weeks before their 60th birthday online, but it only becomes valid from their birthday.
What it offers:
- 1/3 off most rail fares across Great Britain – including Standard and First Class on many tickets
- Valid on Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance tickets (when discounted fares are available)
- Some discounts on travel card fares (eg linking with an Oyster card in London)
Cost:
- £35 for a 1-year card
- £80 for a 3-year card – generally the best value if you travel regularly.
You may be able to find special offers from train app providers that reduce the price. And if anyone collects Tesco Clubcard points, they can use these to buy a one-year ticket at a great discount.
Most people find it pays for itself after just a few journeys thanks to the discount you get on each ticket.
Where to Purchase a Senior Railcard
Online:
- You can buy the railcard online directly through the official Senior Railcard site, through individual rail transport companies, or via railcard retailers such as Trainline
- The card owner will typically have the digital railcard stored on a smartphone via an app (ie the official Railcard app or Trainline app)
- They can also order a physical railcard through some of these sites
Tip: When buying online, the applicant often need to upload a passport-style photo and proof of age.
At a railway station:
- You can buy a Senior Railcard at any staffed station ticket office in Great Britain
- The applicant will need a valid form of ID (eg passport, UK driving licence) to prove you’re aged 60+
- The station will issue either a physical railcard or process the card digitally with a printed confirmation
Is the Disabled Persons Railcard suitable for older people?
The Disabled Persons Railcard can be appropriate if an older person meets the eligibility criteria, regardless of age. Unlike age-specific railcards like the Senior Railcard, this one is based on disability status or related benefits and offers the same 1/3 discount on most rail fares for the holder and an accompanying adult.
The Disabled Persons Railcard may be more beneficial than a Senior Railcard if:
- The older traveller receives disability-related benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance.
- They have a visual or hearing impairment, or another long-term condition affecting travel. So if they use hearing aids, for example, they should be able to apply for this card.
- They frequently travel with a companion — because both people get the 1/3 discount on the same trip.
However, if someone doesn’t meet the disability criteria but is simply over age 60, the Senior Railcard is generally easier and cheaper to get and may be more suitable.
Discounts available are:
- About 1/3 off most rail fares throughout Great Britain for the cardholder.
- The accompanying adult on the same journey also gets 1/3 off.
- Costs £20 for 1 year or £54 for 3 years — often saving more than it costs if you travel regularly.
This applies to many ticket types, including Standard and First Class fares on most routes.
An individual may be eligible if they:
- Receive PIP, DLA, Adult Disability Payment or Attendance Allowance
- Are registered as visually impaired or have a hearing impairment
- Have certain medical conditions (eg epilepsy)
- Receive other disability-related allowances (eg Severe Disablement Allowance, War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement)
Note that a Blue Badge or a bus concession pass alone does not automatically mean qualification – additional proof of disability is required.
Good to know: From March 2026, eligibility is being expanded to be more inclusive of non-visible disabilities and conditions that substantially affect travel (eg neurodiversity), based on existing documentation.
You can apply online or by post.
Apply online:
- Go to the Disabled Persons Railcard website
- Choose a digital or physical card
- Upload:
- Proof of eligibility (eg award letter or medical documentation)
- A passport-style photo (for digital or physical)
- Pay online with a debit/credit card
- Digital cards can be used once approved (usually within ~5 working days)
- Physical cards arrive by post (allow up to ~15 days)
Apply by post:
- Download a paper application form from the Disabled Persons Railcard site
- Send it with proof and your payment to the address provided
Note that there is currently no option to apply in person at train stations.
Other possible cards
Two Together Railcard
- Good if you always travel with another person (eg spouse, partner, friend)
- Gives 1/3 off fares when travelling together (both named cardholders)
- Costs £35 for 1 year.
Network Railcard
- Offers 1/3 off rail fares in London and the South East area
- Might be useful if you often take local journeys around London or the South East
Note: These aren’t age-specific, but can complement a Senior Railcard if your travel fits the criteria.
This article was compiled in February 2026 with the help of ChatGTP and contributors to Facebook groups based on their own experience. Please check the relevant websites for the most current prices and benefits.
Photo by Sam on Unsplash