Senior discounts for train travel

We didn't find senior discounts when we traveled in Germany and France. But maybe we didn't ask the right people. Go to the Travel center in the country you are going to. In Germany, the DB Reiseburo is very helpful

You absolutely can do it. I had a senior card in Spain in 2016 and in France this year. Don't forget that buses are sometimes about as fast (occasionally faster) and usually cheaper than trains even with a senior discount. And buying tickets for your longest travel legs way ahead of time (if your itinerary is iron-clad) will save a lot of money.

Clarification: Having read Paul's reply, I realize that I neglected to mention that, although I purchased a senior card for each country, I think France may sometimes offer senior discounts on some trains even if you don't have a card. (Edited for clarity.)

SNCF offers small discounts for over-60's. As long as you tick the correct box when doing the online ticket purchase you automatically get the discount, no residence requirement. When my ticket is checked I have never been asked to prove my age.

France and Spain's senior discounts are available for anyone age 60+. You passport is proof of age.

In France, only non-peak, non-TGV trains offer discounts without buying a card. You can buy France's Senior card for 50 euros per person to get additional discounts, but other, advance-purchase deals can be as good or better when reserving 3-4 months ahead. https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/france-rail-passes#ticket-tips

Spain's senior discounts all require buying the Tarjeta Dorada, only 5 euros per person at a train station, which lets you get discounts on shorter notice, but again the deepest advance-purchase discounts are the best rates, when reserving about 2 months ahead. https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/spain-rail-passes#ticket-tips

The wording on the rail websites isn't clear enough for me to be sure of the benefits (if any) of having a card if you are buying tickets far enough in advance to snag one of the super-discounted fares. In France, you get a deeper discount if you travel during off-peak periods. In Spain, you get a deeper discount Mon-Thu.

Laura's post makes a very important point. If you are booking far enough in advance, and can commit to non-refundable and non-exchangeable tickets, the lowest advance-purchase prices will be lower than any senior discounts. However, if you are not able to take advantage of the most restricted tickets, then senior discounts are better than no discounts.

We were in Germany. We were taking the train to Zagreb. It was 200 E for both, but if we went at 4 PM instead of 5 PM the cost was 50%. That kind of discount, off-peak fares, was common.

For Spain, when you're looking at trains on Renfe's site, check the "tarjeta dorada" box, under the travel date. Then you'll be able to see prices with that discount and compare with other available prices. To buy tickets, you need your TD number, which you only get when you buy the TD in Spain, but you can still see the prices pre-trip.