Hi! I'll be traveling with my parents (64 & 65) in Ireland & Scotland in a few weeks. I was going to pre-purchase our train tickets from Glasgow to Oban, but am hesitant. I don't see any senior prices on the website, but think there might be discounts? Would we be better to wait & buy them in person or go on & buy them online?
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
You could email them and ask. Look under help and you'll find a contact us tab. Pam
Posted by
Bristol, UK
619 posts
To get a discount, you need to have a senior railcard. This will give you a standard 1/3rd discount off all railfares. You do not need to have the railcard before you book your tickets, but you will need to get it before you board the train, and will have to show it to any ticket inspector, along with your ticket. A Senior Railcard costs £28 per year, so you will need to work out if it is a good deal for you, depending on how many times you will use it. Details are at www.senior-railcard.co.uk/.
Posted by
OP
Louisville, KY, USA
8 posts
Is the senior rail card also used in Ireland? We'll be spending some time there as well.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33821 posts
Ireland is a different country - they won't accept a British railcard, I wouldn't have thought. I also went to the Irish Rail website. They have a 16-25 card for people of those ages but make no mention at all of any concessions for senior citizens.
Posted by
OP
Louisville, KY, USA
8 posts
Thanks for the info! I don't think the senior card would be cost effective for the Oban leg of our trip. We'll probably just check with the Irish rail office when we get there. Since we'll be on the island for 10 days, it might be worth it...unless we end up renting a car. Thanks again!
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1266 posts
Theresa - I went to Eastcoast rail website and found a fare of £8.90 traveling on Sept 22 at 8:21 am from Glasgow to Oban. I could find no information of their web site regarding senior fare discounts.