tube travel for pensioners

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Free and concessionary travel for older people … what you are entitled to

O lder London residents can travel free on most of the capital's public transport network thanks to the 60-plus Oyster photocard introduced in November 2012, a far more generous travel concession than the rest of England.

Yet many Londoners are unaware of this little-publicised perk which gives free travel at any time of the day on all Transport for London services including the buses, Underground and Docklands Light Railway as well as most off-peak local rail services plus discounts on some river boat fares and the Emirates Air Line cable car.

The scheme can save up to £2,288 a year for those who regularly travel into the centre of the capital by the underground from zone 6 stations such as Bromley, Upminster or Uxbridge.

Currently, the London Councils' Freedom Pass offers similar travel perks, but residents can't qualify for that until they are older, as eligibility for the pass is linked to the state pension age. The same is true for residents in other council travel pass schemes around the country – which goes to show how valuable the free 60+ Oyster is for Londoners aged 60 to 67.

You can apply for the 60-plus Oyster on the TfL website at tfl.gov.uk if your main home is in a London borough.

In the rest of England, you are entitled to free off-peak travel (9.30am-11pm on weekdays and any time at weekends) on local buses – but only at state pension age. Use the calculator at gov.uk/calculate-state-pension to find out when you will qualify. If, for example, you were born on 15 March 1954 and are turning 60 next week, you are not eligible until 6  September 2019 when you are 65. If you were born a year later, you will have to wait until 15 March 2021.

Some local authorities in England offer other local travel concessions. In the West Midlands, for example, eligible residents get free off-peak travel on the bus, rail and Metro in the Network West Midland area, while in West Yorkshire they get half-fare on off-peak train travel within West Yorkshire.

In Wales , local authorities provide free travel at any time of day on registered local bus services for residents age 60-plus.

In Scotland , the National Entitlement Card allows residents aged 60-plus to travel free on most local and national bus services. Some Scottish local authority schemes also entitle them to free rail travel.

In Northern Ireland residents of this age are entitled to free travel on bus and railway journeys. Translink, and some other, smaller, transport operators also offer half-fare travel for children and young people up until 30 June following their 16th birthday.

All areas of the UK offer free or concessionary travel on buses, and sometimes trains, to people with a disability regardless of their age.

No more cash on the buses

Buses in London will go "cashless" from mid-summer – meaning most passengers will need to pay with either a pay-as-you-go Oyster card, a prepaid Travelcard or a contactless payment card.

TfL says cash fares make up only 1% bus journeys, down from around 25% a decade ago, and paying by one of these methods is by far the cheapest option, costing £1.45 per journey compared with £2.40 if you pay in cash.

But never having the fallback option of using cash – if, say, you forget your Oyster or lose a concessionary ticket – does mean travellers will need to be more organised and prepare ahead.

Visitors are best advised to get a Visitor Oyster card and load it with pay-as-you-go credit. It can be reused, never expires, and gives you the cheapest way of paying for single journeys on London buses, tubes, trams, DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services in London.

Buy online at tfl.gov.uk . Each card costs a minimum of £13, comprised of £10 pay-as-you-go credit plus a £3 non-refundable card fee.

If you visiting London with children aged under 11, up to four can travel free with you at any time provided you have a valid Oyster or other ticket.

If visiting with older children from outside London, you have a choice.

Buy an 11-15 or a 16-plus Oyster photocard, costing £10 each, which gives free travel on buses, and child fares on tubes and other services.

The 16-plus card will give the visiting holder half adult pay-as-you-go fares on all services.

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Benefits and Entitlements

If you're 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from discounts on your rail journeys to a free bus pass.

What transport concessions are available?

Can i get a free bus pass, can i get a discount on train travel, can i get a london freedom pass, what if i have difficulty using public transport, what if i'm unable to use public transport, more travel concessions questions.

There are several national public transport concessions available to older and disabled people. Some entitle you to discounts on your fares, while others allow you to travel for free.

Eligibility for these concessions depends on whether you have a disability or your age. 

Depending on your age and your circumstances, you might be able to get one of the following free bus passes, which allow you to travel free on local buses:

• an older person's bus pass
• a disabled person's bus pass

What age do I have to be to get an older person's bus pass?

You can get an older person's bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men.

Apply for your older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

If you're 60 or over and live in London, then you can get free travel on buses, trains and other modes of transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

Apply for your 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website

How can I get a disabled person's bus pass?

There's no central provider of the disabled person's bus pass – to find out if you're eligible and how to apply, you need to get in touch with your local council.

Find your local council and apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Are there any other discounts if I'm an older person or I'm disabled?

It's a good idea to contact individual transport operators to see if they offer discounts.

For instance, National Express offers Coachcards. These are discount cards for older or disabled customers. You buy them for a set fee of £15.00 and they get you a third off the cost of your travel across the year.

Find out more and order a Coachcard on the National Express website

Depending on your age and circumstances, you might be entitled to one of the below railcards:

• a Senior Railcard
• a Disabled Person's Railcard

Both railcards are discount cards. You buy them for a set fee to last either 1 or 3 years and they get you a third off the cost of your train travel.

Can I get a Senior Railcard?

The Senior Railcard is available for anyone aged 60 or over to buy.

You can apply on the Senior Railcard website using a valid passport or UK driving licence as ID. Or, you can apply in person at most staffed railway stations.

Find out more about the Senior Railcard and apply online

Can I get a Disabled Person's Railcard?

The Disabled Person's Railcard is available to you if you meet one of the following criteria:

• you're registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
• you're registered as having a visual impairment
• you have epilepsy
• you receive a disability-related benefit, such as  Personal Independence Payment
• you receive War or Service Disablement pension
• you receive Attendance Allowance
• you receive Severe Disablement Allowance
• you receive War Pensioner's mobility supplement

Find out more about the Disabled Person's Railcard and apply online

Freedom Passes give London residents free travel in the city – including National Rail services, the Underground, buses, river services and trams – and free local bus journeys nationally.

If you live in London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass if one of the following applies to you:

• you've reached State Pension age
• you have a disability.

Find out more about Freedom Passes and apply on the London Councils website

National Rail has an interactive tool called Stations Made Easy, designed to help people find their way around stations and find more accessible routes, avoiding potential difficulties like stairs. This may be helpful if you have difficulty using public transport because of your health. 

Find out more and use the tool on the National Rail website

If you're disabled, you can't use public transport, or you don't have access to a car, you might also be able to use a community transport scheme – such as a social car, dial-a-ride, or taxicard scheme.

Shopmobility schemes help people shop in town centres by lending out wheelchairs and scooters. Some local councils also offer concessions on local public transport.

To find out what's available in your area, you can contact your local council or your local Age UK.

Find your local council on GOV.UK

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No, you can't use a free bus pass on National Express buses. To get senior concessions on National Express you need to buy a senior coachcard, which costs £15 a year.

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Yes, your bus pass will give you free travel on buses across England, including London. However, there may be specific rules about when you can travel for free, so check your local council's free bus pass guidance before travelling.

Find your local council's older person's bus pass guidance on GOV.UK

Want more information?

Apply for an older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

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Last updated: Apr 09 2024

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Budget London for Senior Travelers

Where to Stay and Eat in London

TripSavvy / Gautier Houba

London has been a popular tourist destination for centuries. The city is filled with historic buildings, top-notch museums, well-known monuments and music and arts venues. Whether you are looking for world-class art, centuries-old gardens or shopping districts, London is a perfect destination. While London's accommodations and restaurants are on the expensive side – London is a financial and government center as well as a tourist destination – you can experience London without leaving your life savings behind.

Where to Stay

London's hotels are known for their high prices and less-than-impressive standards, but you can stay in London inexpensively if you plan ahead. The best budget hotels to book are well-known and fill quickly during peak travel times.

London's budget chain hotels are the frugal accommodation choice for many travelers. While you do not have the ambiance and history associated with a family-run hotel or bed and breakfast, you get a decent, clean room, usually with the option of a free or prepaid breakfast. Some of London's good-value hotel chains include Premier Inn , Travelodge and Express by Holiday Inn . ( Tip: Pay close attention when you research your Express by Holiday Inn hotel to make sure you do not reserve rooms in another InterContinental Hotels property.)

If you prefer a more traditional London hotel experience but do not have hundreds of British pounds to spend, consider the Luna & Simone Hotel (book direct) in London's Victoria neighborhood or the Morgan Hotel , near the British Museum. Both of these hotels offer good-value rooms with TV and full English breakfast. Neither the Luna & Simone Hotel nor the Morgan Hotel has an elevator ("lift" in British English), and the Luna & Simone, like many British budget hotels, is not air conditioned.

You can also save money by staying at youth hostels or bed and breakfasts. If you decide to stay at a B&B, be sure to ask about smoking, pets, accessibility, shared bathroom facilities and distance from London's tourist attractions.

While you will pay less for accommodations outside the Congestion Zone, you will incur higher transportation costs and spend a lot of time each day getting to and from your room. You may decide that it is better to pay more and stay closer to the museums and neighborhoods you plan to visit.

Dining Options

London's restaurants feature every imaginable type of cuisine. Prices range from big-city budget to completely outrageous. You certainly do not have to eat at Pizza Hut and Burger King every day; you can enjoy low-cost meals without eating fast food. Some visitors fill up on the full English breakfast served by their hotel, eat a light lunch and look for good-value dinners. Other travelers eat a larger midday meal and pick up fish and chips or other takeout at dinner to save money. Eating in pubs is not only fun but is also a London tradition. The Museum Tavern near the British Museum is a popular choice with foot-weary travelers, and there are several good-value pubs near Waterloo Station.

If you are looking for a reasonably-priced restaurant with a great beer list, head straight for one of the seven  Belgo restaurants in London. This Belgian-themed chain has an incredible beer selection. Belgo's £8.95 weekday express lunch includes a glass of wine, beer or soda, an entrée and side dish from the set menu and is available from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p. m.   My Old Dutch Pancake House serves up huge crèpe-like pancakes filled with meats, cheeses and veggies for £7.95 - £11.50 at its three London locations. Save room for a dessert pancake (£5.25 - £7.95).

Indian food, long a budget traveler's best friend, is available throughout London; try Masala Zone's lunch special or regular thali (seven locations). If you prefer Asian food in general and noodles in particular, fill up at Wagamama . Each of Wagamama's 12 restaurants serves noodle and rice dishes, salads and appetizers for £9.95 - £14.25.

Getting There

You can reach London by air via any of the city's five airports. While most flights from the US arrive at Heathrow, you may also get to London via Gatwick, Stansted, London Luton or London City Airports. Whichever airport you choose, you will need to determine how to  get from the airport into London itself . In most cases, you will travel by train or Tube (subway) from your airport to London.

You can also travel by  Eurostar  ("Chunnel") train from the European continent to London, by  British Rail  from other parts of Great Britain or by ferry from Ireland or the Continent to England.

Plan to use public transportation and / or taxis to reach your London hotel. Not only is traffic intense during rush hour, parking is expensive and the city imposes a congestion charge for the privilege of driving in certain downtown areas.

Getting Around

London's public transportation system includes an extensive bus network and the famous London Underground (the "Tube"). While all of London's buses, except for a few Heritage Route buses, are wheelchair accessible, the Tube is not yet very wheelchair- or slow walker-friendly. Approximately one-quarter of all Tube stations are wheelchair-accessible. Transport for London publishes several  downloadable accessible travel guides to London  which have up-to-date information about Tube stations and accessible public transport.

Whether you travel by bus or Tube, consider using an  Oyster Card  to pay for your trips. Paying for your travel with an Oyster Card is less expensive than using traditional tickets, and the Oyster Card is easy to use.

London's famous  Black Cabs  are a local, if somewhat pricey, tradition. You will really feel like you have seen London once you have bounced and slid across the back seat of a Black Cab. Minicabs are less expensive but also less convenient. You will have to telephone a minicab office if you'd rather use this less expensive option. Uber also operates in London,

Senior-Friendly Attractions

London is full of wonderful park pathways, amazing historic buildings and incredible museum exhibits. Most visitors to London find themselves so fascinated by each place they visit that they cannot see everything on their list. Many of London's most famous sights and museums are free to the public; you can fill your sightseeing itinerary with 20+ attractions, walks and activities without spending ten pence.

The  British Museum  is not only free but also wheelchair accessible. You can spend an entire day here, taking in the Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles, Assyrian relief carvings and artifacts from ancient, medieval and Renaissance Europe. The  British Library Gallery's  permanent collection includes the Magna Carta, a Gutenberg Bible and other famous manuscripts and musical scores. London's renowned art museums, most of which are free to the public, are great late-afternoon sightseeing destinations because many offer  late opening hours  once or twice each week.

Many visitors to London head for famous buildings, including the  Tower of London  (a must-see), Buckingham Palace and  Westminster Abbey . Others prefer strolling through London's many parks and gardens, including Regent's Park and  Hyde Park , home to the Diana Memorial Fountain. Take time for a leisurely walk through a London park; you will become part of pathways back through history made famous by kings and queens and you will see modern Londoners enjoying their city's green spaces.

Events and Festivals

London is known for its pageantry, especially the  Changing of the Guard ceremony . Other London rituals, while less formal, are equally famous, like lining up for  half-price theater tickets in Leicester Square . If you visit London in mid-May, set aside time for the  Chelsea Flower Show . Celebrate the Queen's birthday with the locals in June (even though her birthday is really in April). The  City of London Festival  runs from mid-June to early August, with free outdoor concerts and ticketed indoor events. November's  Guy Fawkes (or Bonfire Night) celebrations  light up the late autumn sky with fireworks displays.

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Comment | Opinion

Talking Point: What do you think of the pensioners’ ban on free travel?

The Mayor of London has announced a range of increased fares across Tube and bus services coming in March 2023. For those aged over 60, there was the added blow that the removal of free travel before 9am on weekdays will be made permanent.

People with a 60+ Oyster or Freedom Pass card get free travel in London. However, a temporary restriction was brought in during the pandemic to offer more space to key workers. After two-and-a-half years, it’s been decided the privilege will not be reinstated.

It has been said that this could generate an additional £40m a year in fares during rush hour for TfL .

Abigail Wood, chief executive of Age UK London, responded to the news: “We are devastated that the voices of older Londoners have been ignored. Affordable transport is a lifeline not a luxury and this cut penalises them with no choice about when and how they travel.

“Age UK London is deeply concerned this comes at the worst possible time as the cost-of-living crisis worsens and more and more older Londoners are plunged into poverty.

“One in four older Londoners live in poverty – the highest level in the country – and London has some of the highest living costs in the world. This is the wrong decision at the worst possible time.”

What do you think of the pensioners ’ ban on free travel? Let us know in the comments or on our Instagram for your chance to be featured on the ES website.

Yesterday we asked: Can the Met ever recover?

John Mackintosh-Wood responded on Facebook: “No. All trust has gone.”

On Twitter, @nthlondonhipy and @derverla called for the Met to be disbanded.

Cannae2301 responded in the website comments: “The talk should not be about throwing these bad ones out, but not letting the bad ones in to begin with.”

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Jeremy Hunt shouldn’t cut National Insurance — he should scrap it entirely

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London Bus Fares – OAP Passes For Senior Citizens Over 60

Do seniors travel for free on the bus.

Senior citizens over 60 can travel for free on a London bus if they live in the UK and have have one of the bus passes described below.

Senior citizens who don’t have a pass, and all foreign tourists, have to pay a normal adult bus fare .

Can you use an OAP bus pass in London?

You can use an OAP bus pass that was issued by a council outside of London by taking advantage of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, or ENCTS (denoted by the red rose symbol on the front). This allows pensioners to travel for free on London’s buses after 9 AM Monday to Friday, or any time of day during the weekend .

Note: It only applies to buses carrying the TFL symbol:  (which is pretty much all of the buses in London). If the bus doesn’t carry the TFL symbol then you should check with the driver first. They might still allow you to travel using your pass, but you might have to travel at certain times of day, like 9:30 AM to 11 PM for example.

And OAP passes issued by a council in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland won’t work either. Only the ones issued by an English council.

Can you use a senior bus pass on the tube?

No. Senior bus passes can only be used on the bus. They don’t work with any other form of public transport, so you can’t use them on the trams or London underground.

What is a Freedom Pass?

If your main home is in London and you’re old enough to receive a woman’s state pension (regardless of whether you’re a man or woman) then you can save on bus fares with a Freedom Pass (also known as an Older Persons Freedom Pass ).

It’s basically just a credit card-sized piece of plastic which you tap down on the big yellow Oyster readers that you find at the front of all the buses.

Where can you use a London Freedom Pass?

A Freedom Pass entitles you to travel for free on London’s buses , the London Underground , London Overground, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), Elizabeth Line, trams, and most of the National Rail trains within London (standard class only).

Senior citizens also get a discount when buying a ticket on the Uber Thames Clipper and IFS Cloud Cable Car .

Does a Freedom Pass have time restrictions?

Yes. Free bus travel only applies outside of the morning peak period (4.30 AM to 9 AM, Monday-Friday). If you need to travel before 9 AM then you’ll have to pay the normal bus price instead. There are no time restrictions at the weekend.

How do you apply for a Freedom Pass?

You can apply for a Freedom Pass online at londoncouncils.gov.uk if you’re old enough to receive a woman’s state pension (regardless of whether you’re a man or woman). If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible then you can enter your date of birth into their eligibility calculator .

You will also need to provide them with an email address, a passport-style photograph, proof of age, and prove you live within a London borough. (Note: People who you work inside London but live outside are not eligible.)

Suitable documents to prove your age include a birth certificate, passport, driving licence or medical card. Documents for proof of address include a recent council tax bill, utility bill or television licence. Bank or building society statements are not accepted.

What is a 60+ London Oyster photocard?

If you’re not yet old enough to receive a state pension but you’re still aged over 60 and your principal address is in London, then you can apply for a 60+ London Oyster Photocard to tide you over before you qualify for a Freedom Pass .

It’s used in exactly the same way as a regular Oyster card . All you have to do to get a free journey is tap it down on the big yellow Oyster readers by the bus doors.

Where can you use a 60+ Oyster photocard?

A 60+ London Oyster Photocard entitles you to travel for free on the buses , trams, London Underground , London Overground, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), Elizabeth Line (excluding the stretch that runs between West Drayton and Reading), and most National Rail trains within London.

Seniors can also benefit from a cheap discount rate when buying tickets on the Uber Thames Clipper and IFS Cloud Cable Car .

Does a 60+ Oyster photocard have time restrictions?

Yes . Free travel only applies after 9 AM Monday to Friday, or any time during the weekend . If you want to travel before 9 AM then you’ll have to pay a normal adult fare (unlike a regular Oyster card, it’s not possible to load any money onto a 60+ photocard, so you’ll have to find another way to pay ).

National Rail trains usually have a different peak period to the London Underground. Timings will differ between the train companies, but generally speaking you have to travel after 9.30 AM Monday to Friday or any time during the weekend. You can check the timings at tfl.gov.uk .

How do you apply for a 60+ Oyster photocard?

You can apply for a 60+ London Oyster photocard at the TFL website: tfl.gov.uk/​fares/​free-and-discounted-travel .

You will have to pay £20 and provide them with an email address, a digital passport-style photo of yourself, a valid UK driving licence or digital image of your machine-readable passport (which includes your photograph, personal details and passport number), plus a debit or credit card that is registered to your home address to prove you live in a London borough.

Other ways to provide them with proof of address include a recent utility bill, or a credit statement from your bank or building society.

If you can’t provide any of those items then they also give you the option of printing off a verification letter which you can then take into your local Post Office.

Bear in mind that you’ll have to pay an extra £10 to get it renewed every 12 months, and provide them with proof of address all over again, just in case you’ve moved outside of London.

60+ London Oyster photocards are only valid until you reach the state pension age, at which point you’ll have to apply for a Freedom Pass instead. Freedom Passes give you similar benefits, but are supplied by your local council rather than TFL.

Your comments and questions

Loz My colleagues have the 60+ freedom pass that they use before 9.30 to get to work however on the TFL site it states that it can't be used before 9.30 am? Can you confirm please

Staff Hi Loz. I'm not sure if you're talking about the 60+ Oyster card or the Freedom Pass (they are two different things). But they both used to be 9.30 AM but they've changed to 9 AM now. So you can use them after 9 AM on Mon-Fri, or anytime at the weekends.

Harry I live in Newcastle but will visit London for a couple of days in a few days time. As a pensioner I can travel free on buses. I am told that my travelcard is valid also for London buses. Can you confirm this.

Staff Hi Harry. If it has the red rose symbol on it then it will be okay (if it was issued by an English council then it should do)

Susan Shehean Can I use my North Somerset senior bus pass in London.

Staff Hi Susan. If it has the red rose symbol on it then it will be okay on TFL buses. But you won't be able to use it before 9 AM on Monday-Friday.

Noreen When can I use my 60 plus oyster before 9 am

Staff Hi Noreen. You can only travel before 9 AM at the weekend, but you have to wait until after 9 AM during the week

Ian What’s an OAP?

Staff Its just another name for a senior citizen. OAP = old age pensioner

Barbara We live in Suffolk but are down in London for 4 weeks. Our bus passes do not work. They have never worked in the 8 years we have had them

Staff Hi Barbara. Do you mean when you touch them against the yellow reader? They definitely won't work with that, but if they have the red rose symbol on them (as seen on the photo of the Freedom Pass above) then you should be able to use them if you show them to the driver

andrew giles CAN YOU GET AN 60+ OYSTER CARD IF YOU LIVE IN ROCHESTER KENT. EVEN IF YOU WORK IN LONDON

Staff Hi Andrew. Unfortunately not, no. You need to live in a London borough, and provide proof of address.

Doris Klein What is the best (most inexpensive) way to take the underground and buses for 2 adults (74 and 75) and two grandchildren (11 and 14) while staying in London for 1 week?

Staff Hi Doris. You both might be able to travel for free on the buses if you have OAP bus passes (it doesn't matter if they're not london ones, as long as they have the red rose symbol on them). Otherwise you should use your contactless bank cards. The kids should both get oyster cards and have the 'young visitor discount" applied to them. Its all explained here - city-guide.london/​transport/​child-train-fares.php#young_visitor_discount

David How can I use an ENCTS bus pass to minimise the cost of getting from Stansted airport to London?

Staff Hi David. Assuming that it has a red rose symbol on the front then you should be able to just show it to the driver at the front of the bus. You'll probably have to travel after 9 AM (Mon-Fri)

David Which buses would be best to get from Stansted to London using an ENCTS pass (evening)? The journey planner only shows me National Express, which does not accept my pass.

Staff To be honest, I think you'll be better off just paying for National Express. There are public buses from the airport, but none of them go direct to London. We can't even find a route planner that attempts it solely by public bus. But here's a site with the bus stops and bus numbers - bustimes.org/​localities/​stansted-airport

DOUGLAS In June I will be traveling to Heathrow, via Euston & have a buss pass, so can I use this to get a bus to Paddington Rail Station, or is a Bus from Euston to H/Row an option? Thank you. Regards Doug

Staff Hi Douglas. As long as has the red rose symbol on it then it should be fine. But be aware of the time restrictions. And it wont work on airport transfer buses - just TFL ones

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Apply for an older person's bus pass

If you live in england or wales.

In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age .

If you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when you’re 60, but only within London.

In Wales you can get a bus pass when you reach 60.

Enter your postcode to:

• apply for a bus pass from your local council
• check if you can get one sooner

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You get an older person’s bus pass when you’re 60. Apply if you’re in:

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Exploring the Perks: Is Train Travel Free for Pensioners?

As retirement approaches, many individuals look forward to exploring new pastimes and enjoying a well-deserved break from the daily grind. 

One of the benefits that come with reaching the pension age in the UK is the possibility of free or discounted travel on various forms of public transportation. However, many people find themselves wondering, is train travel free for pensioners?

In this guide, we are going to explore this frequently asked question. Join us as we delve into the perks of train travel for pensioners in the UK .

The Senior Railcard

One of the most well-known and widely-used schemes in the UK is the Senior Railcard. Available to those aged 60 and above, this card offers substantial savings on train fares across the country. Using your railcard with split tickets is a no-brainer!

With a mere one-time fee, pensioners can enjoy a third off their ticket prices, whether travelling for a day trip or embarking on a longer journey. This Railcard scheme lets pensioners save money while exploring new destinations, reconnecting with loved ones, or simply taking in the picturesque landscapes of the British countryside.

The Freedom Pass Could be Your One Way Ticket to Freedom

Living in London or other eligible areas of England? Then the Freedom Pass may be your ticket to free train travel! Available to those who have reached the female state pension age (currently 66) or those with a disability, this pass allows unlimited travel on buses, trams, underground services, and even trains within the designated area. Exploring the vibrant city or enjoying a leisurely day trip is made all the more enjoyable when you don’t need to worry about the cost of travel.

Regional Concessionary Fares:

Aside from national schemes, various regions offer their own concessionary fares for pensioners. These schemes differ depending on where you reside, so it’s worth checking with your local council or transportation authority to see what benefits are available to you. 

From discounted tickets to free travel during off-peak hours, these regional concessions can make train travel an affordable option for pensioners throughout the UK.

Everyone can make savings with Off-Peak Travel

Train fares can become quite expensive during peak hours, causing some pensioners to miss out on certain journeys due to high costs. However, by planning your trips during off-peak hours , you can take advantage of significantly reduced fares. Enjoy a more relaxed journey and save money at the same time by opting for train travel during quieter periods.

Train travel doesn’t have to be a luxury reserved only for those in their working years. With various schemes and concessions available throughout the UK, pensioners can now explore the country’s scenic beauty, visit friends and family, or embark on new adventures without breaking the bank. 

From the Senior Railcard to regional concessions, there are options for every budget and preference. 

So, pack your bags, grab your ticket, and set off on your next train adventure – the perks of train travel for pensioners await!

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Free London Underground and bus travel for pensioners and children now looks even more likely to end

Reports that Transport for London have been offered £1 billion bailout

• 13:23, 16 OCT 2020
• Updated 13:55, 16 OCT 2020

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Transport for London (TfL) and the Government are in talks regarding funding for the future of the city's public transport system - and there could be some consequences that hit many Londoners in the pocket.

Sky News has learnt that the price of a new bailout for TfL could be an extension of London's congestion charge zone, plus the removal of remaining free travel entitlements for children and pensioners.

The coronavirus pandemic has left TfL in dire straits with lost revenues across all transport networks due to vast drops in passenger numbers.

Now Sky News is reporting that government ministers have told TfL, that it will have to "introduce the reforms if it is to secure a bailout package ahead of a funding deadline in the coming days."

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The figure put forward by the Government is believed to be around £1 billion, but Sadiq Khan and TfL, are looking for at least twice this amount.

Mr Khan has reportedly warned that the body would run out of money by Saturday, October 17 without a fresh funding deal in place.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: "Negotiations are ongoing to do a deal to keep TfL services running.

"Conditions such as extending a £15 congestion charge to the North and South Circular and taking free travel away from children and older people would be totally unacceptable to the mayor and he would not ask Londoners to accept them in these exceptionally difficult times."

It is understood that £1 billion would only run transport in London for less than two months, while Sadiq Khan wants a 5.7bn package to secure the network for the next 18 months.

In May TfL received a £1.6 billion bailout with strings attached, but the Mayor of London was in no position to turn down the rescue package with jobs and the future of the network at stake.

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A TfL spokesperson also said: “We continue to discuss our immediate funding requirements with the government and hope these discussions can be concluded successfully soon, so we can help London through this next phase of the pandemic."

“We are doing what we can to minimise costs and aim to continue operating a full service across our network while our funding discussions continue.”

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Over 60 and travelling to London? Enjoy concessionary benefits with lower fares on the Oxford Tube.

Unrestricted tickets and frequent departures up to every 10 minutes means you can take your time and enjoy london at your own pace. no need to hurry and cut your day in the city short to catch your booked train, our tickets are valid on any departure from london., our concessionary ticket prices:.

• Single: £12 • Return: £18 (anytime within 3 months) • Tube 12: £90 (12 single use within 1 year)

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• Online • On the Oxford Tube mobile tickets app • On board, direct from the driver with cash or contactless (up to £52) If you’re uncertain which stop is closest to where you want to get to then take a look at our Oxford Tube coach stops – our stops are listed in chronological order, and we’ve noted nearby destinations to help you choose which stop is right for you.

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