European Rail Passes Show Few Changes for Seniors

Bucking the trend away from senior passes, the European rail systems have at least held the line on senior deals for this year. As with many passes, some are limited to first class and are consequently more expensive than second-class passes for travelers of any age. Overall prices are a bit down from last year, due mainly to the declining euro and pound. Although available in only a few countries, those few can be good deals. In all cases, senior status starts at age 60.

BritRail continues to lead in senior passes:

• Flexipass options—probably the best choice for most of you—provide for first-class travel during a two-month period. These passes offer unlimited train travel on the number of days you buy, not necessarily consecutive days of travel. The Britain version, covering England, Scotland, and Wales, costs $319 for three days of unlimited train travel, $399 for four days, $575 for eight days, and $869 for 15 days. If you confine your travels just to England, the England versions cost $259 for three days, $319 for four days, $465 for eight days, and $699 for 15 days.
• Consecutive passes allow unlimited first-class train travel on all days during the validity period. Senior first-class Britain rates are $319 for four days, $455 for eight days, $679 for 15 days, $858 for 22 days, and $1,015 for one month. England pass rates are $255 for four days, $365 for eight days, $549 for 15 days, $695 for 22 days, and $815 for one month.

If you enjoy first-class travel, these passes are good deals. But senior passes are not available in second class, which is generally about 20 percent less than the first-class senior passes—and most travelers will tell you that second class is perfectly adequate in the U.K.

If you're a frequent or extended visitor, or if you plan lots of one-day short trips, you might be better off with a Senior Railcard, which provides 33 percent discounts on virtually all British train tickets in either class for a full year. It costs £24 (about $36, get the most current exchange rates at XE.com); buy after you arrive.

Balkan Passes: Senior passes for travel in Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey cover first-class travel during a one-month period: $206 for five days, $359 for 10 days, and $433 for 30 days. Any-age Balkan passes are also limited to first class, so the senior version is your best option.

France Passes: The French senior pass, in first class only, costs $268 for travel on any three days out of a one-month period, plus up to six additional days for $40 each. Because the any-age second-class pass is only slightly cheaper ($250), this is one case where the extra comfort of first class can be worth the small difference.

As an alternative to a pass, you can buy a Senior Card at €56 (about $73) for a year of validity that provides 50 percent discounts on many trains, with limited seating, or 25 percent on almost all other trains, including trains that connect France with other European countries. Buy after you arrive.

Ireland Passes: The Ireland Seniorpass provides second-class travel on any five days out of a month for $152. The comparable any-age pass costs $202, so this senior pass is a good deal.

Romania Passes: The Eurail Romania Pass provides unlimited first-class travel on any five days over a two-month period for $149.

I suggest buying railpasses here in the United States before you leave. Several online agencies specialize in selling European railpasses, including Rail Europe, Britrail, Eurail, Rail Connection, and Railpass. Although prices are nominally competitive, individual agencies may offer free shipping or other inducements and short-term promotions.