Hungary
Would you like to see the sights of Hungary – from its majestic capital Budapest on the Danube, to the holiday resorts on Lake Balaton, from the beautiful university city of Sopron in the north to the historic city of Pécs in the south?
If so, and if you would like to travel free of charge, then that’s possible on the Hungarian railways, provided you are an EU citizen and over 65. I know, I’ve done it, on their very clean, smart trains. They may not be fast, but there is beautiful countryside to view.
Or you could splash out and for a small extra payment travel 1st class or on the Intercity express trains.
You will need to get your tickets in advance either from the station booking office (a few simple words of Hungarian would help outside of major cities) or you can book online, selecting ‘Reduction’ and ‘Person over 65’ at the MÁV Hungarian Railway website.
Sorry for UK citizens – following crazy BREXIT, the free rail travel in Hungary no longer applies!
Slovakia
Free travel is now possible in Slovakia for EU citizens over 62. For details check the Slovakrail site.
USA
In the USA rail travellers 62 and over are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains.
Canada
In Canada rail travellers 60 and over can get a 10% Senior discount with VIA Rail Canada.
Elsewhere
Railway discounts for Senior travellers in Europe are given by Eurail.
UPDATED 8th December 2016 by STEVE HANSON.
