Travel Concessions & Discounts for Senior Citizens

A fixed source of income is hard to come by as you grow older and discounts and special offers certainly help. Here?s a quick look at some travel concessions and discounts for senior citizens in India.

While our transport system may still have a long way to go when it comes to the best of facilities, it does offer travel concessions and discounts for senior citizens in India.

Railways: Indian Railways offers 40 per cent concession in all classes for men who are either 60 years old or above. Women who are either 58 years old or above can avail 50 per cent concession in all classes. You need to carry an identity proof of age while travelling. This concession is also available in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains. You can see their concession rules here.

Bus: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation offers 25 percent concession in basic fare to residents of the state above 60 years of age. Senior citizens need to carry a proof of identity/age proof. It could be Voter ID, Aadhar Card, Passport, Driving License, Senior Citizen Identity Card issued by KSRTC or even government department issued ID card. You can see more details here.

In February, the Delhi Government made travel for all senior citizens free in DTC buses. While the order is to be implemented soon, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) at present issues passes to senior citizens on concession for both air-conditioned and non-AC low-floor buses. Senior citizens are issued passes worth Rs. 250 for travel on non-AC buses and Rs 350 for travel on AC buses. To know more details of how to obtain a pass, click here.

In Maharashtra, senior citizens aged 65 and above can get a 50 per cent concession in ticket fare in simple and Nim Aram buses. The BEST in Mumbai does not offer any senior citizen concession. Senior citizens also get a 45 per cent concession for a seat and 30 per cent concession for sleeper coach in Shivshahi buses that ply between cities in Maharashtra. To know more, click here.

In Chandigarh, senior citizens of age 65 and above get a 50 per cent concession for travel within Chandigarh. To know more, click here.

Haryana Roadways offers 50 per cent discount to senior citizens (Women above 60 and men above 65) in the fares of state roadways buses to any destination, including those in other states. Details can be found here (PDF in Hindi)

The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation offers a 20 per cent concession to senior citizens aged 60 years and above, under the Smart Card scheme. Details can be found here.

Holiday: The West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation offers 20 per cent discount to senior citizens in their properties. Details here.

Airlines

Air India wins hands down with its 50 per cent discount in Economy class for senior citizens above 60 years of age, with Indian citizenship and permanently residing in India. Discount is valid for domestic travel within India. Most other airlines offer only a six to eight per cent discount to senior citizens on booking of domestic flight tickets. Details here

IndiGo provides a six per cent discount to senior citizens on the base fare and this can be availed only by booking tickets from the airline?s website.

GoAir is offering an eight per cent discount on booking of domestic flight tickets and the discount offer is applicable on base fare. You need to make the booking on the company?s website to avail the discount.

Vistara offers up to 10 per cent off on adult base fare for passengers booking under Economy Standard and Economy Flexi fares. View details here

On Jet Airways too, senior citizens above 60 years are entitled for an 8 per cent concession on the adult basic fare in Economy Class across domestic sectors. Tickets need to be purchased 15 days in advance. Details here .

SpiceJet also offers a six per cent discount on base fare to senior citizens.

Do you know of more travel concessions and discounts for senior citizens that we may have missed? Send us an email on connect@silvertalkies.com and tell us. We shall try to keep this updated as much as possible.

Inspired to travel? Here are some senior-friendly travel tips!