Everyone aged 66 and over living permanently in Ireland, is entitled to free travel under the Department of Social Protection Free Travel scheme. 

Other qualifying persons under 66 years are also entitled to avail of free travel. You must be in possession of your free travel pass when travelling on board all Iarnród Éireann services and you must present your free travel when requested by a staff member.

In some cases, a companion pass will be issued so that a person aged 16 or over can accompany the free travel pass holder free of charge. If you qualify for free travel, you will be issued with a pass that you must carry with you when using public transport.

Free travel passes are non-transferrable and can only be used by the named person. You cannot use your free travel pass on services not listed in the official timetable, on tours and special rail services. You can use it on all regular timetable services.

If you are travelling Dublin to/ from Belfast, Ballina, Cork, Ennis, Galway, Limerick, Rosslare, Tralee, Sligo, Westport or Waterford and you wish to book onto a train, select a 'Free Travel Pass or Valid Ticket' option on irishrail.ie. 

In order to reserve seats check out our step by step guide to buying online.

For more information on the Free Travel Pass go to the Department of Social Protection website, contact your local Social Welfare Office or Call their Information Line at 1890 500 000 (from the Republic of Ireland only) or 00353 71 915 7100 (from Northern Ireland or overseas).

For more information on how to use your Public Service Card for free travel check out this handy guide or visit freetravel.ie .

All free travel passes are issued by the Department of Social Protection not by the transport provider.