Booking a 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' option

How to Book 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only'

The 'Free Travel Pass' ticket option is located within the passenger selection box, Free Travel Pass holders wishing to book their ticket should select the passenger drop down arrow and follow the below instructions. 

A 'Reservation Only' option is an option for customers who would like to pre-book on to a service and are already in possession of a ticket(s) such as Single, Day/Open Return, Weekly, Monthly, Family Tickets, Annual, Taxsaver Monthly, Taxsaver Annual, InterRail and Eurail.

Customers are advised there is limited availability for 'Free Travel Pass' or Reservation Only' options online. An allocation of bookings can be reserved online without a fee for 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' ticket holders. When this allocation is fully booked, all remaining seats can be reserved by 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' ticket holders for €2.50 per journey. 

Watch our video below, or follow the step-by-step guide to book your 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' ticket.

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Step by Step guide to booking a 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' option

  • Step 1 Origin and Destination - Fill in the 'From' and 'To' fields with your origin and destination.
  • Step 2 Date Selection - Choose a 'Single' or 'Return' ticket. Choose your date(s).
  • Step 3a Passengers Selection - Click on the 'passenger' drop down arrow. A box will pop up with passenger types.
  • Step 3b Passengers Selection - Go to 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only'. Use the plus and minus arrows to add the amount of Free Travel passengers (including companion passengers) or Reservation Only passengers that you will book for.

Please note, there will automatically be one 'adult fare' on the journey. If you do not wish to book a seat for a fee paying adult, please use the minus button to remove this fare.

Step 3c Passengers Selection - When all required passengers are added, click 'Apply'.

  • Step 4 Journey Search - Once the above fields are filled out, click 'Go'. You will then see a full list of available services as well as the full price for all passengers travelling.
  • Step 5 Service Selection - Choose one of the fares on screen and click 'Book Tickets'.
  • Step 6 Seat Selection - You can continue with 'Automatic Seat Selection'. Or, if you wish to choose your seat, click on 'Manual Seat Selection'. Please note we can only show the direction of travel on Cork and Belfast services.
  • Step 7 Log in - If you have an account with us, enter your email address and password and click 'Login'. If you do not have an account, you can continue with your booking as a ‘Guest’.

If you do not have an account, but would like one, you can register for one on the next page (Customer Details). You must tick 'Yes, I wish to create an Iarnród Éireann account'. Once your booking is complete you will get an email with a link to set up your password.

  • Step 8a Customer Details - Fill in your details. Please make sure that your email address is correct. This will ensure you get emails about your booking.
  • Step 8b Customer Details - Here you can select your ticket fulfillment method. QR Ticket is the default option. If you wish to collect your ticket at the station, click 'Collect at Ticket Machine'. Please allow plenty of time to do this on the day of travel.
  • Step 8c Customer Details - Enter the name(s) of each passenger. 
  • Step 9 Payment Overview - Read and agree to the terms and conditions. Click on 'Confirm Booking'. If there is a fee for your booking, then click 'Worldpay Debit/Credit Card'. You can then enter your card details.
  • Step 10 Confirmation - You have now reached the confirmation page. Please make sure you download your QR Ticket or take note of your 'Ticket Collection Number'. You will also get a confirmation email with these details of your booking.
  • Step 11 Collect or download your ticket - You can download your QR Ticket from your confirmation email or you can use your 'Ticket Collection Number' to print your ticket at the train station you will travel from. Click here to read more on collecting your ticket(s).
  •  Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' option, please contact us here.

Travelling between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland

What is the All Ireland Free Travel Scheme?

The All Ireland Free Travel Scheme allows free travel on public transport on the island of Ireland.

Free Travel Pass holders can travel for free in Northern Ireland.

Senior SmartPass holders can travel for free in the Republic of Ireland.

Who can use this scheme?

  • To qualify for free travel within Northern Ireland, you must be in receipt of a Free Travel Card or Paper Pass and be aged 66 years or over - only the holder of the pass may travel for free.
  • Similarly, only the Northern Ireland Free Travel recipient holding a Senior SmartPass, is eligible for Free Travel within the Republic of Ireland. Spouses or companions are not eligible.

For further information on the All Ireland Free Travel Scheme please refer to the relevant website.

Terms and Conditions

  • 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' bookings can be made online. A limited number can be made for free. When they are fully booked, more 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' bookings can be made for €2.50 per journey.
  • For InterCity travel, we recommend pre-booking. This will make sure you get a seat.
    A 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' booking is not a valid ticket for travel on its own. The relevant ID and ticket is required.
  • You can buy tickets up to 90 days in advance. Early booking is best.
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