Clip & Save this list for your next trip, be it this summer, during the holiday season or any time. It focuses primarily on national providers but keep in mind that hundreds of regional and local lines also have "senior" discounts.

Three bits of advice: (1) Be prepared to show a valid government-issued ID. (2) If you're a retired or active member of the US Armed Forces, ask about a military discount. You won't be able to use both, so select the one with the higher discount. (3) If you're traveling to a major city, check with the local transit company regarding senior and/or visitor discounts and passes.

o Amtrak: 800-872-7245, http://www.amtrak.com/   

If you're 62+, you get 15% off the lowest available fare on most US Amtrak trains. It's 10% off on cross-border services operated by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada. Note: The discount is not available on the Auto Train to Florida nor on weekday Acela Express trains. Nor does it apply to Business Class, First Class or sleeping accommodations.

 
o Greyhound Bus Lines: 800-231-2222, http://www.greyhound.com/

If you're 62+, you get a 5% discount on unrestricted fares. Periodically, you can save 10% if you purchase your ticket online for certain locations and destinations.

o Peter Pan Bus Lines: 800-343-9999, http://www.peterpanbus.com/

This Springfield (MA) based company has service along the East Coast, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington (DC).

If you're 62+, you get a 5% discount. The discount is not available online.

 

o Trailways: 800-992-4618, http://www.trailways.com/

Many but not all of these privately owned bus lines (franchised by Trailways) offer discounts. The age requirement and amount vary. You'll find links to the various operators on the company's web site.

o Megabus: 800-462-6342, http://www.megabus.com/   

This company, which started out in the Midwest, has expanded to include service to many East and West coast cities. It also goes to Toronto. Because fares are deeply discounted, it does not have special senior rates. Among the cities served:

Midwest: Ann Arbor, Bloomington, Chicago, Champaign, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbia, Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Madison, Memphis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, St. Louis and Toledo.

Northeast: Atlantic City, Boston, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Washington (DC).

West Coast: Las Vegas, Millbrae, Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose and San Ysidro.

o Bolt Bus: http://www.boltbus.com/

This discount company travels to/from Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington (DC). The buses are new, have extra leg room and clean toilets. Because it already has such low fares, like Megabus, it does not give seniors a discount - but you should know about it if you travel between these cities. Pickup and drop-offs are on street corners.

         - Nancy Dunnan