The European rail industry looks set to continue its frustrating lack of options for seniors in 2010, but Britain and a select few others have some great deals if you know where to find them. Unfortunately, most of the Seniors passes apply to first class travel – meaning that the actual costs are often more expensive than a standard second class ticket. Britrail has reduced its ticket prices this year, others have raised them, while UK seniors should note that across Europe the status age begins at 60.

BritRail continues to offer its Flexipass as the best option for most rail travellers. This pass provides unlimited travel on trains, first class, for a specific number of days in a two month period. Prices start at around $300 for three days unlimited travel in the period. Four days will set you back around $370, eight days around $555 and for just over $800 you can have fifteen days. The dates you choose need not be taken consecutively. A month pass costs $775.

There are also Britain and England pass options for a variety of date range options that all represent excellent savings, normally being around a 15 percent discount when compared to any other type of pass. However, second class travel also has a number of offerings and most travellers are quite content in this standard. The Seniors Railcard is a good investment at around $40 and is valid for a whole year.

Outside of the UK, the Balkans offer five day passes over a month for travel between Turkey, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria.

In France, the difference between second class and senior first class is minimal in price so well worth the cash. Three day passes cost around $300 with additional days running at just over $40.