A little more than a decade ago, getting into a stranger’s car and telling them where to take you would be viewed as ill-advised at best. But with the rise of rideshare apps like Uber, Lyft and others, nothing seems more ordinary. The system comes with a lot of benefits; it tends to be cheaper than traditional taxis, it works effectively in most places and you can get practically wherever you want to go.
Combine the rideshare phenomenon with more traditional modes of transportation, and the world has gotten more mobile than ever before with plenty of options to travel. Alas, almost all those options still cost money. Luckily for seniors, there are also plenty of opportunities to save money while getting around.
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How to Score Senior Discounts on Ridesharing Apps
The bigger rideshare companies all have their own apps, and if you know what to look for, there are loads of ways to save.
When using any of these apps, keep an eye out for promo codes that can help you save even more. In recent promotions, Lyft and Uber both advertise promo codes which give up to 50% discounts to new riders, regardless of your age.
Lyft
Lyft doesn’t offer a generalized senior discount for their basic service, but through their Lyft Silver program, seniors can use a simplified interface, find better vehicle matches (easier entry and exit) and get support to book their ride through Lyft.
Lyft’s subscription service Lyft Pink does offer discounts with plans starting at $9.99. For those who need to travel on a regular basis or have a busy schedule, Pink can help you save a bundle.
Additionally, many cities partner with Lyft to offer discounted rides to those 60 and older. In Charleston, South Carolina, CARTA offers seniors Lyft or Uber trips for as little as $5 each way within a fixed-route area.
Uber
Similar to Lyft, Uber doesn’t offer a specific senior discount, but it does partner with municipalities to offer discounted rides for those 60 and older.
Also similar to Lyft, if you’re a frequent rider, you can save money with a membership. An Uber One membership costs $9.99 and lets you earn 6% back on rides and includes a $0 delivery fee for food and grocery orders.
Gogograndparent
Gogograndparent connects you to rideshare services and arranges deliveries of groceries and medications. Despite the name, anyone over 18 can order a ride and you can use it from any phone that generates tones by the press of a button. It features a simple menu and a live service that can help customers find the best and cheapest options. It also includes several financing options to help seniors save even more.
On top of helping connect people with rideshare services, Gogograndparent can connect you with delivery services for groceries, meals and prescriptions.
HopSkipDrive
While it caters to families to with kids, HopSkipDrive provides transportation for anyone over the age of 6, and it’s been expanding across the country. There are no upfront membership fees or monthly dues — you only pay for the rides you schedule. HopSkipDrive is a newer service and still expanding, so check out their website to see if your area is covered.
Other Rideshare Discounts for Seniors
Medicare has also made resources available to help senior citizens get around, such as NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation) programs, which provide free rides to medical appointments. Through Medicare, NEMT programs can be found in every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Finally, seniors can also find free rides through Volunteer Driver Programs. A self-explanatory title, Volunteer Driver Programs help seniors travel for free and are funded by a variety of companies, ministries and charity organizations. Such programs can be found across the country, ready to help out wherever you live.
Other Ways Seniors Can Save on Transportation
For seniors still driving their own vehicle, AAA offers a variety of discounts and programs tailored to senior citizens, including discounts to 30,000 retailers. You can save money on gas and groceries by using cash-back apps like Upside. And if you haven’t compared auto insurance rates lately, try a one-stop-shopping site like Insurify, which could save you. hundreds of dollars.
Dial-a-ride programs can also be found across the country, usually managed by the same public transportation companies in your area. These programs, such as ACCESS LYNX in the Orlando area, work similarly to rideshare programs. They use shuttles to deliver customers to their chosen destinations, can schedule pick-up times and offer discounts for seniors.
When it comes to standard public transportation service, senior citizens can expect some form of discount. Buses, subways, trains and taxi services across the country usually offer senior discounts. Don’t be afraid to ask about reduced fares.
If seniors are unable to drive, many local governments will offer free transportation as well. This will need official documents, such as a doctor’s note and proof of income, but these programs are available in rural areas and urban centers across the country.
William Fewox has worked as a freelance writer since 2017, and his work is featured in literary magazines such as The Aquarian, The Navigator and The Historian. He has also self-published a handful of novels. He has worked as a Social Studies teacher and research assistant in local Florida museums and more recently has worked as an editor for a start-up publishing company. William holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Jacksonville University.
The Penny Hoarder Senior Managing Editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors updated this post for August 2026.
