If there's one thing I've always loved doing, it's traveling. Seeing new places, trying different foods, meeting people from all over... It fills my soul.
But you know when retirement arrives and, along with it, that feeling that traveling will only be a dream? I thought that too. Until I discovered the federal government benefit that allows you to travel for free.
Yes, it's free. No catches, no fine print. And the best part: it's a right guaranteed by law for anyone over 60. I've used it myself and I'll show you how it works.
What is this benefit?
Many people don't even realize that there is a law, the Elderly Statute, which guarantees two free interstate bus tickets for people aged 60 or over and with an income of up to two minimum wages.
Furthermore, if these two free spots have already been filled, the senior citizen may still have 50% discount in the other passages. It's too good to be hidden!
And yes, this includes those sleeper bus trips which, let's face it, are a delight to rest on along the way.
Now, you might be thinking: “Okay, but does this really work?” Yes, it does! I used this benefit when I went to visit my sister in the interior of Minas Gerais and, later, on another trip to Rio Grande do Sul.
Both times, it was all very simple.
How to use the federal government benefit that allows you to travel for free?
I'll tell you step by step what I do whenever I want to travel by bus using this right. It's easy, but there are some details that few people know. So pay attention:
- Choose the bus company that makes the line to where you want to go. It can be via the website or directly at the bus station ticket office.
- Go to the counter in advance – preferably 3 to 5 days before the trip.
- Take your photo ID it's the proof of income (INSS extract, for example).
- Ask for a free place through the Senior Citizen Statute. They are obliged to grant it if there is availability.
- If the two free spaces have already been used, request the 50% discount.
Ready. No bureaucracy. No hidden fees. And with service that, at least in my experiences, was super respectful.
My first trips with the benefit: pure emotion!
The first time I used the federal government benefit that allows you to travel for free, I confess that I was suspicious.
I thought they were going to mess with me, that there would be a line, that I wouldn't be able to get it. But no. In less than 10 minutes at the ticket office, I already had my ticket in my hand. Free.
I went to visit my daughter in Curitiba. I cried at the bus station, I swear to you. Because I realized that I can still experience many beautiful things without spending a fortune.
After that, I traveled to Goiás, Rio de Janeiro and even Espírito Santo. In the last year alone, I made 5 trips. And all of this while taking advantage of this benefit that, honestly, changed my life.
You can go further: what if you want to travel more and better?
Of course, the benefit covers interstate bus travel. But here’s a golden tip: Use it as a starting point.
For example, I took a free bus from São Paulo to Brasília. From there, my niece picked me up and we drove to Chapada dos Veadeiros. One of the most beautiful trips of my life!
Another time, I went to Salvador with the benefit. There, I stayed at the house of a friend I met in a senior citizens group. We visited beaches, ate moqueca and laughed a lot.
Traveling for free is possible. What's more, it's your right. I say this with a full heart, because I have already lived these experiences and I want more people to enjoy them too.
But why didn't anyone tell you this before?
Honestly? Because there is a lot of misinformation out there. Many people don't even know that they can ask for it. And the bus companies, of course, don't make any effort to publicize it.
Furthermore, there is one detail: the federal government is one of the largest advertisers in Brazil. And look at this opportunity!
If more people access content like this, showing the real use of benefits like this, it is very likely that even the government itself will invest more to publicize — and, who knows, even improve the program.
In other words, everyone wins.
The federal government benefit that allows you to travel for free
You are not asking for a favor. It is not charity. The federal government benefit that allows you to travel for free It's yours by right. And there's no right age to start allowing yourself to experience new things.
When we reach this stage in life, we have to take advantage of every opportunity. Traveling is not a luxury. It is part of living well.
And if there's one thing I've learned, it's that it's never too late to see the sea, step on the wet grass, try a new seasoning or simply get out of the routine for a bit.
Bonus tips to make the most of your trips
To end on a high note, here are some tips that I use on every trip:
- Travel light, but take a light jacket. Buses are usually cold.
- Bring a snack and a small bottle of water. It saves money and avoids bad stops.
- Arrive early at the bus station. There is time to resolve any unforeseen issues calmly.
- Chat with other passengers. I've made amazing friends this way.
- And if you can, make a travel diary. Even if it's on loose sheets. Memories are our greatest treasure.
And now, what are you going to do with this information?
If you've come this far, it's because something inside you has been ignited. Maybe you miss traveling. Maybe you want to experience new stories.
Don't let this feeling pass you by. Go to a bus station, ask about free parking spaces. Choose a destination that excites you. And go for it.
Why the federal government benefit that allows you to travel for free is there, waiting for you. And I will tell you with absolute certainty: it is worth it.
If you need help, you can count on me. And if you want, tell me where you went. I bet it will be unforgettable.
