uk free bus travel

• Find your local Age UK

• Site search Search term
• Back Information and advice
• Back Money & legal
• Back Benefits and Entitlements
• Attendance Allowance
• Benefit rates 2024-25
• Benefits Calculator – what are you entitled to?
• Bereavement Support Payment
• Carer's Allowance

Benefits for mixed age couples

• Changes to the benefits system
• Cold Weather Payment
• Council Tax Reduction
• Disability Living Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance

Free bus pass and transport concessions

• Free prescriptions for over 60s
• Housing Benefit
• How to apply for a Blue Badge
• How to challenge a benefits decision through mandatory reconsideration
• How to get help with urgent or one-off expenses
• How your benefits are means tested
• Income Support
• Jobseeker's Allowance

Pension Credit

Personal independence payment.

• Returning to the UK after living abroad
• Support for Mortgage Interest
• TV licence concessions
• Universal Credit
• Warm Home Discount
• Winter Fuel Payment
• More money in your pocket information guide
• Back Debt and savings
• Debt help and advice
• Energy advice for the home
• Financial jargon checker
• How to reduce your water bills
• How to trace lost money
• Using credit wisely
• Back Income and tax
• What is equity release?
• Ways to reduce Council Tax
• Inheritance tax
• How to boost your income in retirement
• Equity release information guide
• Back End of life planning
• Back Legal issues
• Finding legal advice
• How to be an executor information guide
• Making a will
• Power of attorney
• Power of attorney information guide
• Thinking about end of life information guide
• What is a living will (advance decision)?
• What to do when someone dies
• Wills and estate planning information guide
• Back Pensions advice
• Annuities explained
• Finding old pensions
• Pension calculator
• Pensions scams and fraud
• State Pension
• What are workplace pensions?
• What pension options do I have?
• Back Scams and fraud
• How to spot a catfish
• Spotting TV Licence scams
• Doorstep scams
• Postal scams
• Phone scams
• What to do if you're the victim of a scam
• Investment scams and fraud
• Avoiding scams information guide
• Help with the cost of living
• Back Consumer advice
• Changes to landline telephones
• Back Health & wellbeing
• Back Conditions and illnesses
• Bladder and bowel problems information guide
• Bowel problems
• Coronavirus
• Depression and anxiety
• Hearing loss
• High blood pressure
• Influenza (flu) prevention
• Malnutrition
• Osteoporosis
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Back Health services
• Dental services for older people
• 9 health tests that could save your life
• Getting the most from your medicines
• Getting help when feeling unwell
• NHS continuing healthcare
• Your hospital stay
• GP services for older people
• Leaving hospital
• Complaining about NHS services and hospitals
• What standards you should expect from NHS services
• Your hospital stay information guide
• Back Being active
• Getting active when you find exercise difficult
• Getting active but not sure where to start
• Helping someone to get active
• Preventing falls
• How to look after your feet
• Walking tips
• Physical activity videos to use at home
• Staying steady information guide
• Back Mind and body
• 10 tips for ageing better
• 5 tips to boost your mood
• Getting a good night's sleep
• Your mind matters
• Mindfulness
• Staying cool in a heatwave
• Staying sharp
• Preventing and treating burns
• Back Loneliness
• A Life Less Lonely
• Caring for someone who's lonely
• Feeling lonely
• Back Keep well this winter
• Keeping warm and well in winter
• Keep your spirits up
• Look after each other
• Cold weather advice and tips
• Managing money in winter
• Winter wrapped up information guide
• Winter illnesses
• Back Relationships and family
• Financial and legal tips before remarrying
• Planning for end of life
• Protection from abuse and neglect
• Dating in later life
• Sex in later life
• How to deal with grief after a bereavement
• How to adjust to living alone
• Top tips for grandparents
• Worried about someone?
• Back Care & support
• Back Finding and arranging social care
• Care needs assessment
• Home care: how to find the care you need at home
• Back Paying for care
• Financial assessment explained
• Paying for residential care
• Paying for homecare
• How much does care cost?
• Back Help for carers looking after a loved one
• Carer's assessment
• Financial support for carers
• Balancing working and caring responsibilities
• Caring for someone with dementia
• Looking after yourself as a carer
• Respite care: having a break from caring
• What to do when your caring role changes or ends
• Carer's checklist
• Back Housing options in later life
• Assisted living and extra-care housing
• Safety in the home
• Home adaptations to simplify home tasks
• Specialist housing options
• Renting and social housing
• Homelessness
• Moving in with family
• Residential park homes
• Sheltered housing
• Back Problems with care
• How to complain about care to your local council
• Problems with homecare
• Back Work & learning
• Back Making the most of the internet
• Computer training courses
• Glossary of online terms
• Getting started on the internet
• Staying safe online
• Keeping in touch using a video call
• Making your device easier to use
• How to download apps
• Email essentials
• What's WhatsApp?
• Using social media
• Is online banking safe?
• How to transfer money and make payments
• Shopping safely online
• Online password security
• Age UK's digital instruction guides
• Back Discrimination and rights
• EU citizens and settled status after Brexit
• Help for Ukrainian nationals in the UK
• Human rights
• The Equality Act
• Windrush Scheme
• Your rights at work
• Back Education and training
• Build up your skills
• Classes and courses
• Higher education and university
• u3a – Later life learning
• Back Looking for work
• Be your own boss
• CVs and job applications
• Job interview tips
• Back Retirement
• Preparing emotionally for retirement
• Paul Lewis: Retirement planning advice
• Living abroad after retirement
• Retirement age
• Back For professionals
• Benefits hub for professionals
• Mental health hub for professionals
• Winter hub for professionals
• Information guides and factsheets

Age UK Advice Line 0800 678 1602

Free to call 8am – 7pm 365 days a year Find out more

Telephone friendship

Get a free weekly friendship call. We'll match you with one of our volunteers. Our service is flexible to suit the different needs of everyone who takes part.

• Sign up for telephone befriending
• Find services near you
• Find charity shops near you

Popular services

• Age UK Advice Line
• Befriending services
• The Silver Line Helpline
• Day Centres
• Exercise and physical activity
• Handyperson services
• IT Training
• Social activities
• Back Services
• Back Get involved
• Back Donate
• Make a donation
• Back Leave a gift in your will
• How to leave a gift in your will
• Making and amending your will to include a gift to Age UK
• Information for executors
• The difference a gift in your will could make
• Ways to write your will
• Free Wills Month 2024
• Will Aid 2024
• Back Donate to our shops
• Age UK and The Wombles join forces
• Age UK's eBay store
• Sustainability
• Back Donate in memory
• Make a donation in memory
• Fundraise for Age UK in memory of your loved one
• Make a one-off donation
• Funeral donations and collections
• Set up a Tribute Fund
• Meaningful ways to remember your loved one
• Make a major gift
• The difference your money makes
• Our professional fundraisers
• Back Fundraise
• Back The innocent Big Knit – get knitting for charity
• innocent Big Knit updates
• Back Sporting events
• Run for charity
• Skydive for charity
• Cycle for charity
• Charity walks and treks
• Charity triathlon events and obstacle courses
• Do your challenge for Age UK
• Back Fundraising ideas
• Most popular ideas
• Sporty ideas
• Fundraise at work
• Fundraise at school
• Fundraise while you celebrate
• Fundraise as a community
• Let's get fundraising
• Pay in your fundraising
• Fundraising resources
• Leeds Abbey Dash
• TCS London Marathon
• Back Stream for Ages
• Your free downloads
• Back Lottery and raffle
• Play the Age UK lottery
• Tuesday Treat Draw
• Play the Age UK raffle
• Gift the Lottery
• Player Zone
• How every entry helps
• Are you a winner?
• Lottery and Raffle rules
• Back Volunteering
• Telephone Friendship Service volunteering
• The Silver Line Helpline volunteering
• Connect and Support Service volunteering
• Age UK shops volunteering
• Local Age UK volunteering
• Support our campaigns
• Back Corporate partnerships
• Why partner with Age UK
• Back Ways we could work together
• Can your company support the Age UK Telephone Friendship Service?
• Latest jobs with Age UK

Age UK. Know what to do. 

Last year, over 10 million people trusted us to help them with some of the biggest issues in their lives. Learn more about how we help.

How your support helps

Here's how, with your support, Age UK is supporting older people through the cost of living crisis.

• See the difference your donations make

Making older people's voices heard

• Age UK know what to do
• Campaigning with older people
• Discover - news, stories and features
• Media Centre
• Policy and research
• Wellbeing programmes
• Politics and government
• Back Our impact
• Back Buy products
• Back Over-50s Insurance
• Car insurance
• Home insurance
• Motor breakdown cover
• Travel insurance
• Travel insurance with medical conditions
• Back Independent living
• Bathing Solutions
• Stairlifts and Homelifts
• Personal Alarms
• Back Financial services
• Funeral Plans
• Legal services
• Back Healthcare
• Incontinence products

Benefits and Entitlements

If you're 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from discounts on your rail journeys to a free bus pass.

What transport concessions are available?

Can i get a free bus pass, can i get a discount on train travel, can i get a london freedom pass, what if i have difficulty using public transport, what if i'm unable to use public transport, more travel concessions questions.

There are several national public transport concessions available to older and disabled people. Some entitle you to discounts on your fares, while others allow you to travel for free.

Eligibility for these concessions depends on whether you have a disability or your age. 

Depending on your age and your circumstances, you might be able to get one of the following free bus passes, which allow you to travel free on local buses:

• an older person's bus pass
• a disabled person's bus pass

What age do I have to be to get an older person's bus pass?

You can get an older person's bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men.

Apply for your older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

If you're 60 or over and live in London, then you can get free travel on buses, trains and other modes of transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

Apply for your 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website

How can I get a disabled person's bus pass?

There's no central provider of the disabled person's bus pass – to find out if you're eligible and how to apply, you need to get in touch with your local council.

Find your local council and apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Are there any other discounts if I'm an older person or I'm disabled?

It's a good idea to contact individual transport operators to see if they offer discounts.

For instance, National Express offers Coachcards. These are discount cards for older or disabled customers. You buy them for a set fee of £15.00 and they get you a third off the cost of your travel across the year.

Find out more and order a Coachcard on the National Express website

Depending on your age and circumstances, you might be entitled to one of the below railcards:

• a Senior Railcard
• a Disabled Person's Railcard

Both railcards are discount cards. You buy them for a set fee to last either 1 or 3 years and they get you a third off the cost of your train travel.

Can I get a Senior Railcard?

The Senior Railcard is available for anyone aged 60 or over to buy.

You can apply on the Senior Railcard website using a valid passport or UK driving licence as ID. Or, you can apply in person at most staffed railway stations.

Find out more about the Senior Railcard and apply online

Can I get a Disabled Person's Railcard?

The Disabled Person's Railcard is available to you if you meet one of the following criteria:

• you're registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
• you're registered as having a visual impairment
• you have epilepsy
• you receive a disability-related benefit, such as  Personal Independence Payment
• you receive War or Service Disablement pension
• you receive Attendance Allowance
• you receive Severe Disablement Allowance
• you receive War Pensioner's mobility supplement

Find out more about the Disabled Person's Railcard and apply online

Freedom Passes give London residents free travel in the city – including National Rail services, the Underground, buses, river services and trams – and free local bus journeys nationally.

If you live in London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass if one of the following applies to you:

• you've reached State Pension age
• you have a disability.

Find out more about Freedom Passes and apply on the London Councils website

National Rail has an interactive tool called Stations Made Easy, designed to help people find their way around stations and find more accessible routes, avoiding potential difficulties like stairs. This may be helpful if you have difficulty using public transport because of your health. 

Find out more and use the tool on the National Rail website

If you're disabled, you can't use public transport, or you don't have access to a car, you might also be able to use a community transport scheme – such as a social car, dial-a-ride, or taxicard scheme.

Shopmobility schemes help people shop in town centres by lending out wheelchairs and scooters. Some local councils also offer concessions on local public transport.

To find out what's available in your area, you can contact your local council or your local Age UK.

Find your local council on GOV.UK

• Please select a search type
• Please enter a valid postcode

No, you can't use a free bus pass on National Express buses. To get senior concessions on National Express you need to buy a senior coachcard, which costs £15 a year.

Top of section

Yes, your bus pass will give you free travel on buses across England, including London. However, there may be specific rules about when you can travel for free, so check your local council's free bus pass guidance before travelling.

Find your local council's older person's bus pass guidance on GOV.UK

Want more information?

Apply for an older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

We're here to help

We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.

About the Age UK Advice Line Find your local Age UK

Share this page

• Share on Facebook

Last updated: Apr 09 2024

You might also be interested in...

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people who need help with daily activities or getting around.

Being part of a mixed age couple affects which benefits you can claim. Find out if this affects you and what you...

Pension Credit information guide

If you’re over State Pension age and struggling to make ends meet, you might be entitled to Pension Credit. Download...

If you're over State Pension age and you're struggling to make ends meet, Pension Credit could help top up your income.

Become part of our story

• Please enter a valid email address

Back to top

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Who can travel on UK public transport for free?

Share this with

For a majority of people, travelling in the UK using public transport is far from free.

Whether you’re in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, most adults will have to shell out a few quid for bus tickets, or pay a heftier fee for monthly passes or train tickets .

However, some people can access free travel – by bus or even, in a few rare cases, rail – depending on where they live, their age, and whether or not they have a disability.

Free travel could be a huge help, especially given the current cost of living crisis.

So, if you’re wondering whether you might be eligible for free public transport where you are, we’ve rounded up all the information – plus where you need to go to learn more or apply.

Let’s take a look…

Who can travel on public transport for free in the UK?

Here is a breakdown of some of those who are eligible for free travel across the UK.

Free travel for under 18s, over 60s and disabled people in London

We’ll kick off with London … and its network of Tubes, Overground trains, DLR trains, trams and buses.

Firstly, under 5s travel for free on buses and the Tube, plus other Transport for London (TfL) services mentioned, if they’re with a fee-paying adult.

Children up to age 17 can also benefit from free travel, with children aged 5 to 10 also able to travel for free on the Tube, DLR, buses, trams, etc, using the ZIp Oyster Photocard .

Latest London news

• London street named one of the most beautiful in the world
• London’s newest erection has raised a few eyebrows
• This rooftop bar is so cool, we can’t believe more people don’t know it

To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

The ZIP Oyster Photocard is also available for children aged 11 to 15 , providing free bus and tram travel (not Tube), and for 16 to 17 year olds who specifically live in London , again for free buses and trams.

Over 60s living in London can get free travel with an Oyster Photocard , while anyone over 66 (state pension age in England) or who has a disability and lives in London can travel for free using the Freedom Pass .

Finally, veterans may be entitled to free travel in London with the Veterans Oyster Photocard .

Check the TfL website for any stipulations , such as services and times will accept your photocard or Freedom Pass.

Free bus travel for over 66s in England

When you reach the state pension age in England (currently 66), you can get free bus travel .

You’ll have to apply through your local council. Start by typing in your postcode on gov.uk .

Free bus travel for under 5s in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland

In both England and Scotland, children under the age of 5 usually travel for free on buses.

In England, you might find this varies by bus operator – and may only apply if the child is accompanied by a fee-paying adult. It may also apply to local metro or tram travel, too.

For example, we noticed that the Metro in Newcastle-upon-Tyne allows up to three children under age 11 to travel for free , again if the adult accompanying them has paid for a ticket.

Your best bet is to check the policy on the website of your local public transport provider.

In Scotland, all children under 5 go free on buses.

In Northern Ireland, under 5s appear to go free on some Translink buses (from what we can tell) – though may be included as ‘part of a party’ in the cost of Family Tickets . It’s worth checking directly.

Free bus travel for under 22s in Scotland

The Young Persons Free Bus Travel Scheme in Scotland is really good news for people aged 21 or younger.

Under 22s are now able to apply for a pass granting them free travel on buses, even beyond their local area.

On gov.scot , it says: ‘The scheme will give you free travel on any bus in any part of Scotland on registered bus services.

‘You can travel on buses outside the area you live in using your card. Only a few services, such as premium-fare night buses and City Sightseeing buses, will not accept the card.’

Free bus travel for over 60s in Scotland

Anyone aged 60 or over in Scotland can also apply for free bus travel, by visiting the gov.scot website .

The pass, called the National Entitlement Card, is designed to help people get around their local area, but can also help with travel further afield within Scotland.

Free bus and rail travel for under 11s in Wales

According to Transport for Wales , under 11s travel for free on buses and trains, when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

Under 16s can also enjoy free off-peak travel.

Free bus travel (and some rail) in Wales for over 60s

Anyone over 60 can apply for a bus pass enabling free travel in Wales, called a Concessionary Travel Pass.

As with England, you can apply via your local authority, which you can find by entering your postcode on gov.uk .

This Concessionary Travel Pass also allows for some free rail travel, including on routes from Wrexham to Hawarden Bridge, Shrewsbury to Swansea, or Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

However, some routes come with stipulations – such as only being able to travel for free from October to March. You also still need to get a ticket, even if you’re not paying.

There’s more information on Transport for Wales’ website .

Free bus travel for over 60s in Northern Ireland

People aged 60 or over in Northern Ireland are able to get free bus travel on the country’s Translink services.

You can read the fine print and start your application on the NI Direct government website .

Free bus, train and LUAS tram travel for over 65s across Ireland

Older people in Northern Ireland may also be able to travel across the whole Emerald Isle for free.

The All Ireland Free Travel Scheme allows for free bus and rail travel in both Northern Ireland the Republic of Ireland – including on Dublin’s LUAS trams (with a few exceptions, of course).

To qualify, you must be a resident of Northern Ireland, aged 65 or older, or a resident of the Republic of Ireland, aged 66 or over. There may also be a few other people who can qualify.

Find out more on NI Direct and on Ireland’s government website, gov.ie .

Free bus travel for disabled people across the UK

People across the UK who have a disability will (mostly) find they are eligible to receive free travel on public transport, mainly buses.

In England, you can apply for a bus pass via your local council’s website, which you can reach by visiting gov.uk .

Residents of Scotland with disabilities can apply for the National Entitlement Card . There is also the Welsh Disabled Concessionary Travel Card, which you can apply for via Transport for Wales .

In Northern Ireland, people who are registered blind or are war disablement pensioners are eligible for free bus travel.

People with learning disabilities, who are partially-sighted, unable to drive on medical grounds, or get the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can get half price travel.

You can find out more and apply for the relevant SmartPass via NI Direct .

Finally, though not free, it’s worth knowing about the Disabled Persons’ Railcard , which can help save up to 1/3 on train fares in the UK (as when it comes to train prices, every little really does help…)

Free school transport for some children across the UK

Last but not least: some UK children are able to get free travel to and from schoo.

If you are eligible to receive this, it will depend on a few things, such as your child’s age and their proximity to school – plus if the nearest school is a few miles away from them.

Children who have no safe walking route home, or who have special educational needs, may also qualify.

To find out if you can get free school transport for your child/ren, visit gov.uk (for England and Wales), gov.scot (for Scotland) and EANI (for Northern Ireland).

One final note

The above is a guide to what kind of free public transport is available in the UK, but doesn’t cover every individual operator.

Things may change over time, there may be stipulations to the free travel, or things may differ slightly depending on who provides public transport in your area.

Always check the website, and read the T&Cs when applying for travel passes.

MORE : Why are the rail strikes actually happening and will they end?

MORE : Should you budget weekly or monthly? An experts shares everything to know

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

Sign Up for News Updates

Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more.

Privacy Policy

Get us in your feed

advertisement

Help with travel costs

Get around by bus for less

To help people with cost of living pressures and save on everyday travel costs, the government is extending the £2 bus fare cap on most routes in England outside London until the end of December 2024.

Visit your local bus operator website for more information about the cap in your area. Further information on the cap and participating operators can be found on GOV.UK.

Traveline.info can also be used to plan journeys and find more information on available routes.

Cheap and free days out

Explore hundreds of free and affordable events happening across the country. See what’s on in your local area, from affordable theatre tickets and free exhibitions, to fun family activities at your local library.

Find free and affordable things to do near you with this interactive map

Free bus travel for older and eligible disabled people

In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age. Apply for an older person’s bus pass If you’re disabled then you may be eligible for a disabled person’s pass if you live in England. Apply for a disabled person’s bus pass

Save 1/3rd on rail journeys

You can get up to a third off train fares with a railcard in Great Britain, saving up to £142 a year on average. Save one third on rail journeys with a railcard

50% off travel if you’re on Universal Credit

You may be eligible for a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card if you’re on Universal Credit. Find out more information on the National Rail website

Cutting fuel duty

In the Spring Budget 2023 the government extended the fuel duty cut on petrol and diesel of 5 pence per litre for a further 12 months, as well as cancelling the planned inflation increase for 2023-24. Over 2 years this means a saving for drivers worth around £10 billion overall, and for the average car driver around £200, £400 for the average van driver and £3,000 for the average haulier. 

How to apply for or renew your National Entitlement Card

You can use getyournec.scot to apply for, renew and request a replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC). If you cannot submit your request online, please select from the menu if you are enquiring about a 60+ or disabled NEC, or the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel NEC for those under 22.

Local authority contacts for 60+ or disabled scheme

Using the details below, please contact your local authority or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) who can advise of the current application and renewal process in your area.

Aberdeen City

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633560
• Phone number:  03000 200 293
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Aberdeen City website

Aberdeenshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633727
• Phone number:  03456 081 208
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Aberdeenshire website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633719
• Phone number:  03452 777 778
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Angus website

Argyll & Bute (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633297
• Phone number:  0141 333 3211
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Argyll & Bute (SPT) website

Clackmannanshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633741
• Phone number:  01259 450 000
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Clackmannanshire website

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633624
• Phone number:  01851 822 661
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles) website

Dumfries & Galloway

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633670
• Phone number:  030 33 33 3000
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Dumfries & Galloway website

Dundee City

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633725
• Phone number:  01382 433 267
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Dundee City website

East Ayrshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633687
• East Ayrshire (SPT) website

East Dunbartonshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633564
• East Dunbartonshire (SPT) website

East Lothian

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633546
• Phone number:  01620 827 827
• Email address:  [email protected]
• East Lothian website

East Renfrewshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633570
• East Renfrewshire (SPT) website

Edinburgh (City of Edinburgh)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633668
• Phone number:  0131 200 2351
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Edinburgh (City of Edinburgh) website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633733
• Phone number: 01324 506 607
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Falkirk website (Disabled)
• Falkirk website (Over 60)
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633250
• Phone number:  0345 155 0066
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Fife website

Glasgow City (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633740
• Glasgow City (SPT) website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633603
• Phone number:  01349 886 604
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Highland website

Inverclyde (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633744
• Inverclyde (SPT) website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633678
• Phone number:  0131 561 5455
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Midlothian website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633737
• Phone number:  0300 123 4565
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Moray website

North Ayrshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633279
• North Ayrshire (SPT) website

North Lanarkshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633284
• North Lanarkshire (SPT) website

Orkney Islands

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633734
• Phone number:  01856 873 535
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Orkney Islands website

Perth & Kinross

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633708
• Phone number:  01738 475 000
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Perth & Kinross website

Renfrewshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633289
• Renfrewshire (SPT) website

Scottish Borders

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633743
• Phone number:  0300 100 1800
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Scottish Borders website

Shetland Islands

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633679
• Phone number:  01595 744 868
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Shetland Islands website

South Ayrshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633559
• South Ayrshire (SPT) website

South Lanarkshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633231
• South Lanarkshire (SPT) website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633739
• Phone number:  01786 237 500
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Stirling website

West Dunbartonshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633511
• West Dunbartonshire (SPT) website

West Lothian

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633285
• Phone number:  01506 280 000
• Email address:  [email protected]
• West Lothian website

Local authority contacts for Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633560
• Phone:  03000 200 292
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633727
• Phone:  03456 081 208
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633719
• Phone:  03452 777 778 

Argyll & Bute

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633297
• Phone: 01546 605 517
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Argyll & Bute website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633741
• Phone:  01259 450 000
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633624
• Phone:  01851 822 661
• Email for 5-10 year olds:  [email protected]
• Email for 11-21 year olds:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633670
• Phone:  0303 333 3000
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633725
• Phone:  01382 433 267
• Email: [email protected]

East Ayrshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633687
• Email:   Online contact form
• East Ayrshire website

East Dunbartonshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633564
• Phone:  0300 123 4510
• Email: [email protected]
• East Dunbartonshire website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633546
• Phone:  01620 827 827
• Email:   [email protected]

East Renfrewshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633570
• Phone:  0141 577 3001
• Email: [email protected]
• East Renfrewshire website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633668
• Phone:  0131 200 2351
• Email:   [email protected]
• Phone: 01324 506 607
• Email:   [email protected]
• Falkirk website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633250
• Phone:  0345 155 0066
• Email:   [email protected]

Glasgow City

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633740
• Phone: 0141 276 0727
• Email:  [email protected]
• Glasgow Life website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633603
• Phone:  01349 886 604
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633744
• Phone:  01475 715 450
• Email:  [email protected]
• Inverclyde website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633678
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633737
• Phone:  0300 123 4565
• Email:   [email protected]

North Ayrshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633279
• Phone:  01294 310 000
• Email: [email protected]
• North Ayrshire website

North Lanarkshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633284
• Email for Young Scot cardholders (Age 11+):   [email protected]
• Email for age 5-10:  [email protected]
• North Lanarkshire website for age 5-15
• North Lanarkshire website for age 16-21
• Phone:  01856 873 535
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633708
• Phone:  01738 475 000
• Email:   [email protected]

Renfrewshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633289
• Phone:  0300 300 0209
• Email:   [email protected]
• Renfrewshire website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633743
• Phone:  0300 100 1800
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633679
• Phone:  01595 744 490
• Email:   [email protected]

South Ayrshire

• Phone:  0300 123 0900
• Email:   [email protected]
• South Ayrshire website

South Lanarkshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633231
• Phone:  0303 123 1015
• Email:   [email protected]
• South Lanarkshire website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633739
• Phone: 01786 233 562
• Email: [email protected]

West Dunbartonshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633511
• Phone: 01389 738 282 
• Email: [email protected]
• West Dunbartonshire website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633285
• Phone: 01506 280 150
• Email: [email protected]

Free bus travel throughout your birthday month

Enjoy free travel on participating bus services on your birthday month.

Anyone from the age of 5 living in the West of England is now eligible to apply for free bus travel on participating services for the month their birthday falls in.

All you have to do is apply at least 7 days before the first day of your birthday month. But you can still apply after that – right up to the 15th, and still get a pass for the rest of that month.

The Birthday Bus Pass will then be delivered to you via post, to use during your birthday month. Don’t delay, apply now !

How to apply for your Birthday Bus Pass

To apply for your pass, simply apply online. Applying is simple. All you’ll need:

• Your address: A valid address in the West of England area (Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire)
• Your age: If you’re 18 or under, you’ll need to verify your age, to make sure that the bus operators are reimbursed correctly. Check the application page for more details.
• Your identity: a recent digital photo that meets the standard photo-pass requirements.

Your Birthday Bus Pass will then be sent to you in the post which you simply need to scan on the machine reader when boarding the bus. For WEST link bookings, simply quote the code on the back of the pass when booking your ride.

Participating services

The Birthday Bus Pass will be accepted on most buses in the West of England.

Exceptions include:

• School services
• Community transport
• Special event services
• Coach services
• Airport services (A1 and A3)
• A4 Air Decker for journeys starting and ending at Bristol Airport, you can use it on other parts of the route
• Newport bus
• Stagecoach Falcon
• Bath Park & Ride services 21, 31, and 41 (it is accepted on service 4 from Odd Down Park & Ride)

Other exclusions may apply.

Frequently asked questions

For more frequently asked questions, please visit the application page .

Don’t delay! Apply now and we’ll send you your pass in the post. Apply now here .

To enjoy free travel for the whole of your birthday month, apply at least 7 days before the first day of your birthday month.

But you can still apply after that – right up to the 15th, and still get a pass for the rest of that month.

Scan your Birthday Bus Pass on the ticket machine reader. If you have any problems, please speak to the driver who will be happy to assist.

For WEST link journeys, please quote the code on the back of your Birthday Bus Pass when booking your ride.

Passes will be replaced at no cost. Passes will only be replaced within the first 15 days of the month they are valid for, to allow for processing and delivery time.

The Birthday Bus Pass, giving residents free travel across the region, is the only one of its kind in the country and will run for a 12-month period from the 1st August 2023.

So don’t delay! Make sure you and everyone you know gets a Birthday Bus Pass!

Birthday Bus Pass customer assistance

For assistance, including lost cards, please contact the bus pass team using the details below. Normal opening hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Major Alerts

Major updates that may affect your travel in the west of england..

• Last updated: 09:55 
• 03rd May, 2024 03/05/2024

May Bank Holiday bus services 6 and 27 May 2024

• Status: Ongoing
• From:  06th May, 2024 06/05/24
• To:  28th May, 2024 28/05/24

West of England

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Local transport

Transport Secretary extends scheme helping Ukrainian evacuees reach safety in the UK

The onward travel scheme for Ukrainian refugees will be extended for 6 months.

• Ukrainian evacuees arriving in the UK continue to be offered one free journey to reach their final destination
• over 2,900 Ukrainian evacuees have benefitted from the scheme, so far
• this scheme makes the incredibly difficult journey for evacuees fleeing Ukraine, in some part, easier

The Transport Secretary has today (18 December 2022) announced the extension of a travel scheme helping Ukrainian evacuees reach safety in the UK.

For a further 6 months, the free onward travel scheme will continue to grant all Ukrainian evacuees arriving in the UK one free journey either by rail, coach, tube or bus to reach their final destination.

The Department for Transport is working closely with operators to ensure support for Ukrainian arrivals is in place across the country.

The scheme is providing vital support to those who need it the most and today’s extension means passengers will continue to be protected should the situation in Ukraine escalate any further.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

We know, for those who have had to flee their homes in Ukraine and find sanctuary in the UK, this support has been vital, making the difficult journey to safety in some part easier. We will continue to do all we can to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians, and this scheme is an important first gesture on their arrival in our country.

So far, over 2,900 Ukrainian evacuees have used the vital scheme, which has made it easier for Ukrainians fleeing war to reach safety and sanctuary in the UK.

The Transport Secretary is writing to rail, bus and coach operators to thank them for their generosity in facilitating the scheme and for their willingness to continue offering it.

The department has been widely informed by scheme partners that onward travel is a commonly requested area of support for refugees and the free onward travel scheme has made a huge difference for those fleeing Ukraine, following the illegal Russian invasion.

The scheme, which was launched in March 2022, provides Ukrainian arrivals with a single no cost onward public transport journey within 48 hours of arrival at major English entry ports to their final destination in the UK.

News desk enquiries

Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

Switchboard 0300 330 3000

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

• Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
• Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Related content

Invasion of ukraine.

• UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals
• Move to the UK if you're coming from Ukraine
• Homes for Ukraine: record your interest
• Find out about the UK’s response

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .