Free bus travel: who qualifies where
Each UK nation runs its own scheme — and they're surprisingly different. Here's the full picture.
| Nation | Who travels free | When | Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | State Pension age; eligible disabled people | Weekdays 9:30–23:00, all weekend | ENCTS pass (via council) |
| Scotland | Under-22s; 60+; eligible disabled people | Any time | National Entitlement Card |
| Wales | 60+; eligible disabled people | Any time | Concessionary Travel Card |
| London | 66+ (Freedom Pass); 60–65 (60+ Oyster); under-11s | Varies by pass | Freedom Pass / Oyster |
How to apply
- England: through your local council (search "[your council] older person's bus pass").
- Scotland: via getyournec.scot or your council for the National Entitlement Card.
- Wales: via Transport for Wales (tfw.wales) concessionary travel.
- London: Freedom Pass via London Councils; 60+ Oyster via TfL.
- Northern Ireland: SmartPass via Translink — free travel at 60+ (60+ SmartPass and Senior SmartPass), including cross-border services with the Senior pass.
- Republic of Ireland: the Free Travel Scheme via the Department of Social Protection — 66+, plus certain carers and disability allowance recipients.
Frequently asked questions
Who gets free bus travel in England?
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) gives free off-peak bus travel to people of State Pension age and to eligible disabled people — valid on local buses anywhere in England from 9:30am to 11pm on weekdays and all day at weekends and bank holidays. Apply through your local council.
Who gets free bus travel in Scotland?
Scotland is the most generous: everyone under 22, everyone 60 and over, and eligible disabled people travel free on local buses anywhere in Scotland at any time, using a National Entitlement Card (NEC).
Who gets free bus travel in Wales?
Everyone 60 and over and eligible disabled people travel free on local buses anywhere in Wales, any time of day, with a Welsh Concessionary Travel Card.
What about London?
Londoners 66+ get a Freedom Pass (free bus, Tube, rail in London); the 60+ London Oyster covers 60–65s. Children under 11 travel free, and 11–17s travel free or half price with the right Zip Oyster card.
Can I use an English bus pass in Scotland or Wales?
No — the schemes are national. An ENCTS pass works anywhere in England, but not across the border (and vice versa), apart from a few cross-border routes with special arrangements.
Do children travel free on buses?
Under-5s travel free everywhere. Older children pay reduced fares set by each operator — and in August 2026, children aged 5–15 could travel free on participating English services as a government summer initiative.
Eligibility rules change — confirm details with the issuing body before travelling. Companions/carers may also travel free with some disabled passes depending on the council.