In England, a free bus pass for older people is not tied to turning 60. It is tied to your State Pension age.
Check your State Pension age first.
Who can get a free bus pass in England?
Older people can get a bus pass once they reach State Pension age. The pass gives free travel on buses across England, including London.
Local rules on when you can travel may apply. Older and disabled people can usually travel free on local buses anywhere in England, but only at certain times on weekdays. Ask your council for the exact times before you travel.
- London 60+: if you are 60 or over and live in London, you can get free travel on buses, trains and other transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.
- London Freedom Pass: London Freedom Passes give free travel across London and free local bus journeys nationally. Ask your London borough council whether you qualify.
- Outside London: some areas may offer concessions to people over 60. Ask your council.
What if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
Rules can differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Check with your local council or transport authority what applies where you live.
Can someone travel with you for free?
Sometimes, but not everywhere. Some councils let a companion travel free. This varies by area, so ask your council.
Some councils also give extra free travel hours. Ask about those too.
Are you eligible if you are disabled and under pension age?
You may be. A disabled person’s bus pass has no central provider. Your local council decides who is eligible and how to apply.
Phone or search your council’s website and ask what the conditions are.
What other travel discounts are worth checking?
These can cut costs. A free bus pass cannot be used on National Express coaches.
- Senior Railcard: anyone aged 60 or over can buy one. You need a valid passport or UK driving licence as ID, or you can apply in person at most staffed stations.
- Disabled Person’s Railcard: receiving a disability-related benefit such as PIP is one way to qualify. A companion travelling with you also gets a third off rail tickets. Disabled children aged 5 to 15 can have one, and an adult travelling with them gets a discount.
- Railcard terms: both railcards are bought for 1 or 3 years and give a third off train travel.
- National Express Coachcard: for older or disabled customers it costs £15 and gives a third off fares across the year.
- Taxi vouchers: some councils give free taxi vouchers to people who find public transport difficult.
- Community transport: if you cannot use public transport, you may be able to use a social car, dial-a-ride or taxicard scheme. Some need registration and may charge. A carer may be able to travel with you for an extra charge. Your council’s social services team can say what exists locally.
- NHS travel costs: the NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme may refund reasonable travel costs to NHS-funded treatment or tests. Ask the hospital or clinic how to claim.
If you use a wheelchair and buses are hard to use, taxi and private hire firms can provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Ask when you book.
How do you apply, and what if you are turned down?
Ask your local council how to apply and what documents and proof it needs.
If you are turned down, you can take these steps:
- Ask the council to give the reason in writing.
- Check whether a document was missing or unclear, and send it again.
- Ask whether you can have the decision looked at again.
- Ask about other help, such as taxi vouchers or community transport.
Rules and amounts change. Confirm details with your council before you travel.
If the person has dementia
- Try a short bus trip together first, at a quiet time of day.
- Keep the pass in the same place each time, and keep a note of the person’s name and a contact number with it.
- Ask the transport operator before you travel what help is available.
What to do next
- Phone your council and ask about bus passes, free travel times and companion travel.
- Gather the documents your council asks for.
- Check whether a railcard, taxi vouchers or community transport would help. Our rights and benefits guide covers other support you may be owed.
- For stations, try National Rail’s Stations Made Easy tool to find accessible routes. For ideas on using public transport with mobility issues, see the NHS guide.