List of people who can travel for free on UK trains and buses

While London’s public transport network is invaluable for navigating the capital, the costs can rapidly accumulate, sometimes deterring people from making certain journeys. However, there are numerous ways to keep expenditure down, no matter where you are in the country, reports MyLondon.

Free public transport often varies significantly across the UK, as each nation has its own concessionary travel schemes. Sadly, there is no single UK-wide scheme covering everyone. We walk you through the different free schemes available.

England

The main national concessions are available to older people and eligible disabled people:

• Older people: In England, you can apply for a free bus pass once you reach State Pension age.
• Disabled people: Eligible disabled people can apply for a concessionary bus pass through their local authority.
• London: Eligible older and disabled London residents have broader concessions, allowing free travel on buses, the Tube and other Transport for London services with the appropriate pass.
• Children: During August 2026, a temporary national scheme allows children aged 5–15 to travel free on eligible bus services in England from August 1 to August 31.

In the capital, from linking a railcard to your Oyster card to hopping on multiple buses within 60 minutes for a single fare, a wealth of money-saving tactics are available to reduce your travel bills.

Yet one pass stands head and shoulders above the rest, offering holders unlimited free travel on buses, trams and TFL train lines.

This coveted pass is known as the TfL Freedom Pass, and there are several ways to obtain one, provided you meet certain criteria. There are two types of Freedom Pass available.

The first is the Older Person’s Freedom Pass, allowing holders to travel free on TfL services from 9am on weekdays and at any time during weekends and bank holidays.

To be eligible, you simply need to reside in a London borough and have reached state pension age (currently 66 for both men and women). Applications can be made online.

The second type is the Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass, which provides free travel at all times on TfL services.

To qualify, you must reside in a London borough and have an eligible disability. Eligible disabilities include: In exceptional circumstances, however, London boroughs may have the power to grant Freedom Passes to disabled individuals who do not meet one of the statutory eligibility criteria.

Scotland

Scotland has one of the UK’s most generous concessionary travel schemes:

• People aged 60 and over: Residents can receive a free bus pass from age 60, regardless of State Pension age.
• Disabled people: Eligible disabled people can receive free bus travel, and in some circumstances, a companion can also travel free.
• Under-22s: Children and young people under 22 can access free bus travel through the National Entitlement Card scheme.

Wales

People aged 60 and over, as well as those who meet the relevant disability criteria, can apply for a concessionary travel pass that provides free travel on most bus services in Wales.

Northern Ireland

People aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people may qualify for concessionary travel through the SmartPass scheme. Depending on the type of SmartPass, the concession can cover both bus and rail services. There are also specific concessions for groups such as war-disabled veterans.

Overall

Having a free or concessionary bus pass does not necessarily mean that all public transport is free. Eligibility and coverage vary by location and by the type of transport. Buses, trains, trams, underground services, ferries and coaches can all have different rules.

Age, disability and location are the main factors determining eligibility for free public transport in the UK.