A free bus pass can save you hundreds a year.

Are you eligible?

There are two main free bus passes, plus separate schemes in London and the other UK nations. In short, you can usually get free or concessionary travel if you're an older person or an eligible disabled person — and in Scotland, if you're under 22.

• Older person's bus pass (England). You qualify when you reach State Pension age — currently 66, and rising towards 67 in monthly steps from 15 March 2026 (so people born on or after 6 March 1961 get it at 67). It gives free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.
• Disabled person's bus pass (England). Eligible disabled people of any age can get one, giving free off-peak local bus travel across England. If you can't travel alone you may also get a companion (+1) pass.
• London residents get free travel earlier (from 60) and on Tube, trains and trams too — see below.
• Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each run their own free or concessionary schemes — see the nations table.

Not sure of your exact qualifying date? Use the GOV.UK Check your State Pension age tool, then apply once you reach it.

The older person's bus pass (England)

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) gives every older person in England a free bus pass for free off-peak travel on local bus services right across the country — not just where you live.

What "off-peak" means: typically 9:30am to 11pm on weekdays, and all day at weekends and on bank holidays. Some councils choose to allow earlier or all-day travel — your council will confirm the local times.

When you qualify: at State Pension age. That's 66 now, but from 15 March 2026 the qualifying age starts rising in small monthly steps towards 67, in line with the State Pension age. The clearest way to find your date is the GOV.UK State Pension age checker.

The disabled person's bus pass — any age

If you live in England and are "eligible disabled", you can get a free disabled person's bus pass at any age — also under ENCTS — giving free off-peak local bus travel across England. You apply to your local council and upload evidence of your disability.

Companion (+1) passes

If you meet the criteria for a disabled person's pass and cannot travel alone, you may also qualify for a companion pass — which lets one person travel free with you for the whole journey. Councils often grant this where you get:

• PIP with 8 or more points on the "moving around" and/or "communicating verbally" activities; or
• higher-rate DLA mobility or care component; or
• a specialist's letter confirming you can't travel without a companion.

If you don't yet have a disability benefit, a free benefits check may also be worth running — you could be missing money like Attendance Allowance or PIP, which can also help with travel costs.

Where you live changes the rules

Travel is devolved, so the age and what's free differ across the UK. Here's the quick comparison:

London

London residents get free travel from age 60 with a 60+ London Oyster photocard (funded by TfL) — free travel on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and most National Rail services within London. There's a one-off £20 admin fee for this card. At State Pension age it's replaced by the Older Person's Freedom Pass (issued by London Councils), which keeps free London travel and adds free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England. Eligible disabled Londoners can get a Disabled Person's Freedom Pass.

Scotland

Scotland is the most generous: free bus travel for everyone aged 60 or over, for eligible disabled people, and for everyone under 22 — at any time of day, for any number of journeys, on registered local and long-distance services across Scotland. You apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC) at getyournec.scot. Disabled passholders who need support can get free companion travel.

Wales

If you're 60 or over or an eligible disabled person and live in Wales, you can get a free concessionary travel card for free travel on most buses in Wales (and the border routes), plus discounted or free travel on some rail. Some disabled passholders qualify for a companion card. Cards are arranged through Transport for Wales and your local council.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland uses the SmartPass (via Translink). A 60+ SmartPass gives free travel throughout NI from age 60; a Senior SmartPass from age 65 adds free all-Ireland travel (including cross-border and within the Republic). Eligible disabled people can get a free or Half Fare SmartPass. Apply via nidirect.

What you'll need to apply

The exact process varies by council and nation, but you'll usually need:

• Proof of age (for older person's passes) — passport, driving licence or birth certificate; or evidence of disability (for disabled person's passes) — e.g. a benefit award letter or a doctor's/specialist's confirmation.
• Proof of address — often two documents.
• A passport-style photo.
• (Scotland) your National Insurance number for the standard NEC application.

If you can't travel alone, say so on the form and ask about a companion (+1) pass.

How to apply

1. England. Apply through your local council, or start at GOV.UK: apply for an older person's bus pass or apply for a disabled person's bus pass (these point you to your council).
2. London. Apply to TfL for a 60+ Oyster photocard, or to London Councils for an Older Person's / Disabled Person's Freedom Pass.
3. Scotland. Apply for a National Entitlement Card at getyournec.scot.
4. Wales. Apply through Transport for Wales / your local council.
5. Northern Ireland. Apply via nidirect / Translink.

Free UK help

• Your local council — issues older person's and disabled person's bus passes in England, Wales and (with Translink) Northern Ireland. Use find my council.
• Age UK — help for older people with passes and benefits: 0800 678 1602.
• GOV.UK — older person's bus pass, disabled person's bus pass, check your State Pension age.
• Disabled, or caring for someone? See our Blue Badge, PIP and caring for a parent guides.