How do I get a free bus pass?
Eligibility ages and coverage differ substantially across the four UK nations, and the disabled person's pass is often overlooked by people who qualify.
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Time
- 30 min
- Read
- 3 min
Short answer
In England the older person's pass is linked to State Pension age and gives free off-peak travel on local buses; London has its own scheme with different rules. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own, generally lower, age thresholds and wider entitlements. Apply through your local council or transport authority, not through a national service.
The English scheme is a statutory minimum that councils may improve on but often do not, and the age at which it starts moves with the State Pension age rather than being fixed. Anyone reading an old figure will get it wrong. The disabled person's pass runs alongside it, is available at any age, and is claimed by far fewer people than qualify.
Step by step
- Find the scheme for where you live.England outside London: the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, administered by your council. London: Transport for London's Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster, which are separate and more generous. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each run their own national schemes with their own eligibility.
- Check the age threshold currently in force.In England the older person's pass is tied to State Pension age, so it moves. Scotland and Wales use a lower fixed age, and London's 60+ Oyster starts earlier again. Check your own scheme rather than a general figure.
- Check the disabled person's route separately.Available at any age to people meeting the statutory eligibility categories, which include serious sight or hearing impairment, being without arms or long-term loss of use of both arms, learning disability, and being refused a driving licence on medical grounds. Councils may add discretionary categories.
- Gather proof.Proof of identity, proof of address, a passport-style photograph, and for a disabled person's pass, evidence such as a benefit award letter, a certificate of visual impairment or a consultant's letter.
- Apply through the council or transport authority.GOV.UK provides a start page that routes you to the right body. Processing typically takes a few weeks and passes are posted.
- Understand what the pass covers.The English statutory minimum is off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England, generally from 9.30am on weekdays and all day at weekends and on bank holidays. It does not cover trains, coaches or trams unless your local authority chooses to extend it. Scotland and Wales include more.
- Ask about a companion pass.Where a person cannot travel alone, some schemes issue a pass allowing a companion to travel free with them. It is discretionary and it is not always offered without asking.
- Renew before it expires.Passes run for a fixed period, typically several years. Renewal is usually simpler than the first application, but it does not always happen automatically.
Questions people ask
At what age do I get a free bus pass?
In England it is tied to State Pension age, so it changes. Scotland and Wales use lower fixed ages, and London's 60+ Oyster starts earlier still. Check the scheme for where you live.
Can I use an English pass in Scotland or Wales?
Generally not. The schemes are national and separate, though there are cross-border arrangements on some specific routes. Check with the operator before travelling.
Can I get a pass before pension age if I am disabled?
Yes. The disabled person's pass is available at any age to people who meet the statutory eligibility categories, and councils can add their own discretionary categories.