Free Bus Pass in the UK: Who Qualifies and How to Get One

Free bus travel is available across the United Kingdom, but the rules depend on where you live. In England, most people qualify when they reach State Pension age. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, residents can get a free bus pass at 60.

This guide explains who qualifies, when the pass can be used, and how to apply. It covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including the London exception and the disabled person’s bus pass.

Who qualifies for a free bus pass in the UK?

Each UK nation runs its own concessionary travel scheme. The qualifying age is the main difference between them:

GOV.UK confirms these age thresholds for each nation. Because transport is a devolved matter, the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) applies to England only.

The England rule: linked to State Pension age

In England, outside London, you qualify for a free older person’s bus pass when you reach State Pension age. That age is currently 66, but it is rising to 67 in phases between April 2026 and 2028 for people born after 6 April 1960.

The Department for Transport has confirmed that bus pass eligibility tracks the State Pension age. If you turn 66 during the transition, you will qualify at 66 plus a set number of months, depending on your exact date of birth. You can check your own bus pass age with the State Pension age checker on GOV.UK.

Some local councils fund extra concessions on top of the national scheme, such as earlier eligibility or longer travel hours. Age UK advises checking with your local council to see what help is available in your area.

London: free travel from 60

London runs its own schemes. If you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport from age 60 using the 60+ London Oyster photocard, but only within London. You cannot use the Oyster card for free travel outside the capital.

Once you reach State Pension age, the Older Person’s Freedom Pass takes over. It gives free travel on Transport for London services and on local bus services across England, subject to off-peak time restrictions.

The disabled person’s bus pass

You do not have to wait until pension age if you are disabled. A disabled person’s bus pass is available at any age if you are “eligible disabled” and live in England. The pass gives the same free off-peak bus travel as the older person’s pass.

You apply through your local council, which assesses eligibility under the ENCTS rules. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run equivalent schemes for disabled residents through their own national systems.

When can you use a free bus pass?

The statutory minimum concession in England covers free travel on eligible local bus services:

• Weekdays: between 9.30am and 11pm
• Weekends and bank holidays: all day

These are the minimum hours set out in the Government’s ENCTS guidance. Many councils extend them, for example by starting free travel at 9am or covering local trains. The pass is valid on local buses anywhere in England, not just in the area where it was issued.

The scheme excludes some services, such as coaches where most seats can be booked in advance, tourist or heritage services, and rail replacement buses.

How to apply for a free bus pass

Follow these steps:

1. Check your qualifying age. Use the GOV.UK State Pension age checker if you live in England, or confirm you are 60 or over in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
2. Find your council. In England and Wales, apply through your local council. GOV.UK lets you enter your postcode to start the application.
3. Prepare your documents. You will normally need proof of age, proof of address and a photograph.
4. Submit the application. Most councils accept online applications, and many also offer paper forms by post or in person.

For Scotland, apply for the National Entitlement Card through your local council or Transport Scotland. For Northern Ireland, apply for the SmartPass through Translink or NI Direct. For the London 60+ Oyster photocard, apply through Transport for London.

Frequently asked questions

At what age can I get a free bus pass in England?

You qualify when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 and rising to 67 in phases between April 2026 and 2028. People in London can get free travel from 60 within London using the 60+ Oyster photocard.

Why do Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland get free bus travel at 60?

Transport is a devolved matter. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each chose to set the qualifying age at 60 under their own concessionary travel schemes. In England, the qualifying age is set in law at State Pension age to keep the scheme affordable.

When can I use my free bus pass in England?

The statutory minimum is 9.30am to 11pm on weekdays, and all day at weekends and on bank holidays. Some councils offer longer hours as a local extra, so check your council’s scheme.

Can I get a free bus pass if I am disabled?

Yes. A disabled person’s bus pass is available at any age in England if you are “eligible disabled”. Apply through your local council, which will assess your eligibility under the ENCTS rules.

How do I apply for a free bus pass?

In England and Wales, apply through your local council, which you can find by entering your postcode on GOV.UK. You will need proof of age, proof of address and a photograph. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own application routes.

Will the qualifying age rise to 67?

In England, yes, gradually. The State Pension age rises from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and 2028, and bus pass eligibility follows the same timetable. The qualifying age in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland stays at 60.

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