Website of the UK government

Local bus travel in England

Everyone aged 60 or over who is resident in England is entitled to free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England using a National Bus Pass. Off-peak travel is when you travel any time between 9.30am and 11.00 pm, Monday to Friday, and at any time on weekends and public holidays.

To get a bus pass, you need to apply to your local authority which is responsible for issuing passes. There is no cost for the first pass but you may have to pay a fee for replacement passes.

Local authorities may still offer further benefits to local residents, such as free travel during peak times or reduced rail travel, but these will only apply for travel in the local area, and not everywhere in England. Check with your local authority to find out whether it offers these extra services. If it does, there may be a charge for the pass, but your local authority must still offer you the option of a normal concessionary bus pass at no charge.

• Concessionary bus pass providers in England Opens new window
• Leisure and travel information on the Age Concern website Opens new window
• Free bus travel and concessions

Local bus travel in Wales

In Wales, if you're over 60, you're entitled to a free bus pass from your local authority. You can use it at any time of the day and are entitled to travel on all local bus services in Wales. The pass can also be used on some long-distance services.

How to apply

You can apply to your local authority for the Concessionary Bus Pass. You will usually have to fill in an application form and take along a passport-style photo plus proof of your age and address.

Local bus travel in Scotland

In Scotland everyone 60 or over is entitled to free local bus and scheduled long-distance coach services within Scotland at any time of the day, including the morning rush hour. This scheme is run by Transport Scotland and you need to apply for a National Entitlement Card to travel for free.

• Free bus travel in Scotland – how to apply Opens new window

Free travel passes in Northern Ireland

Everyone aged 65 or over living in Northern Ireland can travel on buses and trains for free with a Senior SmartPass. Application forms for a Senior SmartPass card are available from Translink bus and rail stations or by calling Translink on 028 90 66 66 30, Monday to Sunday, 7.00 am to 8.00 pm.

• More about Senior SmartPass in Northern Ireland Opens new window

Over 60s discounts on coach travel

The National Express coach network in England and Wales, and Citylink in Scotland, can take you to most places in Britain.

In England and Wales, if you're over 60, you automatically qualify for ‘routesixty’ fares. This means you can travel up to half price on most National Express services. To find out more, telephone 08705 808 080. Some smaller companies such as Berrys and Baker Dolphin are also included in the scheme.

In Scotland, if you're over 60, Scottish Citylink offers  a range of discounted fares for the over 60s that regularly changes. If you have a National Entitlement Card, you may be able to travel free on some of its services. To find out more, telephone 08705 505 050.

• routesixty on the National Express website Opens new window
• Scottish Citylink website Opens new window

Extra benefits

You can save money by combining bus-travel tickets with admission tickets. There's a range of travel extras to consider too, like inclusive coach and airport-hotel packages as well as theatre, shows and concert deals as well as tickets to European destinations.

More useful links

• Journey planner (travel and transport section)
• Travel, holidays and breaks (disabled people section)