When can I get a free bus pass?

For older people who want to know when they can get a free bus pass and how to apply.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

It depends where you live:

England: free bus travel from State Pension age. Apply through your local council.
London: if you live in a London borough, you can travel free in London from 60. Apply online to TfL for a 60+ London Oyster photocard; there's a £20 fee.
Wales: from 60. Apply online through Transport for Wales.
Scotland: from 60. Apply through Transport Scotland.
Northern Ireland: from 60. Apply through nidirect.

Key facts

England: State Pension age
Wales, Scotland, NI: 60
London: 60+ Oyster photocard

What the free bus pass gives you in England

In England the pass is part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme. By law it gives you free travel on local buses anywhere in England:

When	Free travel?
Weekdays, 9:30am to 11pm	Yes
Weekends and bank holidays	Yes, all day
Weekdays before 9:30am	Only if your council chooses to allow it

Councils can add extras and pay for them locally, such as free travel before 9:30am or a companion pass.

Who can get one in England

You must have reached State Pension age. Your State Pension age depends on your date of birth, so check it on GOV.UK.
You must live in the council area that issues the pass (your "sole or principal residence").
Some disabled people can get a pass at any age. This is a separate disabled person's bus pass.

London is different. From 60 you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport, but only within London.

How to apply

Go to GOV.UK and enter your postcode to find your council.
Apply to the council. You will need to show that you live in its area.

The pass itself is free. In England it lasts up to 5 years, then you renew it. You may have to pay if you need a replacement.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Scotland: you can get a free bus pass if you are 60 or over and live in Scotland. It works on most bus and coach services in Scotland. It does not cover some services, like premium services, sightseeing buses and some cross-border routes. Edinburgh trams are free only if the City of Edinburgh Council issued your pass (unless you are blind or sight impaired).

Wales: you can get free bus travel from 60. Apply online through Transport for Wales. The pass also works on some Transport for Wales train services.

Northern Ireland:

Pass	Age	Where you can use it
60+ SmartPass	60 to 64	All Translink scheduled services in Northern Ireland
Senior SmartPass	65 and over	All Translink services, cross-border bus and rail, free travel with taking part operators in the Republic of Ireland, plus Rathlin Island and Strangford Lough ferries

You must have lived in Northern Ireland for at least 3 months. Apply in person at a Translink station with proof of age and address. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. You will never be asked for bank details when applying.

Travelling outside your own nation

An English pass works on local buses in England. It does not give free travel in Scotland or Wales unless there is a special local cross-border arrangement. A Scottish pass does not cover some cross-border routes either.

Related guides

Where this comes from

GOV.UK: Apply for an older person's bus pass
Department for Transport: Managing the English national concessionary travel scheme
mygov.scot: Transport help for older or disabled people
Welsh Government: Apply for a bus pass
nidirect: 60+ SmartPass and Senior (65+) SmartPass

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Apply for a bus pass

Common questions

What time can I use my free bus pass in England?

By law, the pass gives free travel on local buses between 9:30am and 11pm on weekdays, and all day at weekends and on bank holidays.

Can I get a free bus pass at 60 in London?

Yes, if you live in a London borough you can get a 60+ London Oyster photocard until you are eligible for a Freedom Pass. It costs £20 to apply.

How long does an older person's bus pass last in England?

Your pass can last up to 5 years before it needs renewing. Your first pass is free, but you may have to pay for a replacement.

How does the free bus pass work in Northern Ireland?

If you are 60 to 64 you can get a 60+ SmartPass for free travel on Translink services in Northern Ireland. At 65 the Senior SmartPass also covers cross-border bus and rail services.

Official sources

1.Apply for an older person's bus passwww.gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass
2.60+ London Oyster photocardtfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/60-plus-oyster-photocard
3.Apply for a bus pass (Welsh Government)www.gov.wales/apply-bus-pass
4.Guidance on the English National Concessionary Travel Schemewww.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-travel-concession-authorities-on-the-england-national-concessionary-travel-scheme/guidance-for-travel-concession-authorities-on-the-england-national-concessionary-travel-scheme
5.60+ SmartPass and Senior (65+) SmartPass (nidirect)www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/60-smartpass-and-senior-65-smartpass

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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