What is the free bus pass for seniors in the UK and how can you claim it?
As people reach retirement age in the UK they are eligible to claim a free bus pass, which can open up the world of travel across the country, especially for those who don’t drive. (Or in my case, when you have a bus-obsessed three-year-old grandson that you can accompany around town without any cost.)
Essentially, the pass offers:
- Free or discounted travel on eligible bus services within your region or country
- In some areas, extra benefits like free tram, train, underground, or cross-border travel
Differences across the UK
Benefits and eligibility vary across the four nations of the UK. These are guidelines listed in August 2025, but are always subject to change, so do check before making any journeys.
| Nation | Eligibility age | When you can use it | Where you can travel | Extras |
| England | State Pension Age (currently ~66) | Off-peak weekdays (generally 9:30am–11pm) + all day weekends and public holidays | Any local bus in England | In London, the Older Person’s Freedom Pass or 60+ Oyster also gives Tube, tram, and rail travel in Greater London (with peak-time restrictions) |
| Scotland | 60+ | All day, every day | All registered local and long-distance buses in Scotland | Also valid on some cross-border services into northern England; can add free ferry concessions in some island areas |
| Wales | 60+ | All day, every day | Any bus service in Wales | Some local councils extend validity into parts of England (border towns) |
| Northern Ireland | 60–64: 60+ SmartPass 65+: Senior SmartPass |
All day, every day | 60+: All NI buses & trains | 65+: Includes all-Ireland free travel (bus & train) into Republic of Ireland |
Key Points to Remember
- Peak-time rules differ – England’s pass normally starts after 9:30am on weekdays, but Scotland, Wales, and NI allow all-day use.
- Cross-border travel is limited unless stated — Scotland and NI have some cross-border perks, but Wales’ coverage into England depends on local agreements.
- Extra transport modes (Tube, tram, rail) are generally only included in London’s schemes or NI’s rail coverage.
- The pass is personal – you can’t transfer it to someone else.
- Replacement fees may apply if your card is lost or damaged.
How to apply
England
Head to GOV.UK and enter your postcode to apply via your local council.
Scotland
Application options:
- Online via getyournec.scot
- Via local Post Offices, the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) (Glasgow area), or directly through local councils
Wales
Application options:
Contact your local council via their website or portals like Transport for Wales to apply for the Welsh Concessionary Travel Card StagecoachLottie.
Northern Ireland
Application methods:
- In person at Translink stations
- By phone: 028 9066 6630
- By email: [email protected] Translink.
Making an application
- Confirm the correct age depending on where you live and check your eligibility
- Visit the appropriate site or contact local council or Translink to begin your application
- Prepare documents: proof of age, identity (photo ID), address, and passport-sized photo
- Apply early: Many schemes allow applications up to a few weeks before becoming eligible
Eligibility in the future
There are suggestions that eligibility for free bus passes may change in the future. For example, they may become means-tested, with some being offered discounts rather than a completely free pass. This still all fodder for speculation at this point, though change may be considered necessary as the cost of travel rises and the population of seniors grows.
Image: Photo by Adrià Jiménez on Unsplash
This article was compiled with the help of ChatGTP