How to apply for a free bus pass – who’s entitled?

Whether you’re popping to the shops or zipping around London landmarks, a free bus pass can save you hundreds of pounds a year – and budgeting isn’t the only benefit. 

A 2019 study from UCL found older adults with free bus passes reported greater life satisfaction and were a third less likely to be sedentary and socially isolated. 

Natalie Turner, Deputy Director of Localities at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “Research shows that the use of public transport contributes to better health outcomes.  

“It’s key in helping people to remain socially connected, meeting their practical needs but also contributing to our quality of life and wellbeing and financial security as people are working longer. 

“Good public transport is essential to everyone – but particularly those that don’t have access to a car. For people in rural and remote areas, buses are often the only form of public transport.” 

Can I get a free bus pass? 

The good news is if you’re in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can get a free bus pass as soon as you turn 60. In England, you’ll need to wait until you reach the State Pension age – currently 66. 

If you’re younger, you may be eligible for a disabled person’s bus pass if, for example, you’re blind or partially sighted, profoundly or severely deaf or if you’re unable to get a driver’s licence for medical reasons. Find out how to apply for a disabled person’s bus pass at the UK Government website. 

How do I apply for an Older Person’s Bus Pass? 

For most people, you can apply through your local council. The official title for free travel in England is the English National Concessionary Travel scheme.

However, the Older Person's Bus Pass has different names depending on where you live.

For example, Kent has My Bus Pass, Norfolk refers to it as an Age-related travel pass and Plymouth calls it a Concessionary Bus Pass. 

Go to your local council website and search for ‘bus pass’. If you don’t know which local authority your address falls under, the UK Government website has a tool where you can enter your postcode and find out. 

You’ll need a passport-style photo for ID and a document to prove how old you are and where you live.  

Documents to verify your age could include the following, but will vary by local council, so do check first: 

• Birth certificate 
• Passport 
• Driving licence 
• State Pension letter 
• NHS medical card or NHS letter with your date of birth
• Winter fuel allowance letter

Proof of address can include: 

• A letter from the national or local government 
• Current council tax bill 
• Tenancy or mortgage arrangements 
• TV licence 
• Letter confirming residency from your care home 

Your local authority’s website should also have a list of libraries where you can get help to apply for your bus pass. Remember to take your ID and a photo along with you. 

How long is a free bus pass valid for and where can I go? 

Like most elements of getting a free bus pass, the rules on validity vary. Some councils say passes are valid for up to five years, but others simply confirm they’ll renew your pass automatically.  

Other local authorities will send you a reminder when you need to renew – if it’s supposed to be automatic and you’ve not heard anything three weeks before renewal, it’s a good idea to get in contact. (Some councils allow you to renew up to two months before the expiry date.)  

If you move to a different county and your local authority changes, you’ll need to apply for an updated bus pass at your new home. 

The good news is you can use your pass for local services in other parts of the country issued too – for instance, in England if it carries the red rose symbol.  

If you’re visiting London you’ll get free travel on the wide network of buses there. Use your pass from 9am, Monday to Friday and any time on weekends and bank holidays - and wheelchair and mobility scooter users travel free too.  

When you’re boarding a London bus, remember to touch in on the yellow circle - sometimes the driver might ask to see the photo on your pass. 

However, free bus passes can’t be used across borders (such as from England into Wales). 

What’s available in London? 

If you live in one of the London boroughs, the Freedom Pass offers free travel on buses, trams, Tubes, the DLR, London Overground and the Elizabeth Line.  

It offers significant savings: for example, if you were travelling between zones one and five it could save you up to £73 a week, compared to normal Oyster fares. You can use it on buses anytime except between 4.30am and 9am (9.30am on National Rail). 

Check whether you’re eligible on the Freedom Pass website. It’s also valid on most other buses in England. If you’re too young, a 60+ Oyster card costs £20 (this is a one-off fee, but you will need to pay £10 a year for an address check) offers similar discounts, but you can only use it in London boroughs.