Imagine tapping your card and traveling absolutely free for life—no fare, no fuss. If you’re a UK resident aged 60 or over, you’re in luck.
A new bus pass benefit allows you to ride local buses without paying a single penny, with eligibility and rules varying by region.
This article dives deep into what’s on offer, from eligibility, travel times, and application steps, to a clear comparison table and smart tips to help you make the most of your free travel privilege.
Who Qualifies for This Free Bus Pass?
- England (outside London): Qualification starts at State Pension age, currently 66. Unfortunately, the benefit does not start at 60 here.
- London: Residents aged 60 and above qualify for a 60+ Oyster Photo Card, later transitioning to the Older Person’s Freedom Pass when they hit State Pension age.
- Scotland: Universal free bus travel at age 60 and above via the National Entitlement Card—usable on local and long-distance bus services.
- Wales: Free bus travel available for residents aged 60+ through the Concessionary Travel Card scheme.
- Northern Ireland: Two tiers: SmartPass for ages 60–64 and Senior SmartPass (65+), offering free bus and rail travel; the latter includes cross-border travel benefits.
When Can You Use the Pass?
- England (outside London): Valid during off-peak hours—09:30 to 23:00 on weekdays, and all day on weekends and bank holidays.
- London: For both the 60+ Oyster and Freedom Pass, free travel starts from 09:00 on weekdays (with some National Rail services beginning from 09:30), and runs all day on weekends and bank holidays.
- Scotland: Enjoy free travel at any time of day, every day, with no restrictions.
- Wales: Free travel on designated services throughout the day; specific hours may vary regionally but generally cover most journeys.
- Northern Ireland: Both passes offer all-day free travel on Translink buses and trains, and the Senior SmartPass adds participating cross-border travel into the Republic of Ireland.
| Region | Eligibility Age | Free Travel Time | Coverage Area | Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England (non-London) | State Pension age (~66) | 09:30–23:00 (wkdays) | Local buses across England | Local council via national portal |
| London | 60+ | From 09:00 (TfL); wkends all day | London’s transport network (TfL + NR) | TfL / London borough online application |
| Scotland | 60+ | Any time, all day | All registered bus services in Scotland | Local council – National Entitlement Card |
| Wales | 60+ | All-day on eligible services | Across Wales | Transport for Wales – Concessionary Card |
| Northern Ireland | 60–64; 65+ | All day | NI (and ROI, with Senior pass) | nidirect / Translink SmartPass |
How to Apply
England (Outside London)
- Confirm that you’ve reached State Pension age (currently 66).
- Visit your local council’s application portal to apply online or via post.
- Provide proof of age, identity, and address as required.
London
- 60+ Oyster Photo Card: Apply online through TfL or your local borough. You’ll need a digital passport-style photo and to pay a small administration fee. This covers you until you reach Free Pass eligibility.
- Older Person’s Freedom Pass: Once you hit State Pension age, apply via London Councils with the required documents.
Scotland
- Apply through your local council for the National Entitlement Card.
- Provide age and residency verification.
- Use the card for unlimited travel anytime.
Wales
- Apply for the Concessionary Travel Card for 60+ via Transport for Wales.
- Upload proof of age, photo, and address details.
Northern Ireland
- Choose between the 60+ SmartPass (if aged 60–64) or the Senior SmartPass (65+).
- Apply via nidirect or Translink.
- Senior pass adds cross-border privileges on certain routes.
Smart Tips for Maximum Benefit
- Tap on/touch in only after the off-peak window starts (for England and London), to ensure your journey is free.
- Always carry your pass, and keep a spare photo ID handy when traveling outside London—it may be requested.
- Plan ahead: In some regions, local councils add generous early start times or additional modes like ferry or tram.
- Make the most of weekend travel, which is often completely unrestricted across most UK schemes.
- Review renewals and replacement costs—some passes may require occasional renewal or a small replacement fee if lost.
For UK residents aged 60 and older, free bus travel is a genuine and valuable benefit—though the eligibility age, coverage, and hours vary by region.
- In London, 60-year-olds ride free with a 60+ Oyster, transitioning to a Freedom Pass later on.
- In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, 60+ residents enjoy all-day travel (with Republic-of-Ireland add-ons for NI).
- In England outside London, the benefit kicks in at State Pension age, with off-peak travel only.
By following the application steps, staying mindful of travel windows, and planning wisely, you can unlock hassle-free, cost-free travel for life.
Whether you’re heading to the shops, visiting friends, or enjoying a day out, this powerful benefit keeps you moving—without paying a penny.
FAQs
Can I automatically get a free bus pass at 60 in England?
No—outside London, free travel begins only once you reach State Pension age, currently 66. London residents, however, can apply for a 60+ Oyster Photo Card at age 60.
Are there time restrictions on using the free bus pass?
Yes—England (outside London) restricts free travel to off-peak hours (09:30–23:00 weekdays), while London unlocks fares from 09:00 (most TfL services) and 09:30 for some National Rail. In contrast, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland generally allow unrestricted all-day travel.
What’s the difference between the 60+ SmartPass and Senior SmartPass in Northern Ireland?
The 60+ SmartPass covers bus and rail travel within Northern Ireland for residents aged 60–64. The Senior SmartPass (65+) offers the same plus free travel into the Republic of Ireland, where services participate in the scheme.