Free Bus Pass for Older People: Age Rules by Nation
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
You can get a free older person's bus pass at 60 in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but in England you have to wait until you reach State Pension age (unless you live in London, where free travel within the capital starts at 60). The pass itself is free; you apply through your council or national transport body.
The age rules, nation by nation
| Where you live | Age you qualify | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| England (outside London) | State Pension age | Your local council |
| London | 60 for travel within London; State Pension age for the Freedom Pass | Transport for London, then London Councils |
| Scotland | 60 | The GOV.UK bus pass page, which links to the Scottish scheme |
| Wales | 60 | The GOV.UK bus pass page, which links to the Welsh scheme |
| Northern Ireland | 60 | The GOV.UK bus pass page, which links to the Northern Ireland scheme |
These ages are taken from the government's own bus pass page on GOV.UK, which also sends you to the right application form for where you live.
England: what "State Pension age" means for you
State Pension age is no longer a single number. It has been 66 for some years and is rising in stages to 67 between 2026 and 2028. Under the published timetable, people born before 6 April 1960 qualify at 66; those born from 6 April 1960 onwards qualify a month or more later, depending on their date of birth; and those born from 6 March 1961 qualify at 67.
The quickest way to find your own date is the State Pension age checker on GOV.UK. Our page on what you get at State Pension age lists the other entitlements that start on the same day.
When and where the pass works
England
The English national pass gives free travel on local buses anywhere in England. The national scheme is for off-peak travel: between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, and all day at weekends and on bank holidays. Many councils add extras for their own residents, such as earlier travel, so check your council's bus pass page. The pass covers local bus services, not long-distance coaches, and an English pass is not generally valid on buses in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Each nation runs its own scheme with its own card and its own rules on times and services. Because the details differ, read the terms that come with your card, and ask the driver or operator if you are unsure about a particular service or a cross-border route.
London
Londoners have two separate schemes, which we explain on our page about the 60+ London Oyster photocard and Freedom Pass.
How to apply and what ID to take
Most councils let you apply online, by post or in person. Exact requirements vary, but you will normally be asked for:
- Proof of age: for example a passport, driving licence or birth certificate.
- Proof of address: for example a recent council tax bill or utility bill showing your name and address.
- A passport-style photograph: a digital photo if you apply online, or a printed one for a paper form.
Apply a few weeks before you qualify if your council allows it, because cards are posted out and can take a little while to arrive. If filling in forms online is new to you, a relative can do it with you, or ask at the council's customer service desk or your local library.
If you have a disability
There is a separate disabled person's bus pass with no age limit, also issued by councils. If you qualify for both, ask your council which is better for you; in some areas the disabled person's pass has different time rules or allows a companion to travel with you. Our Blue Badge guide covers parking concessions.
Making the most of it
- Carry the pass every time. Drivers cannot let you travel free without it.
- Put the expiry date in your diary. Passes run out, and you may not get a reminder.
- Report a lost pass to your council straight away. There may be a replacement charge.
- Pair it with a Senior Railcard for longer journeys and you can cover most of the country cheaply.
Common questions
Why do people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland get a pass at 60 when England does not?
Transport is devolved, which means each nation's government sets and pays for its own scheme. England links its pass to State Pension age; the other three nations use 60.
Can I use my English bus pass before 9.30am?
Not under the national rules on a weekday, but some councils pay for earlier travel for their own residents. Check your council's website or ask the driver what the fare would be.
Does the bus pass work on trains, trams or coaches?
The English national pass is for local buses. Some areas add other local transport for residents, and the schemes in the other nations have their own rules, so check locally. For coaches, see coach travel discounts.
Do I have to be claiming my State Pension to get the pass?
No. In England the test is reaching State Pension age and living in the council's area. You can still be working.
What else do I get at 60?
Quite a lot, including free prescriptions in England and free NHS eye tests. See what you get at 60 and our list of free things for over-60s.