Merseyside Over 60s Travel Pass: Bus, Train and Ferry
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
Merseyside is the one English city region outside London where the local pass starts at 60. Merseytravel's Over 60s Travel Pass gives residents of Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral free travel on local buses, Merseyrail trains and Mersey Ferries river crossings, several years before the national bus pass would begin.
Why this pass is unusual
Everywhere else in England outside London, the older person's bus pass starts at State Pension age, which is 66 rising to 67. The national pass covers buses only and does not begin until 9.30am on weekdays. The Merseytravel scheme is more generous on all three counts: it starts at 60, it covers trains and ferries as well as buses, and Merseytravel's terms say there are no time restrictions on using it. For the national rules, see our page on the free bus pass.
Who qualifies
- You must be aged 60 or over.
- You must live in one of the five Merseyside council areas: Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens or Wirral.
Halton (Runcorn and Widnes) is part of the wider Liverpool City Region but is not covered by this pass. Merseytravel says Halton residents need to apply to their own council for a bus pass instead, so check Halton Borough Council's rules.
Where you can use it
| Type of transport | What Merseytravel says is covered |
|---|---|
| Buses | Local bus services within the Merseyside boundary |
| Trains | The Merseyrail network, and local trains within Merseyside; Merseyrail travel extends as far as Chester, Ellesmere Port and Ormskirk |
| Ferries | Mersey Ferries for direct river crossings |
It is not valid on River Explorer or special cruises, coach excursions, special bus services or National Express.
Because this is a local pass and not the English national pass, do not assume it will be accepted on buses elsewhere in England. Ask Merseytravel what applies to you once you reach State Pension age and qualify under the national scheme; its website has a separate route for people of State Pension age who have recently moved into the area.
What it costs
Travel with the pass is free. Merseytravel's pages list a £10 fee for issuing your first Over 60s Travel Pass, at the time of writing (November 2026), with the fee waived for people receiving certain benefits. Merseytravel publishes the list of qualifying benefits. Take proof of your benefit with you if you think the waiver applies, and check the current fee before you go.
How to apply
Merseytravel's guidance says you apply in person at a Merseytravel Centre, and that you can apply up to seven days before your 60th birthday, although the pass will not be issued until you are 60. Take with you:
- a passport-style colour photograph taken within the last 12 months, with your name and date of birth written on the back;
- proof of age, such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence;
- proof that you live in Merseyside, such as a council tax bill, utility bill or bank statement from the last 12 months;
- the fee, or proof of the benefit that exempts you from it.
Merseytravel's pages give conflicting information on whether a first application can be made by post, so if getting to a Travel Centre is difficult, ring Merseytravel and ask before sending anything.
If you have a disability
Merseytravel runs a separate concessionary pass for disabled people, with its own categories and evidence rules, and no lower age limit. If you qualify for both, ask which is better for you. For people who cannot use ordinary buses, Merseytravel also runs a door-to-door service called Merseylink; the Over 60s pass is not valid on it, so ask about fares when you register. Our page on community transport explains how these services work in general.
Getting the most from the pass
- Use the trains. Free Merseyrail travel opens up Southport, West Kirby, New Brighton and Chester for a day out at no cost. See bus pass days out for more ideas.
- Take the ferry as transport. The direct river crossing is covered; the sightseeing cruise is not.
- Add a railcard for longer trips. A Senior Railcard gives a third off most fares beyond the Merseyrail area.
- Think again about the car. With buses, trains and ferries all free from 60, some households find they can manage with one car or none. Our page on giving up the car shows how to work it out.
- Look after the card. Report a lost pass to Merseytravel promptly; expect a replacement charge.
Common questions
Can I really get free travel at 60 in Merseyside?
Yes, if you live in Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens or Wirral. Merseytravel offers its Over 60s Travel Pass from your 60th birthday.
Can I use the pass before 9.30am?
Merseytravel's terms say there are no time restrictions on the Over 60s Travel Pass. Confirm this on Merseytravel's website if you plan to rely on it for commuting.
I live in Halton. Can I get it?
No. Merseytravel says Halton residents cannot get a Merseytravel pass and should apply to their local council for a bus pass.
Does the pass work on buses outside Merseyside?
The Over 60s pass is a local concession for travel within Merseyside. Free off-peak bus travel across England comes with the national pass at State Pension age. Ask Merseytravel how the two fit together when you reach that age.
What else do I get at 60?
See what you get at 60 and our hub on where you live for how other areas compare.