Concessions

Life Begins at Bus Pass

Discover the joy of free bus travel!

Getting older has its perks and one of the best is the freedom to travel by bus for free! Whether you're off to meet friends and try something new, explore new places, visit family, or simply enjoy a scenic ride, your concessionary bus pass opens the door to new adventures every day. No parking, no petrol costs, just hop on and go!

How to Get Your Free Bus Pass

Are you eligible?

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If you live in England and reach the state pension age, you're good to go!

Check eligibility

Apply online

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You can apply up to two weeks before your 60th birthday.

Apply online

What you'll need

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Complete the form and upload a passport style photo, proof of identity and address.

Ride Free!

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Once your pass arrives, just tap it on the reader next to the driver and off you go!

See FAQs for details

Try something new in the West of England

Moulin Rouge at The Bristol Hippodrome

Moulin Rouge at the bristol hippodrome

Where? St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ

Service: Any service into Bristol city centre

Visit

Bath Carnival

Canrival parade

Where? Sydney Gardens, Sydney Place, Bath, BA2 6NH

Service: Any service into Bath city centre

Visit

Bike Night

Bike night every thursday on Weston-super-mare seafront

Where? Beach lawns, Weston-super-Mare

Service: 20

Visit

Anneka on Tour

We teamed up with legendary TV adventurer Anneka Rice to kick off our campaign with a nod to her iconic show Challenge Anneka.

She’s been travelling across the UK meeting people who are already using their bus pass to bring more excitement into their days. From surprise trips to trying something new just because they can.

Plan your Journey

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Maps

Find out more about our routes and network.

More

 
Journey Planner
 
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The First Bus App

Travelling by bus couldn't be easier with the First Bus App in your pocket!

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FAQs

Concessionary bus passes allow eligible people to travel for free on local bus services across the UK.

Eligibility is generally based on reaching the state pension age, which varies depending on your date of birth and where you live in the UK. In England, you can get your pass when you reach State Pensionable age. You can check your eligibility on the UK Government website.

You can usually apply shortly before you reach state pensionable age. Check your local council website for more information.

You can apply through your local council’s website or in person at designated council offices. You’ll usually need to provide proof of age, residency, and a photograph. The council you pay your council tax to is the one who can provide your bus pass.

The bus pass is valid in the region or country it was issued in (England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland), but not across the UK. However, some cross-border services may accept passes from neighbouring countries.

Generally, no. The pass is valid for local bus services only.

You should report the loss to your local authority, who can issue a replacement, usually for a small fee. Visit your local council’s website for more information.

If the appointment is within the valid travel time and covered bus routes, you can use your pass.

Validity differs by council but you should receive a renewal notice before it expires.

 

No, you cannot use your concessionary bus pass on Airport Flyer services, to or from Bristol Airport.