KIDS GO FREE! First Bus rolls out free travel for children as part of Great British Summer Savings Campaign
Families and young people will be able to make their summer plans go the extra mile this August, as children aged 5 to 15 will travel free on First Bus services across England.
Running from Saturday 1 August until Monday 31 August 2026, as part of the Government's Great British Summer Savings scheme, the initiative will help families save money on getting around during the summer holidays and support young people in exploring attractions and activities across their region.
There is no need to register or apply in advance, eligible children under 16 can just hop on board and make unlimited free journeys throughout this period. For the areas where local child fares and ticket products currently apply to older age groups, they will remain unchanged.
Doug Claringbold, Regional Director for First Bus in the South and West, said, “We’re really pleased to be taking part in this scheme and helping families make their money go further during the school holidays.
“Holidays are all about getting out, exploring and spending time together. This initiative will help families save money, encourage more people to experience the convenience of bus travel, and enable young people to access activities, opportunities, and attractions across the local area.”
In Portsmouth, families can use the free travel offer for a summer day out in Southsea, with the new X3 connecting Fareham, Portchester and Paulsgrove directly with the seafront. From events on Southsea Common and visits to Blue Reef Aquarium, to ice creams and traditional seaside amusements, there is plenty to enjoy along the route.
Families in the West of England will benefit from an extended period of free travel, as the national offer runs alongside the existing West of England Kids Go Free scheme.
Free travel is already available for journeys boarding in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath and North-East Somerset, with the scheme running from 18 July. From 1 August, it will extend across the wider network, to include Somerset and Wiltshire, before returning to the original West of England area from 1 to 6 September.
Existing exceptions will continue to apply to the A1 and A3 services, as well as A2 and A4 journeys starting or finishing at Bristol Airport.
Catherine De Marco, Director of Public Affairs and Public Relations, First Bus, said, “We’re proud to support the Department for Transport’s Great British Summer Savings campaign by offering free bus travel for children aged 5–15 on our services in England throughout August.
“This initiative will help families save money, encourage more people to experience the convenience of bus travel, and enable young people to access activities, opportunities and attractions across their local area.
“By making sustainable travel even more accessible, we hope to support communities while inspiring the next generation to choose greener ways to get around."
- The offer is valid on the majority of First Bus services. However, some special services, coach services and routes operated outside the scheme may not be included. See exclusions here
- For further information, journey planning and details of participating services, visit: KIDS GO FREE