Concessions

Life Begins at Bus Pass

Discover the joy of free bus travel

Free travel with a bus pass can mean more than getting from A to B. It’s easier than ever to get out and about with First Bus.

A catch-up that turns into something more. A day out that starts with a good idea and a free seat. If you're eligible, free travel means more time for the things that matter.

It’s about moving the everyday. Doing more of what you enjoy, whenever it suits you.

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 here

Apply online

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You can apply through your local council up to 28 days before your 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, you can enjoy free off-peak travel between 9:30am to 11pm weekdays and all weekend and public holidays.

See FAQs for details

Try something new in Norfolk & Suffolk

Norwich Castle

Norwich Castle

Castle Hill, Norwich

Service: All Norwich services

Visit

Paddleboarding & Boat Trips

Boat and Paddleboarding

Hippersons Boatyard (Suffolk)

Service: X2, X21 and X22

Visit

Life Drawing 

Drawing

Where? Quaker House, Norwich

Service: All Norwich services.

Visit

Plan your Journey

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Maps & Timetables 

Find out more about our routes and network.

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

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. You can check your eligibility on the UK Government website.

 Local Authorities are responsible for the scheme, and issue Concessionary passes. For more information or to find out how to obtain a concessionary pass, please click on the relevant link below:

You’ll usually need to provide proof of age, residency, and a photograph.

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.

In Norfolk and Suffolk, you can use your concessionary bus pass for free between 9:30am and 11pm on weekdays, and all day on weekends and public holidays.

Check your local council’s website to be sure.

Please note that restrictions may vary in other parts of the UK, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

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.

Validity differs across the UK but you should receive a renewal notice before it expires.

Please visit the website of the local council that issued your pass for details on how to update your address.

All bus routes operated by First Eastern Counties across Norfolk, Suffolk and the full length of our excel service between Norwich, Kings Lynn & Peterborough.

In line with the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, free travel is available from 9.30am to 11pm weekdays and all day at weekends and on Bank Holidays.

We offer discounted concessionary single tickets from 8.30am and 9.30am every weekday.

Unfortunately, if you need to travel before 8.30am you will need to buy one of our range of tickets at the full adult fare.

Unfortunately you must be able to present a valid, in date, English National Concessionary Bus Pass to either travel for free or buy a discounted single.  If you can't, then unfortunately you'll have to pay the full normal adult fare.

As long as your pass is valid, you're still able to travel. Your driver will record your pass manually and issue you a ticket for your journey.