Great British Summer
Kids go free this August!
Free bus travel for kids aged 5 to 15
Kids aged 5 to 15 can travel for free on the majority of our First Bus services this August, making it easier and more affordable for families to get out and enjoy more together.
In Stoke, from 6:00pm on Friday 21 August, children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult when travelling on services to and from Hanley Bus Station. See further information and FAQs.
Journey Planner
Save on family days out too
The savings don't stop when you get off the bus. Families can also enjoy offers at participating cinemas and theatres, soft play centres, adventure and theme parks, museums and heritage attractions, places to eat and more.
Discover all the offers available through Savings all Summer and start planning your next family day out.
First Bus App
Download our free app to plan your journey, buy tickets, track your bus in real time and check timetables.
- Buy tickets in advance
- Track your bus live
- Save your favourite journeys
Tap On Tap Off
Tap on with your contactless card or device when you board and tap off as you leave. We'll automatically calculate your best fare.
Cash or contactless
Pay your driver using contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay or cash—whatever works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
As part of the Department for Transport's Great British Summer Savings campaign, eligible young people aged under 16 can travel for free on all First Bus services throughout August.
The initiative is designed to help families save money during the summer holidays while making it easier for young people to access leisure activities, attractions, sports, and days out by bus.
Anyone aged between 5 and 15 is eligible for free travel during the promotion period.
The offer runs from 1 August to 31 August, inclusive.
Free bus travel for children aged between 5 and 15 is being funded through the Department for Transport's Great British Summer Savings campaign.
The campaign aims to:
- Help families reduce travel costs during the summer holidays.
- Encourage more people to use buses.
- Support young people in accessing opportunities, activities and attractions across the region.
- Promote sustainable travel choices.
Yes, there is no need to register or do anything in advance. There is also no need to travel with a fare paying adult. All eligible passengers will be issued a ticket by the driver.
This offer is valid on the majority of First Bus services. Some special services, coach services, or routes operated outside the scheme may not be included.
For services that are not included within the scheme, click here to view.
Yes. Eligible young people can make unlimited free journeys throughout August on participating services.
No. Under 16s can travel independently, provided they are confident travelling on their own and comply with the bus operator's conditions of carriage.
Parents and carers should decide what is appropriate based on the age and needs of their child.
The age eligibility for this offer is the same as when normally buying a child ticket. If the driver can’t be sure how old they are, they may be required to pay a full adult fare. So, it’s advisable to carry ID if they have some.
No. The free travel offer is only available to eligible customers aged under 16. Adults will need to purchase their usual ticket.
For full details of the scheme, visit Summer Savings - Cost of Living Help
Find more family summer offers near you Find your family’s summer offer — Summer Savings
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2 |
Hanley (City Centre) - Northwood |
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5 |
Hanley (City Centre) - Abnbey Hulton |
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6 |
Hanley (City Centre) - Coalville |
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7 |
Hanley (City Centre) - Kidsgrove |
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8 |
Hanley (City Centre) - Ball Green |
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9 |
Oxford - Newcastle |
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11 |
Hanley (City Centre) - Newcastle Bus Station |
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18 |
Hanley (City Centre) - Leek Bus Station |
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21 |
Hanley (City Centre) - Trentham, Pacific Road |
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22 |
Newcastle Bus Station - Longton |
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23 |
Hanley (City Centre) - Newstead |
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25 |
Hanley (City Centre) - Keele University |
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36 |
Kidsgrove - Hanley - Meir Square |
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37 |
Longton (Interchange) - Lymedale Business Park |
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38 |
Kidsgrove - Hanley - Newcastle - Talke - Kidsgrove |
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39 |
Kidsgrove - Talke - Newcastle - Hanley - Kidsgrove |
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40 |
Wimbiorne Ave Shops - Beech Grove |
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43 |
Hanley Bus Stn - Baddeley Green |
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98 |
Newcastle Bus Station - Ball Green |
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99 |
Newcastle Bus Station - Chell Heath |
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101 |
Hanley (City Centre) - Stafford Town Centre |
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103 |
Hanley (City Centre) - Crewe Bus Station |
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501 |
Stoke Railway Stn - Etruri Valley |
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11B |
Hanley (City Centre) - Bentilee |
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11X |
Hanley (City Centre) - Newcastle Bus Station |
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36A |
Kidsgrove - Hanley - Meir Square |
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38A |
Kidsgrove - Hanley - Newcastle - Audley |
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39A |
Audley - Newcastle - Hanley - Kidsgrove |
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40A |
Hanley Bus Stn - Wedgwood Visitor Centre |
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6A |
Hanley (City Centre) - Blythe Bridge |
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6C |
Coalville - Hanley (City Centre) |
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7A |
Hanley (City Centre) - Biddulph |