Discounted Travel
This section highlights the different options for discounted travel around the UK.
Bus Discount for the Elderly and Disabled
Those who reach pension age, 60 years old or above, or disabled are entitled to travel free on buses in the UK. They only need to apply for a bus pass from the council in their area.
Free travel applies is generally from 9:30 am to 11:00 pm on weekdays, and any time during weekends and public holidays.
Note that the senior bus pass is only applicable within England and Wales; the disabled’s bus pass is limited to travel within England.
Seniors living in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the disabled residing in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales would need to apply for a bus pass through the municipal government of the area where they live to enjoy free bus journeys in these areas.
For more details, please go to the websites listed below:
England and Wales seniors’ bus pass: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass
England disabled people’s bus pass: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-disabled-bus-pass
Scotland bus pass: https://www.mygov.scot/disabled-bus-pass
Wales bus pass: https://gov.wales/apply-bus-pass
North Ireland bus pass: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/bus-and-coach-travel/free-bus-travel-and-concessions
Railcard
Railcards offer discounts on fares when travel by train. There are currently 9 main types of Railcards available. All of them offer a ⅓ discount on fares, except the 16-17 Saver, which offers up to 50% discount. They are:
16-17 Saver, for those aged 16 or 17.
16-25 Railcard, for those aged 16-25 or full-time students. According to statistics, the average annual saving can be £159*.
26-30 Railcard, for those aged 26 to 30.
Family and Friends Railcard: for family and friends travelling together, up to 4 adults and 4 children (aged 5 to 15, who get 60% off). According to statistics, the average annual saving can be £150*.
Two Together Railcard, for two persons who often travel together.
Senior Railcard, for seniors aged 60 or above. According to statistics, the average annual saving can be £98*.
Network Railcard, for travelling in South East England, including London. The discount applies to the holder plus up to 3 other adults and up to 4 children. holders with three companions.
Disabled Persons Railcard, for the disables and a travel companion. According to statistics, the average annual saving can be £91*.
Veterans Railcard, for UK Veterans who have served at least one day in the Armed Forces or Merchant Mariners and have been on military operation duty.
The annual fee of all the above railcards is £30, except the Disabled Persons Railcard, which costs £20 a year. 3-year Railcards are available for some types. The 3- year Railcards for 16-25, Family and Friends, Senior and Veterans all cost £70. The 3-year Disabled Persons Railcard costs £54.
For more details, please visit https://www.railcard.co.uk/about-railcards/
In addition to National Railcards, there is also a range of local, regional Railcards which offer discounts within a specific region. For more details, please visit https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/regional-railcards.aspx
*Note: These Railcard holders’ average saving is according to the average savings made from April 2021 to March 2022, excluding the price of the railcard.
For more details, please visit:
https://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/using-your-railcard/the-benefits/#claim
https://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/about-railcard/the-benefits/
https://www.senior-railcard.co.uk/using-your-railcard/the-benefits/
London’s Discounts
London’s transportation system is much more complex than that of other cities but it also offers many various discounts:
Children under 5 accompanied by a fare paying adult can travel free.
5-10 Zip Oyster Photocard: Children aged 5 to 10 can travel free on buses and trams, and on child fare in London without the need of a discount card. With this card, they can also travel free on the Tube, DLR, Overground, Elizabeth Line (excluding between West Drayton and Reading) and most National Rail services that accept pay as you go.
11-15 Zip Oyster Photocard: Youths aged 11 to 15 with the card can travel free on buses and trams, and pay child rate (pay as you go) on the Tube, DLR, Overground, Elizabeth Line (excluding between West Drayton and Reading) and enjoy 50% off when travel on National Rail services.
16+ Zip Oyster Photocard: Youths aged 16 to 17 with the card can enjoy a 50% off the adult pay as you go fares on bus, Tube, DLR, Overground, Elizabeth Line (excluding between West Drayton and Reading) and most National Rail services in London (if they live in London, they can still travel free on buses and trams), and can buy a long-term travelcard at child rate.
18+ Student Oyster Photocard: For students living in a London borough, enrolling at a school, college or university registered on the TfL (Transport for London) scheme and satisfying some conditions. They can save 30% on adult rate Travelcards and Bus and Tram Pass season tickets.
60+ London Oyster Photocard: This card allows any London residents aged 60 or above to travel free on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line (excluding between West Drayton to Reading) and most National Rail services in London, from 09:00 (09:30 for National Rail) on weekdays and anytime on weekends and on bank holidays.
Freedom Pass: Seniors aged 66 or above with the card can travel free on bus, tram, Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, and National Rail within London, from 09:00 on weekdays (09:30 for National Rail) and anytime at weekends and on bank holidays.
For details on cost of cards and how to apply, please see: https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel
Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?
For any questions or inquiries, click the button to get in touch with our knowledgeable and friendly team who are always ready to assist you.