In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age. If you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when you're 60, but only within London. In Wales you can get a bus pass when you reach 60.

In England, the age at which you get a free travel pass (a bus pass) is linked to the State Pension age.

Here’s a breakdown:

England

• You become eligible for a free off-peak bus pass when you reach the State Pension age, regardless of whether you are retired or not.
• The State Pension age is currently 66 for both men and women, but it is scheduled to rise gradually to 67 by 2028.
• This pass, often called an older person’s bus pass, is funded by the government and provides free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.
• “Off-peak” typically means after 9:30 AM on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays, but local authorities can set their own exact times.

Important Differences in Other UK Nations

The rules are different in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland:

• Scotland: Eligibility begins at age 60. The National Entitlement Card also includes free travel on ferries to some islands and, for those aged 60+, free tram travel in Edinburgh.
• Wales: Eligibility begins at age 60.
• Northern Ireland: Eligibility begins at age 60 for the 60+ SmartPass.

How to Apply

You apply through your local council, not the national government. You can find your local council’s application process on the GOV.UK website.

In summary: For England, it’s your State Pension age (currently 66). In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it’s age 60.