Any passenger under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a passenger at least 17 years of age or older at all times. Passengers between the ages of 12 and 16 years of age inclusive, may travel unaccompanied at full adult fare if the following conditions are met in their entirety: [See exception below.]

In 2026, a 13-year-old is generally permitted to ride a public city bus or a long-distance coach alone, but the rules vary significantly by country and bus operator. For local transit systems in most U.S. and UK cities, children as young as 11 or 12 are considered "independent travelers" and can ride without an adult. However, for long-distance carriers like Greyhound or Coach USA, the "Unaccompanied Minor" age is often strictly defined; many require children to be at least 15 or 16 years old to travel completely solo without a parent or a pre-arranged "unaccompanied minor" service. In the UK, most regional buses allow anyone over 12 to travel alone, provided they have a valid ticket or student pass. Legally, there is no federal law prohibiting a 13-year-old from riding a bus, but the safety and maturity of the individual is the primary factor. Parents should ensure the child has a fully charged phone, a backup power bank, and a clear understanding of their route and emergency contact info. If you are booking a long-distance ticket, always check the "Unaccompanied Child" policy on the operator's website to avoid being denied boarding at the station.