Children Get Free Bus Travel Across England This August
Children aged five to 15 can travel free on most local bus services across England throughout August 2026 under a new government-backed scheme. The offer is intended to reduce the cost of family days out during the school holidays and applies to thousands of participating routes. Under-fives already travel free with many major operators, while older children normally pay between £1 and £2 per journey.
How the August Bus Offer Works
- Eligibility: Children aged five to 15
- Dates: 1–31 August 2026
- Area: Participating local bus services across England
- Journeys: Unlimited travel on eligible routes
- Registration: No national registration is required
- Local conditions: Proof of age, travel cards or accompanied travel may apply
- Before travelling: Check the operator or council website
The government has committed more than £100 million to fund the offer, which forms part of its Great British Summer Savings programme. Participating operators include First Bus, Stagecoach and Go-Ahead, although coverage varies by area and route. The wider programme also temporarily reduces VAT on children’s restaurant meals, selected entertainment tickets and admission to family attractions between 25 June and 1 September 2026.
The free fares make several well-known days out cheaper to reach. Families can take the X46 between Hull and York for York Dungeon, Carousel route 37 towards Windsor Great Park and Windsor Castle, or Leicester’s 54 service for the National Space Centre. Participating routes also serve Brighton seafront, Great Yarmouth and Birmingham’s Woodgate Valley Country Park, extending the choice beyond city-centre attractions.
Free travel applies only on participating local bus services, so families should check their operator or council before setting out. No national registration is required, and eligible children can make unlimited journeys during August. London continues to use its existing 5–15 Zip Oyster photocard scheme, while the offer does not cover services in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, where transport support is devolved.