Children across England can now travel free on local buses for the rest of August, as a government-backed summer scheme comes into force today. The fare-free scheme, announced in May, applies to all children up to age 15 on participating buses, with unlimited journeys and no registration required.
Under normal rules, children under five and adults over the state pension age of 66 travel free year-round. Outside London, children aged between five and 15 usually pay £2 or less for a single ticket.
How the free bus scheme works
The scheme is part of a wider £100 million government effort to ease cost-of-living pressures on families. It mirrors the Kids Go Free initiative already operating in the West of England, which provides free travel during school holidays – including Christmas and Easter – in Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Helen Godwin, the Labour Mayor of the West of England, said the Kids Go Free programme has provided 1.4 million free journeys so far. The government estimates that a family with two children making a weekly return trip at £1.50 per fare could save approximately £27. Officials have confirmed there is no cap on the number of trips a child can take.
Sharing the news on TikTok, former Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was "stepping in to make sure kids can still experience the little joys this summer."
Which buses are taking part?
While fares vary across the country, the average bus fare in England is typically capped at £3, although this is changing to £2 in January 2027. Outside London, most single tickets tend to cost between £1.50 and £2.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the initiative is vital to relieve families of "added financial pressure", adding: "free bus travel for every child in August means parents can plan days out, visit loved ones and make the most of the holidays."
A full list of participating local buses is available on the gov.uk website. Highlights include the X46 from Hull to York for a trip to The York Dungeon, the Carousel 37 from High Wycombe to see the deer in Windsor Great Park and visit Windsor Castle, and the 54 bus from Leicester for an experience at the National Space Centre.
In Brighton, the Coaster 12, Regency 28, or the Breeze 77 take passengers to the seafront for a day at the beach or Brighton Pier. The X1 and X11 run from Norwich to Great Yarmouth for a day out at the Merrivale Model Village, while the 23 or 24 bus from Birmingham heads to Woodgate Valley Country Park for pony trekking, cycling or visiting the animals at the Urban Farm.
Part of the Great British Summer Savings
The Summer Bus Fare Offer is part of the government's Great British Summer Savings scheme, which will see VAT temporarily cut to reduce the cost of days out and support local businesses. The project includes suspended tariffs on children's meals in restaurants, kids' tickets to cinemas and theatres, and entry to a wide range of attractions.
Keir Starmer, the former prime minister, said: "When I think about the summer holidays, I think about the Lake District — where I went as a child and later made memories with my own family. I know how precious that time is, yet too many parents feel they have to hold back because the cost of living is still squeezing budgets. This summer we're cutting the cost of a day out together – free bus travel for children aged five to 15 in England, and VAT slashed on a wide range of kid's attractions – so families can afford more time together."
Weekend Hopper fare for London
Millions of Londoners are also set to benefit from cheaper bus journeys this summer after TfL announced it would extend its popular 'Hopper' fare to weekends. The Hopper fare currently allows passengers to take as many trips as they like on London buses and trams within an hour for the price of a single ticket at £1.75.
From July 25, customers can pay a single fare and enjoy unlimited travel all weekend. The offer lasts until August 31, covering the weekends of August 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30.
