More people can now travel for free on local buses (Picture: Shutterstock / Sergii Figurnyi)
From August 1, bus fares across England are changing.
Typically, throughout the year, children under five and adults over the state pension age (66) can travel on local buses for free, while outside of London, those aged between five and 15 pay £2 or less.
However, from today (August 1) until the end of the month, all kids up to age 15 will be able to enjoy unlimited free travel on participating buses in England as part of a new scheme.
The ‘fare-free scheme’, which was announced by the government in May, is part of a wider £100 million effort to relieve some of the ongoing cost-of-living pressures crippling families in the UK.
And the best part? There’s absolutely no registration required to take advantage of it; your little ones can just get on and go.
NEW: Free bus travel for kids this summer! TikTok, I wanted you to be the first to hear that I’m announcing free bus travel for kids this summer. ☀️ Every child aged 5-15 in England will travel free on participating local buses throughout August, with unlimited journeys, no registration required, and no cost to families. I know that the cost of living remains tough for families, and so I’m stepping in to make sure kids can still experience the little joys this summer. Share this with someone who needs to know there’s free bus travel for kids this summer! #breakingnews #ukpolitics #buses
♬ Walking Around – Instrumental Version – Eldar Kedem
Ask Metro
Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.
The scheme mirrors one already in place across the West of England. The Kids Go Free initiative allows children and young people to travel for free on buses in Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire during school holidays — including Christmas and Easter.
According to Helen Godwin, the Labour Mayor of the West of England, the Kids Go Free programme has provided 1.4 million free journeys so far.
The government has estimated that the free bus scheme could save a family with two children who make a weekly return trip at £1.50 per fare approximately £27.
Officials have also confirmed that there will be no cap on how many trips a child can take.
Sharing the news on TikTok, former Chancellor Rachel Reeves told audiences that she was ‘stepping in to make sure kids can still experience the little joys this summer.’
The free bus scheme is part of Labour’s push to ease cost of living pressures (Picture: Getty Images)
While fare prices vary across the country, the average bus fare in England is typically capped at £3, although this is changing in January 2027 to £2. Outside of London, most single tickets tend to cost between £1.50 and £2.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has deemed the initiative vital to relieve families of ‘added financial pressure,’ stating ‘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 all participating local buses committed to the scheme can be found on the gov.uk website. Highlights include:
The X46 from Hull to York for a trip to The York Dungeon
Hopping on the Carousel 37 from High Wycombe to see the deer in Windsor Great Park and visit Windsor Castle
Taking the 54 bus from Leicester for an experience at the National Space Centre
The Coaster 12, Regency 28, or the Breeze 77 are local buses that will take you right to Brighton’s seafront for a day at the beach, exploring the lanes or going on the rides on Brighton Pier
The X1 and X11 from Norwich to Great Yarmouth for a day out at the Merrivale Model Village
For a day exploring the outdoors, the 23 or 24 bus from Birmingham to Woodgate Valley Country Park for pony trekking, cycling or visiting the sheep, pigs and goats at the Urban Farm
Will you be using the bus more this summer thanks to the scheme?
The Summer Bus Fare Offer is part of the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, which will see VAT temporarily cut to help reduce the cost of days out and support local businesses by increasing footfall.
The project will include suspended tariffs on children’s meals in restaurants, kids’ tickets to cinemas and theatres, and entry to a wide range of attractions.
Speaking about Great British Summer Savings, former Prime Minister Kier Starmer 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.’
TFL launches new ‘Weekend Hopper’ fare this summer
Millions of Londoners are also set to benefit from cheaper bus journeys this summer after TFL announced it would be extending the popular ‘Hopper’ fare to include 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 (£1.75).
However, starting on July 25, customers will now be able to pay a single fare ticket and enjoy unlimited travel all weekend.
Lasting until August 31, these are the weekends you’re going to want to mark in your calendar:
August 1-2
August 8-9
August 15-16
August 22-23
August 29-30
A version of this article was first published on May 21, 2026.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk
Arrow
MORE: Lidl just brought back the ‘ultimate’ shopping perk — and it only costs 1p
Arrow
MORE: ‘Full of charm’ B&B crowned the best accommodation of its kind in England
Arrow
MORE: There’s a life-size Toy Story experience in London this summer
Comments
Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google
Add as preferred source