young persons travel card uk

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Buy a Young Persons Coachcard and Save

Take 1/3 off our standard and fully flexible fares any time, how many coachcards would you like.

• Young Person

Simple savings for young people

If you're aged 16 - 26 or are a full-time student our Young Persons Coachcard gives you 1/3 off all our Standard and Fully Flexible fares, £15 day return anywhere in the UK (Tues, Weds and Thurs) and 15% off travel to events and festivals, all for just £15 a year or £35 for three years.

How much is a Young Persons Coachcard?

Our one-year Young Persons Coachcard is just £15 * - that's a little over £1 a month and it's cheaper than a railcard.

Alternatively, you can purchase our three-year Coachcard for £35, which saves you even more and means you have all your travel sorted for your entire time at University. Simply choose the one or three year Coachcard option in the panel at the top of this page.

All we ask is that when you book a ticket you make sure you check the Coachcard box and enter the number of Coachcards required in the journey planner.

Don't forget to carry your Coachcard with you whenever you travel, along with your ticket and proof of age.

How much will I save?

You'll save a guaranteed 1/3 off Standard and Fully Flexible fares throughout the UK for 12 months (or 36 months with a three-year card.)

How do I buy a Young Persons Coachcard?

Purchasing your Young Persons Coachcard is quick and easy. Simply complete your details and your Coachcard will be posted to your home address (£3 p&p will be added to your purchase).

Your Coachcard can take up to 7 days to be delivered and if it hasn't arrived 24 hours ahead of your planned journey, then call our Contact Centre .

Alternatively, give us a call and we will post your Coachcard out to you (£3 p&p will be added to your purchase). You can also purchase Coachcards from one of our travel shops.

General terms & conditions

• These terms and conditions apply to your purchase and use of a Coachcard and are in addition to the Conditions, which shall apply to Tickets purchased and your use of the Services.
• one third (1/3) off the price of an adult ‘Standard’ or ‘Fully Flexible’ fare for one of our Services;
• 15% off the price of an adult ‘Fully Flexible’ fare for coach travel to an  Event , as detailed on the “Events” page of our website. The discount does not apply to any entry to or accommodation at the Event; and
• a £15 mid-week promotional same day return or one way adult fare for one of our Services departing and/or returning the same day on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only. This discounted fare must be booked a minimum of three (3) days prior to your date of travel and is not valid for travel on the dates   published here . Travel to and from an airport is excluded with this offer. 
• The above discounts available to Coachcard holders may not be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion offered by us.
• ‘Restricted’ fares ;
• European Services, Hotel Hoppa Services, multi-ride and season tickets purchased by telephone from Customer Contact Centre  or in person from one of our Stations , Third Party Provider services and any Event detailed on the “ Events ” page of our website;
• tickets, accommodation or ferry travel for an Event as detailed on the “ Events ” page of our website;
• the “Add Extras” options which you may purchase as part of your booking; or
• the Booking Fee; or
• the fee for receiving an SMS Ticket, if selected as part of a booking.
• You may purchase up to four (4) Coachcards for individuals satisfying the requirements for the same type of Coachcard online from our website, by telephoning our Customer Contact Centre or in person from one of our Stations or one of our selected third party agents.
• our website or by telephoning our Customer Contact Centre , we will charge you a postage fee of £3 to send your Coachcard(s) to you. If you purchased more than one Coachcard, we will send each Coachcard to the address provided as part of your application; or
• one of our Stations or third party agents, you will receive your Coachcard at the time of purchase.
• Senior Coachcard and Disabled Coachcard, as the case may be, the relevant Coachcard will be valid for the period of one (1) year from the later of the date that you have specified when purchasing the relevant Coachcard or, if you have purchased the relevant Coachcard in person and have not specified a future date, the next calendar day after purchase; or
• Young Persons Coachcard, your Coachcard will, depending on the term that you have selected, be valid for the period of one (1) or three (3) years from the later of the date that you have specified when purchasing the Coachcard or, if you have purchased the Coachcard in person and have not specified a future date, the next calendar day after purchase.
• We will notify you prior to expiry of your Coachcard and provide you with the opportunity to purchase a new Coachcard.
• online from our website, by confirming you have a Coachcard and entering the Coachcard serial number and expiry date at the time of entering the required details on the “Your Details” page of our website;
• telephone, by providing your Coachcard serial number and expiry date to a member of the Customer Contact Centre ;
• in person, by showing your Coachcard at the time of making your booking at one of our Stations or with a third party agent;
• from a driver, by showing your Coachcard at the time of purchasing your Ticket; or
• from a Ticket Machine, by entering the Coachcard serial number and expiry date after entering the passenger selection on the Ticket Machine.
• When travelling on our Services, you will be required to show your Ticket, together with your Coachcard and proof of age, to the driver when boarding one of our Coaches.
• In the event that your Coachcard is defaced, damaged, tampered with, lost or stolen, you should immediately report this to the Customer Contact Centre . Please note that we are unable to replace your Coachcard and that you will be required to purchase a new Coachcard if you wish to continue enjoying the benefits of the Coachcard.
• Your Coachcard, and each Ticket purchased with it, are not transferable and must not be given, loaned or resold to anyone else.
• The Coachcard remains our property at all times and does not become your property and, if requested, must be returned to us.
• All Tickets issued are subject to our Conditions.
• These terms and conditions are in addition our Conditions and may be amended at any time.
• Coachcards are non-refundable or transferable.

Coachcard exclusions

• Cards cannot be purchased from drivers.
• Card is not refundable or transferable.
• Not valid where accommodation, admission or ferry travel is included within the fare.
• This discount Coachcard is not valid for Hotel Hoppa, Multiride, European Services, Ulsterbus, Xplore Dundee - Edinburgh Airport service Third Party services, Multiride and Restricted fare tickets.

*Coachcard price conditions

• *plus £3 postage fee.

Save 15% on travel to festivals & events

Travelling to a festival or event this year?

Our Young Persons Coachcard can now save you 15% on travel to events and festivals, where we'll take you, your tent, luggage and friends right to the event gate.

Browse event services  

Our coaches Explore onboard features and what to expect from a journey with us...

Other coachcards.

National Express also offers two other Coachcards to help on travel costs:

The Senior Coachcard  

The Disabled Coachcard  

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Open Return Information

Book your return

Your Open Dated Return is valid for 3 months from your outbound journey. To guarantee your seat on your return you need to confirm your ticket before you travel on www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call 0371 781 8181.

Open Dated Return Information

If your return date is not yet known, open return tickets provide flexibility. When travelling within the UK, the return journey can be made within 3 months of the outward date of travel. To guarantee your seat on your return journey you need to confirm your ticket before you travel by visiting www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call us on 03717 81 81 81. Lines open 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm (calls to this number are charged at local rate). Valid on any day throughout the year.

Open returns are not available on European journeys.

Wheelchair accessibility

Accessible coaches.

The majority of stops along the routes listed below are accessible to wheelchair users but are subject to change. Please call us to check the latest situation before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

To see a list of accessible coach routes please visit our Accessibility page.

Assisted Travel Helpline

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

03717 81 81 81 - ( option 3)  (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week). Calls to this number are charged at local rate.

For more information please visit our Disabled travellers page.

Passengers & Wheelchair accessibility

Passenger descriptions.

Our passenger descriptions are designed to help you choose the right ticket for yourself or your fellow travellers.

Adult (16+) and Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by an adult (16+). Please note, you may be required to show proof of age at any point during your journey. Failure to do so, may result in the full adult fare being charged.

Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by a responsible adult (16+).

Disabled Children

Should be booked as Children. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our Assisted Travel Helpline.

We strongly recommend that you bring a car seat appropriate to your child's age, but ask you to take responsibility to fit the seat.

Booster Seats

Children aged between approximately 4-11 years old, or up to 150cm tall, may use booster seats. We carry a limited number onboard most coaches.

If travelling with a child, you may be required to show proof of age when buying tickets or at any point during your journey. Failure to do so may result in the child being required to pay the full fare for the journey on that day.

Booster seats

Children aged between approximately 4 years and 11 years or up to 150cm tall may use booster seats, we carry a limited number onboard most coaches along with our comfort fit seat belts.

Disabled children should be booked as children rather than 'Disabled'. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or you wish to book assistance with travel please call our Assisted Travel Helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

You can find a list of accessible coach stops on our Accessibility page .

Please call us 36 hours prior to travelling to check the latest status.

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance we recommend that you contact us on the following local rate telephone number: 03717 81 81 81 (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week) 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

Adult (26 - 59)

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged between of 26 and 59 inclusive.

Child 0 - 12 inclusive

Children aged 12 or under travelling on any European service must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Unaccompanied children will not be carried

Young persons (13 - 25)

Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Young persons aged 16 or 17 years can travel alone on European services but only if they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Senior (60 and over)

Passengers aged 60 and over are entitled to receive a small discount on European journeys. On European journeys a 50% discount is given to carers, please call us on 08717 818177 to book.

Please select your passenger type first and then add your coachcards.

We have three different Coachcards available, each offering savings of 1/3 on all of our Standard and Fully Flexible coach fares all year round.

Prices shown include your coachcard discount, your coachcard number will be required during the booking process.

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged 2+. Adults under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel alone on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over or they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Infants 0-1 Inclusive

Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.

• Renew my 16-17 Saver
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The official retailer of Railcards by National Rail

Get 50% off train travel with a 16-17 Saver

Buy now renew my 16-17 saver.

Eligibility and terms of use

• Buy a Railcard and keep it with you when you travel (on your phone or wallet)
• Save on most tickets including Advance tickets
• The 16-17 Saver is valid for one year or until your 18th birthday, whichever comes first and is not available to purchase at stations

Read full eligibility and usage terms

Need help getting or using your Railcard?

Need help? Can't figure out what card to buy? Or just have a question?

How does 16-17 Saver differ from the 16‐25 Railcard?

16-17 Saver gives 50% off Standard Anytime, Standard Off-Peak, Standard Advance and Season tickets for travel at any time of the day.

The 16‐25 Railcard is aimed at leisure travel and gives 1/3 off Standard Anytime and Standard Off-Peak tickets, as well as Standard and First Class Advance tickets. A £12 minimum fare applies to journeys starting between 4:30am and 10:00am on week days. The 16-25 Railcard discount does not apply to Season tickets.  

Can I use my 16-17 Saver for tickets for travel on the London Underground?

If you are buying a National Rail ticket for travel into London from outside London Zones 1-9, then you will be able to buy a Travelcard as part of your rail ticket which includes travel on National Rail, London Underground, Docklands Light Railway and buses in London. 

If you are buying a National Rail ticket that includes travel across London, then you will be able to use your National Rail ticket on London Underground to transfer between National Rail stations. 

16-17 Saver discounts are NOT valid on:

• Oyster pay as you go daily price cap and pay as you go single fares for journeys on National Rail, London Underground and Docklands Light Railway
• London Day Travelcards and Travelcard Season tickets within Zones 1-9
• Tickets wholly for travel on London Underground and Docklands Light Railway

If you travel frequently in the London fare zones, you should consider getting a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard .

Can the 16-17 Saver be used to buy Season tickets?

Yes, the 16-17 Saver gives 50% off Standard Anytime, Standard Off-Peak, Standard Advance and Season tickets. 

It is designed to enable 16 and 17 year olds to access the same half price child fares that they could access until they were 16.

The 16-17 Saver cannot be used as a Photocard for a paper Season ticket and if you are buying a paper Season ticket for the first time you will need to have a photocard created at a staffed National Rail Station. You will need to provide a passport-type photograph for your Photocard and the photocard must be carried when travelling.

If you are buying a smart Season ticket, you usually will not require a separate photo card to validate your Season ticket. 

Who is eligible for the 16-17 Saver discount?

The 16-17 Saver can be purchased by all 16 and 17 year olds who live in Britain or abroad. 

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1/3 off rail fares

For anyone aged between 26-30., 26-30 railcard, what is the 26-30 railcard.

The 26-30 Railcard is the seventh Railcard to launch since 1974 and is specifically aimed at young people. After a successful pilot in East Anglia on 6th December, and an extended nationwide trial on 13th March, the 26-30 Railcard aka "The Millennial Railcard" and “over 25s Railcard” is now available across the country and is here to stay. Over 4 million people will be eligible to take advantage of 1/3 off their leisure journeys, for just £30 a year.

Where Can I Buy the “Millennial Railcard”?

The 26-30 Railcard is available to buy online and as it is our first digital-only Railcard, you can download it and start saving right away. 

How Much Can I Save With the “Under 30s Railcard”?

Railcards save you 1/3 on most rail fares for only £30 a year. The 26-30 saves users on average £125 a year.

Where and When Can I Use the “Over 25 Railcard”?

The 26-30 Railcard gives you to 1/3 off most rail fares in Great Britain. You can use this Railcard at any time as long as you meet the minimum fare of £12 between 4:30 – 10am Mon- Fri excluding bank holidays.

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Frequently Asked Questions?

Most frequently asked questions

Yes you can. However, for all journeys made between 4:30am and 10:00am Monday to Friday a minimum fare of £12 is payable, excluding Advance fares. There is no minimum fare when you travel at weekends, on Public Holidays, or during July and August. If you travel regularly before 10:00am, then a weekly or monthly season ticket may be more appropriate, though you won’t be able to get a Railcard discount.

With your Railcard you can get 1/3 off Anytime Day Travelcard when bought as part of your journey to London from outside London Zones 1-9 (subject to a minimum fare which is currently £22.60).   With an Oyster card, you can get your Railcard discount loaded onto your Oyster card to save 1/3 on single off-peak pay as you go fares on London Underground and Docklands Light Railway services in London. You will need to have registered your Oyster in your name to do this. Simply take your Oyster card and valid Railcard to a London Underground station and ask a member of staff to set the discount for you. You can also get the discount set at Oyster Ticket Shops and Visitor Centres.

See the Transport for London website for more details on Oyster pay as you go.

No. Unfortunately once a Railcard has been issued it is non-refundable.

If your download code isn’t working, it is likely that it has expired or has been used to activate your Railcard on too many devices. You can only store your digital Network Railcard on a maximum of 2 devices, so you may need to remove it from an existing device to add it to a new one. 

If you have purchased your Railcard from the Railcard website you will need to click 'Manage my Railcard' on the website or homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, please click ‘Get a new download code’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Railcard to a new device.

If you are asked to remove 1 device, click the Bin icon next to the device you want to remove your Railcard from and then click 'Remove'. The system will generate a new download code for you which can now be used to add your Railcard to your device.

If the problem persists, please contact the customer services team on 0345 3000 250.

Click here for the step by step guide on how to generate a new download code.

No. You will not be able to travel with your discounted tickets if your 16-25 Railcard has expired. Discounted tickets are only valid if you are using them with a valid Railcard. You will need to renew your 16-25 Railcard before you begin and complete your journey.

Click here for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

If you have selected 'Digital' under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section, your digital 16-25 Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your digital 16-25 Railcard. Mature students will have to wait a little longer as these applications are checked manually. Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed and approved.

If you have ordered a plastic 16-25 Railcard online, please allow up to 5 working days for delivery. If you paid for ‘Special Delivery’ and placed your order before 15:45pm, your Railcard will be delivered within two days (Monday to Thursday) or three days (Friday to Sunday). If you are applying as a mature student please allow an additional 5 working days for your application to be reviewed and approved.

If you have purchased a digital 16-25 Railcard, in most cases it will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. Mature students will have to wait a little longer as these applications are checked manually. Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed and approved.

You cannot travel on discounted tickets until you have received your Railcard.

Yes. You will, however, need to complete a  Mature Student Application Form  to prove that you are still in full time study. You will need to get it endorsed by your university/college and also include a copy of your student photo identity card or NUS photo ID. 

Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be approved.

• I am over 25 years old and in full time education – can I apply for a Railcard? A: Yes. We define full-time study as attending college or University (in the United Kingdom) for 15 hours or more a week for at least 20 weeks a year. You can apply at a rail station or via the 16-25 Railcard website. To apply online you will need to complete the MATURE STUDENT APPLICATION FORM   including the "Mature Students Only" section and ensuring that it has been signed by either your tutor, head tutor, head of department or University/College administration staff member. Please note that students on home study and distance learning courses are not eligible. Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be approved.    If you are applying at a rail station please pick up a 16-25 Railcard leaflet and complete the mature student application section You will also need to provide either a NUS card or a College/University photo-id card to confirm that you are in the current academic year of study. If you are now 26 years old and have an expiring Railcard that was bought online, you will not be able to renew this Railcard. Because of limits to our current system you will need to register a new account using a different email address. This information must either be shown at a station or scanned in and uploaded if you apply online.

You can buy your 16-25 Railcard online or at a staffed station Ticket Office.

To buy online, simply click ‘’Buy Now’’ on the website homepage and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to provide a valid passport or UK driving licence or EEA National Identity Card number to prove your date of birth and a digital passport-style photo.

If you are a mature student, a 16-25 Railcard application form that has been stamped by your place of study accompanied by your current university/college photo ID will need to be provided. You will also need to provide a digital passport-style photo.

Once your online payment has been successful you will receive an email confirmation and acknowledgement of your application number (this confirmation cannot be used to buy discounted tickets).

If you have purchased a plastic 16-25 Railcard, please allow up to 5 working days for delivery. You can choose to pay for ‘Special Delivery’, but you will have to place your order before 15:45pm to guarantee that your Railcard is delivered within two days (Monday to Thursday) or three days (Friday to Sunday).

If you are unable to wait for your 16-25 Railcard to be delivered to you, you can also download and complete an online application form and go to any staffed station Ticket Office to apply in person. You will need to provide a valid passport or UK driving licence or EEA National Identity Card number to prove your date of birth and a digital passport-style photo.

If you have purchased a digital 16-25 Railcard, a download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. 

You will not be able to travel on discounted tickets until you have your Railcard.

To replace a stolen 16-25 Railcard you bought online, please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active 16-25 Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’. Select ‘stolen’, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen. You will have to provide a crime reference number, or a document given to you by the Police for a free replacement. You can also call our Helpline on 0345 3000 250.

To replace a stolen 16-25 Railcard you bought at a station, please go to a station with your crime reference number/documentation given to you by the police and some form of identification to be issued with a free replacement. You will also need to provide a new passport-style photo if you need to replace your stolen 16-25 Railcard Photocard at a station.

The image should be a good recognisable likeness of you. We prefer colour pictures but black and white images are acceptable. Your head and shoulders should be in close-up, with your face clearly visible and filling approximately 70% of the frame (in the same way it would for a passport or driving licence). The image must be in sharp focus. Please make sure that your face is not obscured by hats or hair. The file of your photo must be either a .jpg, .jpeg, or a .png and must not exceed 5MB with a resolution of at least 300dpi .  We will reject photos if they are not appropriate and ask you for a more suitable image.

The Railcard App is available to download from the Apple Store and the Google Play store.

The App is only compatible with devices that have the following software: Apple iOS 14.0 and above and Android 5.0 and above.

The Railcard app is  not  compatible with Windows Phones.

Yes. You can buy or renew your 1-year 16-25 Railcard up to and including the day before your 26th birthday and keep using it until its expiry date. With 3-year 16-25 Railcards you can buy them up until the day before your 24th birthday, which will make the expiry date the day before your 27th birthday.  

If your download code isn’t working, it is likely that it has expired or has been used to activate your Railcard on too many devices. You can only store your digital Railcard on a maximum of 2 devices, so you may need to remove it from an existing device to add it to a new one.

You will need to click "Manage my Railcard" on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Santander 16-25 Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’ to request a new download code or manage the number of devices your Railcard is on. Once you have removed one device on your account, please click ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your digital Santander 16-25 Railcard to a new device.

If the problem persists, please contact the customer services team on 0345 030 4100.

Take a look at our step-by-step guide on  how to generate a new download code

Once you have received your promotional code via a message within Santander’s Online Banking Service, go to the Santander 16-25 Railcard portal by clicking on https://secure.santander-railcard.co.uk and follow the instructions on the screen.

You will be given the option to have a plastic or a digital Railcard. When you get to ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’, select ‘Digital’ and follow the instructions on the screen to continue with your order.

You will need to enter your Santander promotional code correctly in the box below ‘If you have a valid Santander 16-25 Railcard promotional code, please enter it below’ to continue. You will also be asked to register if you do not already have a Railcard account or log in using your registered email address and password. You’ll also need to provide a photograph of yourself.

In most cases, your digital Santander 16-25 Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard.

Take a look at this page for  more information on managing your Railcard

Digital Railcards are stored within the Railcard app on your smart phone or tablet, meaning there’s no need to carry the physical card around with you. They can be stored on up to two devices and used quicker than plastic Railcards as they do not need to be sent in the post.

Railcard are available offline for a period of up to 72 hours. The Railcard app on your device will continue to show your digital Railcard as long as your mobile device has connected to the internet at some point within the last 72 hours. However, you will need an internet connection to order your digital Railcard or to add it to a new device.

You can store your digital Railcard on up to two devices at a time.

If you want to add a third, you will need to remove it from one of your existing devices through your account.

Simply click ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’ and select the device you want to remove. Once you have removed one device on your account, please click ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your digital Railcard to a new device.

Check your mailbox (including your junk mail) for an email from our Railcard team.

If you still can’t find it, please click "Manage my Railcard" on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’. You will need to click on ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. 

After ordering your digital Railcard you will be sent an email which contains a download code. You will use this download code to add your digital Railcard on your phone or device.

First, you will need to download the Railcard app from the Apple Store or the Google Play store. Once downloaded, open the app and tap on the ‘+’ button on the ‘Your Railcards’ screen. The ‘Add Railcard’ screen will then show, and you will need to tap on the ‘+’ button under ‘Add an existing Railcard’ to enter your download code and add your Railcard

Click here for a step by step on how to add a digital Railcard to your phone.

If you lose the device where your digital Railcard was downloaded, you will need to log in to account and remove it from the lost device.

Simply click ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’ and select the device you want to remove.  Once you have removed one device on your account, please click ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your Railcard to a new device.

Please note that you can only store your digital Railcard on a maximum of 2 devices.

Please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active digital Railcard, then click on ‘Manage Digital Devices’ and select the device you want to remove. Once you have removed one device on your account, please click ‘Request a new code for your Railcard’ to generate a new download code. You can now use this new download code to add your digital Railcard to a new device.

You cannot swap a plastic Railcard for a digital Railcard.

You will need to contact our Santander 16-25 Railcard customer support team on 0345 030 4100 so that we can better understand the activity that has caused your Railcard to be blocked. If appropriate, they will be able to help you get back online with your Railcard.

If we detect suspicious activity on your Santander 16-25 Railcard, it will be blocked until we have had the chance to speak to you.

During this period, your Railcard will no longer be valid for travel.

If your Railcard has been blocked, you will need to contact our customer support team on 0345 030 4100

**Excessive device changing can result in a Railcard being blocked**

If you don’t have any battery life, or have forgotten your device, it won't be possible to check that your Railcard discount is valid.

You could be asked to buy a single ticket for your journey, or be issued with a Penalty Fare.

If you do get caught out while travelling, you can make one claim a year to be refunded for any extra fare or penalty you incur.

For a list of train companies in Great Britain, and their details, click here .

Unfortunately you can only have one version of your Railcard – either plastic or digital. Once you have purchased your Railcard you cannot change the type of Railcard you have.

No. All Santander 16-25 Railcards start from the moment that they are issued. Plastic Railcards have a week’s validity added to allow for delivery.

No. You must carry your Santander 16-25 Railcard with you on all journeys for which you have bought discounted tickets with the Santander 16-25 Railcard. Therefore, if you buy discounted Santander 16-25 Railcard tickets before you receive your Santander 16-25 Railcard, you do this at your own risk. If you are in a hurry, the quickest way is to order a digital Santander 16-25 Railcard.

Santander 16-25 Railcard cannot be collected at a rail station. It can only be ordered on the Santander 16-25 Railcard portal on https://secure.santander-railcard.co.uk once you have received your promotional code via a message within Santander’s Online Banking service.

Digital Railcard

If you order a digital Santander 16-25 Railcard, it will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard.

Plastic Railcard

If you order a plastic Santander 16-25 Railcard please allow 5 working days for the Railcard to arrive. You can choose to pay for ‘Special Delivery’, but you will have to place your order before 15:45pm to guarantee that your Railcard is delivered within two days (Monday to Thursday) or three days (Friday to Sunday).

You cannot travel on discounted tickets until you have received your Santander 16-25 Railcard

Please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the 16-25 website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’. Select ‘stolen’, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen. You will have to provide a crime reference number, or a document given to you by the Police for a free replacement.

To apply for a replacement card, click ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the 16-25 Railcard website homepage to log in to your account and apply for a replacement.

Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’.  Select lost or damaged, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen.

Please note that you can only apply for a replacement Santander 16-25 Railcard 5 days after the date of original purchase. You can have one replacement each year of your Railcard validity.

You cannot travel on discounted tickets until you have received your Santander 16-25 Railcard.

Once you have received your promotional code via a message within Santander’s Online Banking Service, go to the Santander 16-25 Railcard portal by clicking on https://secure.santander-railcard.co.uk and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to enter your Santander promotional code correctly in the box below ‘If you have a valid Santander 16-25 Railcard promotional code, please enter it below’ to continue. You will be asked to register if you do not already have a Railcard account or log in using your registered email address and password. You will also need to provide a photograph of yourself.

Once your order has been completed you will receive an email confirmation and acknowledgement of your order number (this confirmation cannot be used to buy discounted tickets).

If you have ordered a digital Santander 16-25 Railcard, it will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard.

If you ordered a plastic Santander 16-25 Railcard please allow 5 working days for your Railcard to arrive. You can choose to pay for ‘Special Delivery’, but you will have to place your order before 15:45pm to guarantee that your Railcard is delivered within two days (Monday to Thursday) or three days (Friday to Sunday).

If you have ordered a plastic Santander 16-25 Railcard, please allow up to 5 working days for delivery. If you paid for ‘Special Delivery’ and placed your order before 15:45pm, your Railcard will be delivered within two days (Monday to Thursday) or three days (Friday to Sunday).

Whilst we don't have a specific Santander 16-25 Railcard for disabled customers, if you are eligible, we can provide Disabled Persons Railcard as an alternative. Please contact us on 0345 605 0525 or email us at [email protected]. We are open from 07:00am to 22:00pm everyday of the year except for Christmas day.

You can also write to:  

National Railcards

PO box 8626

SWADLINCOTE

In the first instance please contact Railcard Customer Services who will endeavour to resolve any issues that you have. 

We're open from 07:00am to 22:00pm everyday of the year except for Christmas day.  You can:

Email us:         [email protected]

Call us on:       0345 3000 250

Write to:           

If you are not satisfied with the resolution we give, you are entitled to contact:

www.transportfocus.org.uk/help/rail-complaints

http://ec.europa.eu/odr/

If you are travelling by train on a ticket with a Railcard discount, you must travel with your valid Railcard. If you forget your Railcard you will either be required to buy a new ticket or you may on certain services be liable for a Penalty Fare. However, a train company will normally allow you to claim back this extra expense on the first occasion in each year where this happens.

Each train company will have their own process for doing this. You will need to provide proof of your Railcard and either the original and additional tickets that you have purchased, or if you have not yet paid, details of the notice to pay or notice of Penalty Fare. Where you have already paid for additional tickets you should contact the relevant train company’s customer services department; in the case of a notice to pay or notice of Penalty Fare, you should follow the instructions included on how to challenge or appeal the charge.

Yes. You must show your valid 16-25 Railcard (digital or plastic) when you buy your ticket and travel on the train. If you bought your Railcard at a station, both the paper printed Railcard and the photocard must be presented. Failure to present a valid Railcard will mean you have to pay a full fare or you may on certain services be liable for a Penalty Fare.

A train company will normally allow you to claim back this extra expense on the first occasion in each year where this happens providing you can show that you owned a Railcard before you started your journey.

Each train company will have their own process for doing this. You will need to provide proof of your Railcard and either the original and additional tickets that you have purchased, or if you have not yet paid, details of the notice to pay or notice of Penalty Fare. Where you have already paid for additional tickets you should contact the relevant train company’s customer services department; in the case of a notice to pay or notice of Penalty Fare, you should follow the instructions included on how to challenge or appeal the charge.

Railcards issued at stations cannot be renewed online. You will need to create an account and purchase a new Railcard.

To buy a new 16-25 Railcard, please go to the website homepage, click ‘Buy Now’ and follow the instructions on the screen. You will be asked to provide either a passport, UK driving licence number or EEA national identity card and you will also need to provide a digital passport-style photo.

Not if you already hold a 16-25 Railcard that was issued by our online service, and you are between 16 and 25 years of age. Please note that Railcard issued at a station cannot be renewed online. You will need to create an account and purchase a new Railcard.

Mature students in full time education will need to prove their eligibility each time they need to renew their Railcards. Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be approved.

If you bought your 16-25 Railcard online, please go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to your account and apply for a replacement. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active plastic 16-25 Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’. Select lost or damaged, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen. You will also have to pay a £10 administration fee to replace a lost or damaged Railcard..

Please note that you can only apply for a replacement Railcard 5 days after the date of original purchase and only one replacement may be issued in a 12-month period.

If you bought it at a station, provided you can produce the completed "Receipt" portion of your original application form, then you can apply for your lost or damaged Railcard to be replaced at any staffed station ticket office. You will also have to pay a £10 administration fee, provide a passport-style photo and a valid passport, UK driving licence or EEA national identity card to prove your eligibility.

Yes, you can buy a 16-25 Railcard for another person online as long as they are between 16 and 25 years old or are mature students attending a recognised college or University in the United Kingdom for 15 hours or more a week for at least 20 weeks a year. You will need to provide proof of their date of birth (passport, UK driving licence number or EEA national identity card), their passport-style photo and their completed mature student application form signed and stamped by their place of study to prove their eligibility.

To order the Railcard, click ‘Buy Now’ on the website homepage and then when you get to the question, "Who is the Railcard being purchase for?" choose the option " The Railcard is for someone else" and follow the instructions on the screen to continue with your purchase. You will also be asked to register if you do not already have an account or log in using your registered email address and password.

Yes. You can buy a 1-year 16-25 Railcard over the counter at all staffed station ticket offices. You will be required to provide your passport or UK driving licence or birth certificate or EEA National Identity card as proof of your date of birth and a passport-style photo.

Any place of study that is on the database of the Department for Education for England and Wales, or included in the Scottish Executive's list of all maintained and independent places of study, or that holds Highly Trusted Sponsor status from the UK Border Agency   or is on the list of establishments accredited by the British Council .

  Please click on this link to download the mature student application form .   

Please go to "Manage my Railcard" on the website homepage to log in to your account. Once logged in, on the top right of your account summary page, please click on your ‘Menu Profile’ and select ‘Personal Details’. You will be given the option to update or change your personal details.

Or you can also click on https://secure.railcard.co.uk/account/personal-details , enter your log in details and the ‘Manage Personal Details’ page will show. You can now change or update your personal details.

If you need to change your name on your 16-25 Railcard, you will need to call our helpline on 0345 3000 250 to order a replacement. You will also have to pay a £10 administration fee and you will be required to email us a copy of either your Enrolled Deed Poll or Marriage Certificate.

If you bought your 16-25 Railcard at a station you will need to take your 16-25 Railcard to a staffed station along with a copy of either your Enrolled Deed Poll or Marriage Certificate. You will also have to pay a £10 administration fee.

You will need to wait 7 working days, then go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the 16-25 Railcard website homepage to log in to your account and apply for a replacement. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active 16-25 Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’. Select ‘lost’, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen. Please check that your address is correct before you order.

You will be sent a free replacement provided you do this within 30 days of your application date. If 30 days has passed from your date of purchase you can still request a replacement card, but you will have to pay a £10 replacement fee.

Yes. Provisional driving licences can be used to demonstrate your age to our online system.

We're sorry that you've experienced problems whilst uploading a photograph. There can be several causes of this - some of which are difficult to diagnose. We’ve compiled a list of trouble-shooting tips that you can try before contacting us:

Retry the photo upload. Close your web browser before restarting it and logging in again

Enable Javascript on your web browser. Your web browser may be configured in a way that it makes uploading the photo more difficult (such as. having the Javascript disabled).  Please check your settings and ensure that Javascript is enabled

Make sure you have up-to-date web browser software. Although our website supports the top browsers (such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox and Opera), some older versions of these browsers are more likely to cause problems uploading image files to our website. Try updating your web browser to the latest version, or try a different web browser/computer

Make sure your image is 5 megabytes (5Mb) in size or less. We accept images up to 5Mb in size but the smaller the file the better - it will take less time to transfer to our servers. Crop your photograph before uploading and/or reduce the quality but be careful - the picture still needs to be clear enough to print on the Railcard

Check that your internet service provider (ISP) is not experiencing problems. These are often difficult to detect but if other websites are unusually slow (especially noticeable when downloading images), then your ISP may be having network issues or might be congested. You may want to check with your ISP by visiting their 'service status' webpage

If you have done all of the above and are still experiencing problems, then please call us on 0345 3000 250.

No. Please do not laminate your Railcard. In most instances the heat of a laminating machine will turn the surface of your Railcard black, damaging it and making it illegible. If this happens you will need to buy a replacement Railcard (for a fee of £10 if you have had no previous replacements).

Laminated Railcards cannot be accepted by rail staff as the lamination makes it difficult to validate that the Railcard has not been tampered with.

To protect your Railcard please keep it in a plastic ticket wallet which is available for free from any staffed station ticket office.

No. You must carry your Railcard with you on any journey where you have bought discounted tickets with the Railcard.

Therefore, if you buy discounted Railcard tickets before you receive your Railcard, you do this at your own risk.

Please click ‘Renew my Railcard’ on the website homepage to log in to account. Once logged in, click ‘Renew’ under your expired or soon to expired Railcard, select 'Digital' or ‘Plastic’ under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section and follow the instruction on the screen to complete your purchase.

Click  here  for the step by step guide on how to renew your Railcard.

Yes, you can.

Simply click ‘Buy Now on the website homepage to get started. When you get to the question 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like' select 'Digital' and follow the instructions on the screen to complete your purchase.

We are sorry but the 16-25 Railcard gives no discount on Season tickets and period Travelcards.

Yes, your Railcard is accepted by all the Train Companies who operate Passenger Railway Services within England, Scotland and Wales.

Railcards do not give discounts on Eurostar services, Charter services, and Heritage Railways unless state otherwise.

No. Santander 16-25 Railcards are only available to the holders of Santander Student Current Accounts who have received promotional codes from the bank. They cannot be transferred.

Your Santander promotional code will be valid for 60 days from the date of issue.  If you already have a Railcard that is due to expire within this time you can wait until the day after it has expired and then apply for your Santander 16-25 Railcard through https://secure.santander-railcard.co.uk

If you cannot wait until your Railcard has expired, or your current Railcard is not due to expire at a date later than three months away, please note that you will not be able to renew using your current online Railcard account. You will need to set up a new account through https://secure.santander-railcard.co.uk  using an email address that is different to one you have used previously and buy a new Railcard.

You will need to wait 5 working days, then go to ‘Manage my Railcard’ on the 16-25 Railcard website homepage to log in to your account and apply for a replacement. Once logged in, click on ‘Details’ under your active Railcard, then click on ‘Replace Railcard (Lost or stolen)’. Select ‘lost’, then click continue and follow the instructions on the screen. Please check that your address is correct before you order.

• The system won't accept my driving licence details - can you help? A: If you are using a driving licence to apply, please make sure that the name you use to apply for your Railcard is typed into your application in exactly the same format in which it is shown on your driving licence. This means that if an apostrophe or hyphen in your name has been left out of your name on your driving licence you need to leave it out of the name you use for your Railcard. For example, if your name is “O’brian” and it is shown as “Obrian” (without the apostrophe) on your driving licence, then you should type it as “Obrian” in your Railcard application.

The download code allows you to add a purchased digital Railcard to the Railcard app on your device. It is found within the email confirmation you would have received after we have approved your Railcard application.

Click here for more information on download code and managing your Railcard.

Please note that the Railcard app is available to download from the Apple Store and the Google Play store.

Digital Railcard can be bought online only. Please click on 'Buy Now' on the website homepage to get started. When you get to the question ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’, select ‘Digital’ and follow the instructions on the screen to continue with your purchase.

In most cases, your digital 16-25 Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. 

Mature students who want a 16-25 Railcard will have to wait a little longer as these applications are checked manually. Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed and approved.

Click here for more information on managing your Railcard

In most cases, your digital 16-25 Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your digital 16-25 Railcard.

Mature students who want a 16-25 Railcard will have to wait a little longer, as these applications are checked manually. Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed. Once approved, a download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your digital 16-25 Railcard.

Yes! You can renew your digital Railcard within 30 days of its expiry to a digital Railcard.

Simply click ‘Renew my Railcard’ on the homepage, enter your log in details, click on ‘Renew’ under your expired or soon to expired Railcard, select 'Digital' under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section and follow the instruction on the screen to complete your purchase.

You cannot swap a plastic Railcard to a digital Railcard. However, when the time comes to renew your Railcard you can do this online and choose to have a digital Railcard.

Yes. Please visit the ‘Offers & Competitions’ page for more details.

You can renew your 16-25 Railcard bought online within 30 days of its expiry and before your 26th birthday to a digital or a plastic Railcard.

Simply click ‘Renew my Railcard’ on the website homepage, enter your log in details, click on ‘Renew’ under your expired or soon to expired Railcard, select 'Digital' or ‘Plastic’ under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section and follow the instruction on the screen to complete your purchase.

Please click on https://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/help/railcard-terms-conditions/ for important terms and conditions that you need to understand before you use your Railcard.  

You may have ticked on ‘Yes, I am a mature student’ under ‘Are you a mature student?’ question at the begin of your application. This box should only be ticked by applicants who are 26 years of age or older and still in full time education. Please remove the tick from the mature student box and you will be offered the range of birth dates for applicants who are between 16 and 25 years old.

We accept machine readable passport numbers from all countries except for those issued in the Philippines and Bangladesh prior to 2010. So if you have a valid passport your passport code should work.

When inputting your passport details into the system please ensure you are entering all characters including each chevron “<” where it appears on your passport. You will need to input:

• A: 10 digits or characters into the first box
• B: three letters in the second box identifying your nationality
• C: seven digits in the third box
• D: an F or M identifying your gender in the fourth box
• E: seven digits in the fifth box
• F: the last two digits of your passport code in the sixth box. If you only have one digit in this section, please add a 0 in front of it. 

If all of the above information is correct and the system says that your number is still invalid, please c heck that the information you have supplied on the Cardholder Details page is correct. You must:

• use your full name as it is shown on your passport. Do not use any shortened version of your name (for example, “Bob” when you are “Robert” on your passport)
• put your personal name in the “Your First Name” field and your family name in the “Your Surname” field
• make sure that your gender is as it is shown on your passport

Santander Railcard is not available to existing Student Account holders. It is available to all new Student Account customers, all customers switching to the Santander Student Account from other banks and customers who are upgrading to Student Accounts from non-Student accounts (such as Santander’s Youth Account).

If you would like to discuss your eligibility for the Santander Railcard further, please contact Santander Customer Services on 0800 9 123 123.

Please click on https: //www.16-25railcard.co.uk/help/railcard-terms-conditions/ for important terms and conditions that you need to understand before you use your Santander 16-25 Railcard.

You cannot buy a Santander 16-25 Railcard for another person nor can you buy it on the 16-25 Railcards website. The promotional code provided by Santander is unique to you and can only be used on the Santander 16-25 Railcard portal on https://secure.santander-railcard.co.uk

Please check that you have read each character of the promotional code correctly. We do try to use promotinal codes that are easy to read, but occasionally applicants might confuse some of the characters.

If you are still having difficulty, please call the Railcard team on 0345 030 4100 and they will be able to check the status of your promotional code.  Please note that your promotional code is unique to you and can only be used once to apply for a Santander 16-25 Railcard.

Your Santander promotional code will be valid for 60 days from the date of issue.  If your promotional code has expired, you will need to contact Santander Customer Services on 0800 9 123 123 .

You will need to contact our customer support team on 0345 3000 250 so that we can better understand the activity that has caused your Railcard to be blocked.

If appropriate, they will be able to help you get back online with your Railcard.

If we detect suspicious activity on your Railcard, it will be blocked until we have had the chance to speak to you.

If your Railcard has been blocked, you will need to contact our customer support team on 0345 3000 250.

Yes. You can use it with the 2FOR1 Days Out Guide promotions and most offers given by train companies. Please note that your Railcard may get you the full 1/3 discount on some Train Company special offers, but many offers include a smaller discount or no discount at all. It's best to ask at your local station for details of a specific offer, or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50. Alternatively, you can visit www.nationalrail.co.uk .

The Railcard discount does not cover charges on various articles or animals. For details about which items carry a charge, and details of the charges, please call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50. 

If your appearance has changed and your photograph no longer resembles you, you can arrange to have your photograph updated. There is a £10 administration fee for this. Please call our Railcard helpline on 0345 030 4100 . Our advisors will then be able to take payment and advise you of how you can supply your new photograph.

Due to the pandemic far fewer people have been travelling by train. This means that the government is offering additional financial backing to the rail industry so that services keep running to support the economy.

Due to the pandemic fewer people have been travelling by train. Funding is currently being used to keep services running to support the economy. 

All customers must provide a photograph. The photo should have been taken with nothing covering the outline of eyes, nose or mouth. The rail industry applies the same rules as the DVLA and Passport Agency, so photos with a person wearing a full facial burka / niqab (a veil that covers the face) are not acceptable. If a member of rail staff is unable to validate that the person on your Railcard is you, the Train Companies reserve the right to charge you the full price Standard Single fare for your journey as if no ticket was purchased before starting the journey and in some cases a Penalty Fare.

Railcards can be used for rail discounts in the area known as Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). They cannot be used for rail travel in either in Northern Ireland nor the Republic of Ireland.

If you live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland you can buy a Railcard to use for travelling in Scotland, Wales or England. For more information on concessionary rail travel schemes in Northern Ireland please see www.translink.co.uk   or the Republic of Ireland please see  www.irishrail.ie  .

Railcards issued at stations are printed on paper. On rare occasions, the way that the surface of the Railcard interacts with the plastic in some ticket wallets destabilises the print and makes it fade. If this has happened to your Railcard you can take it into a staffed rail station and they will replace it free of charge. Most stations will be able to check the validity of the Railcards by running it through the ticket–issuing machine to check when it was originally issued.

The “Internal Server Error” message is a generic error message which relates to issues to do with the way your browser is interfacing with the Railcard website. Sometimes this problem can occur if you are using compatibility mode in Internet Explorer (versions IE10 and lower).  

In Internet Explorer 10 you can click the compatibility mode button to switch it on or off. 

In Internet Explorer 11 there is no compatibility mode button so to access the Compatibility settings you will need to click on the Settings icon. In the menu that is subsequently displayed you will find “Compatibility View Settings” – click this. In the Settings panel that displays, make sure that railcard.co.uk is not the box entitled, “Websites you’ve added to compatibility view”.  If it is please click on the entry and click the remove button, then click to close it.

• What methods of payment are accepted? A: We accept online payment via credit and debit cards. The cards accepted are: Visa, Visa Debit, Visa Electron, MasterCard, MasterCard Debit, Maestro and Solo. We cannot accept American Express or Diner's Club.

Please check that you have read each character of the code correctly. We do try to use codes that are easy to read, but occasionally applicants might confuse,

• the letter “I” with the number “1”
• the letter “O” with the number “0”(zero)
• the letter “S” with the number “5”.

If any of these characters appear in your code please try their alternatives. If this does not work please call us on 0345 3000 250 and we will be able to check the status of the code you have.

• Why is the title "Mx" not available when I come to make payment? A: If you have given your title as "Mx" during the application process then this will be shown on your Railcard and in all correspondence that we have with you. However, the secure payment process is delivered by our Payment Provider and we are only able to offer the range of titles that it provides.
• Can I buy a 16-25 Railcard in advance of my 16th birthday? A: If you order online then yes, you can order one up to 14 days in advance of your 16th birthday. Please note that you cannot buy Railcards in advance of your 16th birthday from rail stations.
• How old do I have to be to buy a 3-year Railcard? A: You can get a 3-year 16-25 Railcard right up until the week before your 24th birthday. Please do not wait until the last day before your 24th birthday to apply. Whilst we will fulfil any completed orders we receive we regret that we will not be able to issue you with a 3-year Railcard if problems (technical or otherwise) prevent you from placing your order successfully. By applying at least a few days in advance of your 24th birthday you will leave time for us to be able to help you if you have any difficulties with your application.
• Why can't mature students buy 3-year 16-25 Railcards? A: People who are older than 25 years of age can only buy and use a Railcard if they are in full time study. We therefore require mature students to demonstrate that they are still in full time education each time they buy or renew a Railcard.
• What provision do you make for Open University students? A: Because the vast majority of Open University (OU) students do not attend an academic institution to study full time, they are not eligible for a 16-25 Railcard. However, OU students who are studying full time courses at the Open University campus in Milton Keynes are eligible as they physically attend the campus to undertake their courses.
• I am aged between 16 and 25 years old. My current Railcard is due to expire just after my 26th birthday - can I renew it early? A: No. You will not be able to renew a Railcard if its date of issue is after your 26th birthday unless you are a Mature Student. However, you can still buy another 16-25 Railcard by setting up another account using an alternative address and making your purchase just before your 26th birthday. We will not be able to refund you for any over-lapping period of validity between the two Railcards.
• Can I use my Railcard to buy my ticket on the train rather than at a station? A: Only if there is no ticket office, or the ticket office is closed and there is no ticket machine available to buy your discounted ticket at the station at which you began your journey.  If this is the case you can buy your discounted ticket from ontrain staff. Otherwise, if ticket facilities were available at the station you could be charged the full price Standard Single fare.
• Can I use my Railcard to buy tickets for other people? A: No. The Railcard is for your use only, and provides discounts only on tickets bought for your own use. It does not cover anyone accompanying you.
• Can I reserve my seat if booking a ticket in advance? A: Yes, providing that there are reservations available on the service on which you are travelling. Many train companies will allow you to reserve a seat free of charge on longer distance journeys. Please check with the local ticket office staff before buying tickets.
• Can I use my Santander 16-25 Railcard on train services in Northern Ireland? A: Your Santander 16-25 Railcard can only be used for discounts on the National Rail network in Great Britain; that is England, Scotland and Wales. It cannot be used on train services in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.  Residents of Northern Ireland can apply for a Santander 16-25 Railcard to use when they travel in Scotland, Wales or England.
• Can I use my Santander 16-25 Railcard to buy my ticket on the train rather than at a station? A: Only if there is no ticket office, or the ticket office is closed and there is no ticket machine available to buy your discounted ticket at the station at which you began your journey. If this is the case you can buy your discounted ticket from ontrain staff. Otherwise, if ticket facilities were available at the station you could be charged the full price Standard Single fare.
• Can I use my Santander 16-25 Railcard to buy tickets for other people? A: No. The Santander 16-25 Railcard is for your use only, and provides discounts only on tickets bought for your own use. It does not cover anyone accompanying you.
• Can I claim a refund if I don't use my Santander 16-25 Railcard? A: No. Unfortunately once a Santander 16-25 Railcard has been issued it is non-refundable. There is no cash alternative and the Railcard is not transferable to any other person.

Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel

Find the latest information on free bus travel for under 22s.

All young people and children aged 5-21 years can apply for a card to access the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel Scheme.

You will need a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC with the valid free travel entitlement with you whenever you want to take the bus – otherwise you’ll have to pay for your trip.

Eligibility

If you live in Scotland and are 5-21 years old you are eligible for a card giving you free bus travel. You must be resident in Scotland for the majority of the year (at least six months). Children under 5 years old already travel for free on buses and don’t need a card.

Children and young people aged 5-21 years old will need a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) before hopping on board. Previously issued cards will not allow access to the scheme.

Learn more about how you can apply for the scheme .

If you’re aged between 16 and 21 and you already have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC issued prior to when applications opened on 10 January 2022, you can download free bus travel onto your existing card using the Transport Scot Pass Collect app. This means you may not need to apply for a new card to access your free bus travel.

Active cards are those received since 2016 – they’ll have a long number next to the ITSO logo and, if there’s a date of birth shown, it will be highlighted with a pink strip.

Find out more about how to download and use the app .

The Scottish Government is working in partnership with the Improvement Service (who are accountable for the NEC Scheme), National Entitlement Card Programme Office (who are responsible for the management of the NEC and support local authorities with the application process), and Young Scot to deliver the scheme.

The acceptable 'proofs' you can provide for the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme whether applying online or through offline application routes allow some extra flexibility - see Frequently Asked Questions for full details. Briefly, 'out of date passports' can be used to support an application and proof of residency documents may be dated within the last 12 months.

Asylum seekers and refugees

Asylum seekers and refugees aged between 5 and 21 can access the scheme. As with all others of those ages living in Scotland, they can apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC) to access free bus travel.

To apply, find out what documents you can use to provide proof on the  NEC website .

The Application Registration Card (ARC), issued by the Home Office, can be used in conjunction with other information/evidence to apply for a NEC in person, through your local council.

When an application is made in person, officials can vouch for an applicant (or a parent acting on their behalf) by considering other information/evidence which cannot be used in the online application process.

The ARC is not accepted as proof of identity on its own, or for online applications as, under the UK Proof of Age Scheme (PASS), it cannot be used to establish evidence of identification online and there is no online equivalent to the help provided offline to support applications.

Where can I travel?

The scheme will give you free travel on any bus in any part of Scotland on registered bus services. You can travel on buses outside the area you live in using your card. Only a few services, such as premium-fare night buses and City Sightseeing buses, will not accept the card. Contact the bus company before you travel if you are unsure.

If travelling, you should always follow the latest advice to keep yourself and others safe.

Find out more about the benefits of free bus travel at freebus.scot

Using your card

Using your card is really easy. Make sure you have your card with you and then when you get on the bus, tell the bus driver where you are going, tap it on the electronic card reader to use it and the smart technology will do the rest.

If you are over 11 years old you can choose to apply for the Young Scot NEC. You can use it to save money with in-person and online discounts – with over 500 discounts in Scotland and over 100,000 deals across Europe. It also acts as proof of age. What’s more, you can collect points by taking part in activities and exchanging these for Rewards. Find out more at Young Scot’s website .

• You will need a new or replacement NEC or Young Scot NEC to travel for free on the bus.
• It’s your card and only your card – your friends can’t borrow it.
• Take good care of it – if you forget it or it gets damaged and doesn’t work, you’ll need to pay the fare.
• If your card has a photo, make sure it is up to date and it looks like you
• Always keep in touch with your family and friends to let them know where you are – it’s important to stay safe

The main thing is to have your card with you whenever you want to take the bus – otherwise you’ll have to pay for your trip. Parents or guardians – this means you too! Don’t forget your child’s card when they are travelling with you.

Read some top tips on planning your bus journey and what to expect at freebus.scot

Tickets for Concessionary Bus Travel

The National Concessionary Travel Scheme legislation does not require paper tickets to be issued to cardholders for concession journeys. The issuing of paper tickets to passengers is an operational decision at the discretion of the bus operator.

When a National Entitlement Card is placed on the ticket machine this will automatically record the boarding stage, to receive reimbursement for the journey the driver must accurately record the requested destination stage. Whilst this information forms the record of this journey, all concession claims undergo comprehensive audit compliance and analysis checks before any reimbursement is made.

Concerns of misuse of the Concessionary Travel Schemes should be reported to our 24-hour dedicated Freephone line 0800 328 5690. If you have any other questions about concessionary bus travel, please email us at [email protected]

How to apply

If you are 5-21 years old and live in Scotland you are eligible for free bus travel.

All children and young people aged 5-21 will need to apply for a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) to access free bus travel. Previously issued cards will not allow you access to the scheme. Children aged under 5 years do not need a card as they already travel for free on commercial bus services across Scotland.

However, if you’re aged between 16 and 21 and you already have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC, you can download free bus travel onto your existing card using the Transport Scot Pass Collect app. This means you may not need to apply for a new card to access your free bus travel.

The photograph on the card must look like you (if your NEC or Young Scot NEC includes a photo) to travel by bus for free.

Read the scheme’s full terms and conditions .

How to Apply

You can either apply online at getyournec.scot  or (if your child’s school uses it) on parentsportal.scot . If you’re applying online, you may find it useful, before starting the application process, to download or look out the documents as outlined on  getyournec.scot  that you will need. You can apply using a smartphone/tablet or a computer depending on your preference, and if you don't have scanned copies of your documents, you can take photos of your proofs during the application process using a smartphone/tablet. Alternatively you can apply directly with your local council. 

• If you are aged 16-21 you must apply for a new NEC yourself
• A parent, guardian or carer must apply on behalf of 5–15 year olds and provide approval for them to travel for free by bus
• Children under 5 years old do not need a card as they already travel for free on commercial bus services

To aid applications made through getyournec.scot , videos have been made which walk you through the online application process step-by-step:

• How to apply for a card for your child
• How to request a replacement card with free bus travel

What you will need to apply online

Before you apply online this is what you’ll need. You won’t be able to save and resume your application, so please get this information ready before you start.

Applying for a National Entitlement Card for yourself aged 16+? 

To apply you will need:

• a device with a camera or webcam (laptop/tablet/phone).
• to sign in using your mygovscot myaccount (click register if you don’t have one).
• a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders.
• proof of identity (passport, driving licence, Young Scot card, Biometric Residence Permit or use your  Yoti account ).
• proof of address (such as Council Tax bill or bank statement).

Parent/guardian/carer applying on behalf of your child aged under 16?

• parent/guardian/carer proof of identity (passport, driving licence, Young Scot card, Biometric Residence Permit or use your  Yoti account ).
• parent/guardian/carer proof of address (such as Council Tax bill or bank statement).
• proof of your child's identity (eg. birth certificate (if under 11 only), passport, Biometric Residence Permit or Young Scot card).
• proof of your child's address (only if they live at a different address from you).
• a recent digital image of the child (if aged 11+) showing head and shoulders.

Proof of relationship

There are a number of documents you can use to show your relationship with your child:

• Full Birth Certificate (abbreviated certificates cannot be used), or
• Adoption Order, or
• Kinship Care Order, or
• Compulsory Supervision Order, or
• Residence Order, or
• Permanence Order, or
• Guardianship Order, or
• Parental Order, or
• Something that shows you’re the main person looking after your child. This can be a copy of either a letter from your local authority or a legal order.

View a full list of accepted proof of address and photograph guidelines

Once you have applied on getyournec.scot , you can log back in to check the status of your application – i.e. submitted, approved, rejected.

If you cannot apply online, there are many other ways to apply, please contact your local council .

In some local council areas, schools are coordinating applications on behalf of their pupils. Schools will contact parents or guardians and pupils directly if this arrangement is in place.

You should allow up to ten working days from the date your application was approved for your card to arrive.

Some local councils may not be able to offer in-person applications at all times so please do check their website or call before setting off.

Parentsportal.scot

If you live in any of the local council areas which uses parentsportal.scot you might find it convenient to apply for a new card through that route.

The local council areas are:

• Aberdeenshire
• East Renfrewshire
• North Lanarkshire
• Perth and Kinross
• Renfrewshire
• West Lothian.

The type of National Entitlement Card you apply for and whether you need approval from a parent or guardian depends on your age.

For those aged 11+ it’s your choice whether you apply for the Young Scot NEC or a standard NEC. Remember that Young Scot offers discounts, rewards, membership and is PASS accredited, meaning you can use a Young Scot NEC as proof of age. Find out more at Young Scot’s website .

Your responsibilities

• The NEC is only valid for use by the person it’s issued to – no one else can use it
• Take good care of your card. You must be physically carrying your card to access the scheme – if you forget it or it gets damaged and doesn’t work, you’ll need to pay the fare
• Always keep in touch with you family and friends to let them know where you are – it’s important to stay safe

Read the scheme terms and conditions .

Transport Scotland’s Pass Collect app

If you are aged between 16 and 21 and already have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC you can download your free bus travel using the Transport Scot Pass Collect app.

Active cards are those received since 2016 – they’ll have a long number next to the ITSO logo and, if there’s a date of birth shown, it will be highlighted with a pink strip. Please note, any NECs which are dedicated matriculation cards aren’t compatible with the app.

Download the Transport Scot Pass Collect app on the App Store or Google Play to add free bus travel your existing card.

How to download the app

You can use the app with an Android (version 6 or later) or iOS (version 6 or later) phone that is connected to the internet by Wi-Fi or mobile connection.

The phone must have Near Field Communication (NFC) compatibility. This is the same function you use for mobile contactless payments and is usually available on newer smartphones.

To download the app you will need to either be connected to Wi-Fi, or have 3G, 4G or 5G network connection with good mobile signal.

How to use the app

The app is simple and easy to use – just follow the instructions to read your card and download your free bus travel.

Watch this video from Young Scot for a useful step-by-step guide on how to use the app.

Collecting free bus travel on your card

When you place your card at the back of your phone to download your free bus travel – in the same way you would use contactless payment – it’s important to make sure you hold it in the right place.

This is different depending on whether you have an Android or iOS phone. The correct place is usually at the top for iOS and in the middle for Android, as shown below.

Checking what is on your card

The app can also be used by anyone to ‘read’ an NEC or Young Scot NEC to see what smart travel concession products/entitlements are stored on the card.

There are a few different products which might come up when you read your card. For under 22s free bus travel, you should look for one or both of the following:

• Bus Pass (Y)
• Bus Pass (Y 16+)

If you do not see one or both of the above when you read your card, you don’t have free bus travel on your card. You may have other products stored on your card,  such as Bus ID (Y) which indicates this is a young person’s card – but it is not free bus travel.

If you’re eligible, you can use the app to collect free bus travel on to your card. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a new NEC with free bus travel.

Top tips and more information about the app

• The app is not personalised. This means you can use it to download someone else’s bus travel to their card – for example you could also help your friends download free bus travel onto their cards too – or use their app to download your own.
• The app doesn’t store any personal information. You can read the full app terms and conditions for more information.
• Please remember, only those aged 16 and over can download free bus travel on to an existing NEC or Young Scot NEC.

If you’ve successfully downloaded the app onto your phone but you’ve received an error message when using it, the message will provide details about what has gone wrong and tell you what to do next or who to contact. Check the error messages below to help.

It looks like you’re offline

Check you are connected to the internet. If you’re connected via mobile network, check you have a strong signal.

The NFC (Near Field Communication) is disabled

If you have NFC, you may need to switch this on in your settings. NFC is the same service used for mobile contactless payment – you can check online or with your phone provider to see if your phone has this.

Card read but nothing to collect

Only those aged 16-21 who have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC can use the app to download free bus travel on to an existing NEC or Young Scot NEC.

Check your card is active – this means it was received after 2016, it should have a long number next to the ITSO logo and if your date of birth is on it, it will be highlighted with a pink strip.

If you have already applied for a new card, this means your application has nearly finished being processed and your new card will be with you soon.

If your card is active, and you have not already applied for a new card, please contact us using the details below as there may be an issue with your card.

Uh oh! Something went wrong, or we are busy

This message appears when there are too many people trying to collect bus travel at the same time. Please try again in a few minutes.

Remember to hold your card very still at the back of your phone. It’s important to place the card in the correct position, which is different depending on whether you have an Android or iOS phone. This correct position is usually at the top for iOS and in the middle for Android.

Oops that didn’t work – looks like your card is full

This message appears if you have lots of other travel tickets on your card. Please try again and if it still doesn’t work, please contact us using the details below.

Oops that didn’t work – we’re having trouble reading your card

This message usually appears if you have accidentally moved your card when holding it to the phone. Try again, putting your card on a table and holding your phone above it to help keep it steady. If you have a cover on your phone, please try removing this as well.

If it doesn’t work again after doing this, get in touch with us using the details below in case there is something wrong with your card (please remember to check you are using an active NEC or Young Scot NEC first).

Oops that didn’t work – looks like your card is not supported by this app

This usually appears if you try and read a smartcard that is not an NEC or Young Scot NEC – for example, a Subway or ScotRail card.

There is no supported app for this NFC tag

This usually appears if you try and read a smartcard that is an old version of the NEC or Young Scot NEC. If you are aged 16-21 and receive this message, you will need to apply for a new card. Find out how to apply for a new card .

Oops that didn’t work – looks like your card is expired

This usually appears when your card is no longer valid and means you will need to apply for a new card. Find out how to apply for a new card .

Oops that didn’t work – looks like your card is blocked

This usually appears when your card has already been replaced by a newer version. Please find your most recent card and use this instead.

If you cannot find the newer version, you will need to apply for a new card. Find out how to apply for a new card .

Get in touch

If the information above and the Frequently Asked Questions page don’t answer any queries you have about the app, or if you have issues using it, please contact us.

Don’t forget you can always use someone else’s Pass Collect app to check your card and download your free bus travel, if your phone isn’t compatible.

Email:  [email protected]

Staying safe

There’s lots to think about as you travel on the bus. Read some top tips for travelling safely at freebus.scot

There are no COVID-19 rules or restrictions in Scotland. There are things you can do to stay well and protect others, read these and find out more about Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland.

Top tips for parents and guardians

Letting your young person use free nationwide bus travel may feel daunting. It’s a big responsibility and it can be difficult to know they’re safe. This is why we’re encouraging all parents and guardians to have conversations with their children about being safe and confident when travelling.

• It’s never easy to start a serious conversation, so try to make it relevant for you. It can be helpful to break up discussions into bite-sized chats over a period of time. That gives you both a bit of space to process what you’ve spoken about and avoids anyone feeling like they’ve been lectured.
• Have a chat about what they might expect to see while they are out, how to interact with the driver and other passengers, and how to use their card –especially if they are new to bus travel.
• Getting your child used to using bus from a young age can build their confidence and independence.

Driver training

We’ve been working closely with Barnardo’s Scotland to provide simple and clear guidance for bus drivers on protecting children and young people and keeping them safe from harm. This covers a huge range of issues and provides helpful advice for drivers on how to report issues if they arise.

Access the training for drivers .

Martin Crewe, Director for Barnardo’s Scotland said:

"Barnardo’s Scotland is proud to have worked with Transport Scotland to create a bespoke training package on child safeguarding for bus drivers across Scotland. Through training in general safeguarding and the signs of exploitation, we have helped to give bus drivers the confidence to recognise risks to young passengers’ safety and provided them with the knowledge of what to do and who to speak to if they have any concerns.”

Visit Barnardo’s Scotland for more information on their work and support.

Useful Contacts

Get help with applying or replacing your nec or young scot nec.

• Get help with GETYOURNEC.SCOT
• Get help with Young Scot
• Get help with parentsportal.scot

At your local council

Contact your local council

Some local councils may not be able to offer in-person applications at all times so please do check their website or call before setting off. Your local council will be able to advise you about their processing times.

Bus operators

If you have any questions about individual bus routes, services or journeys please contact the bus operator directly.

Get help with Transport Scotland’s Pass Collect app

For any questions about our app, or if you’re having any issues using the app, please contact:

Email:  [email protected] Address: Concessionary Travel and Smart and Integrated Ticketing, Transport Scotland, George House, 2nd Floor, 36 North Hanover Street, Glasgow, G1 2AD.

Enquiries about the free bus travel scheme

Transport Scotland is responsible for the policy and some aspects of the delivery of the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme including the reimbursement of bus operators. The scheme is delivered through the National Entitlement Card (NEC). The Improvement Service is the accountable body for the NEC Scheme. It also operates and manages GETYOURNEC.SCOT  and parentsportal.scot .

The National Entitlement Card Programme Office supports the Scheme’s operational management and delivery under a Service Level Agreement with the Improvement Service. This includes support to all Scottish local authorities for the NEC application process, including for card issue, renewals and replacements. 

For general information on the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Travel Scheme, or if there's anything you're not sure about, please contact:

Concessionary Travel and Integrated Ticketing Unit

Transport Scotland, George House, 2nd Floor, 36 North Hanover Street, Glasgow, G1 2AD.

Email: [email protected]

Policy and legislation

Legislation was approved by the Scottish Parliament in March 2021 enabling the introduction of a new statutory scheme to allow 5-18 year olds resident in Scotland to access free bus travel through the National Entitlement Card (NEC) and the Young Scot branded NEC (Young Scot card).

Following a further commitment made by the Scottish Government, legislation to allow the scheme to be extended to include those aged under 22 was approved by the Scottish Parliament in autumn 2021.

Read more about the scheme legislation and Impact Assessments .

Terms and Conditions

National entitlement card (nec) and young scot national entitlement card (young scot nec) must be in good working order.

• You – and parent/ guardians of cardholders aged between 5-15 years old – must ensure that your NEC or Young Scot NEC is kept in a good condition and presented to the bus ticket machine or other transport ticketing equipment in good working order i.e. undamaged in any way.
• If your NEC or Young Scot NEC is damaged so that it cannot be scanned on the bus ticket machine (or other transport ticketing equipment) you will be required to pay the full fare for your journey. You – and parents/guardians of cardholders aged 5-15 years old - will have to ensure that the appropriate bus fare or other transport ticket can be paid in full by cash or other alternative payment methods.
• If your NEC or Young Scot NEC is damaged it is your responsibility (or parents/guardians of young people aged between 5-15 years old) to request a replacement card from your local authority to allow access to free bus travel and any other transport discounts.
• If you need a new or replacement NEC or Young Scot NEC then please see the advice above on how to a new card may be requested by using GETYOURNEC.SCOT , parentsportal.scot or by contacting your local council

NEC/Young Scot NEC – Not Transferable

• Those eligible to access the young persons’ free bus travel scheme will be provided with a NEC or Young Scot NEC that is unique to them. Please carry your card with you when you are travelling.
• Cards should be kept safe and must be used by the named cardholder only to access free bus travel.
• Cards must not be used by or given to any other person for their use.
• Transport operators may refuse free travel to anyone where the image on the card doesn’t match the person presenting it.
• Transport Scotland has a fraud policy and any person(s) found to be misusing any aspect of the scheme (including allowing a card to be used by someone else) may have their entitlement to free bus travel suspended. Incidents of misuse may also be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
• Cardholders (and parents/guardians of cardholders aged 5-15 years old) have a duty to report any changes of circumstances which may affect entitlement, including changes of address, to their local authority.

General Information

• Travel using a NEC or Young Scot NEC is subject to the normal regulations and conditions of carriage of each transport operator.
• Your card gives you the same rights as a full-fare paying passenger.
• The Young Scot NEC is part of the accredited proof of age card scheme PASS. This means that the Young Scot NEC can be used as proof of age.
• The photo on your card needs to be kept up to date to use it to prove your age for age restricted products or services. Your card must not be used by any other person.

Privacy Policy

This  Privacy Policy  outlines how we use, store and share the personal information we hold about you in connection with our national concessionary travel schemes.

App Terms and Conditions

Read the terms and conditions for the Transport Scot Pass Collect app .

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting your card, who can get free bus travel.

Every 5-21 year old living in Scotland for more than 6 months of the year can travel for free by bus if they have a valid National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC).

If you are 5-15 years old, your parent or guardian must apply for you. If you are 16-21 years old, you must apply for your own NEC or Young Scot NEC.

Children under 5 years old do not need an NEC as they can already travel for free on buses.

How do I get free bus travel?

You will need a NEC or a Young Scot NEC. You will not be able to travel for free on the bus without one. If you already have a card, you will need to apply for a replacement which will allow free bus travel.

What will I need to get a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC?

You will need to provide proof of person (your name and age), proof of residence (where you usually live) and a photograph if you are 11 years old or over.

Parents, guardians or (in some cases) carers will need to provide proofs of person and address for both themselves and their child, as well as proof of the relationship.

The acceptable proofs you can provide for the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme whether applying online or through offline application routes allow:

• 'out of date' passports to be regarded as acceptable proof documents. The key criterion will be the physical likeness of the photo, with no timeframe restriction being applied to a passport expiry date
• a suitable proof of residency type document with either current date or dated within the last 12 months will be accepted.

Find out what documents you can use to provide proof on the  NEC website . If you are aged 5-15 years old, your parent/guardian/carer must apply for your NEC on your behalf. If you are aged 16-21 years old, you must apply by yourself.

Why do I need to provide proofs to apply for free bus travel?

We need to be able to check and verify who you are and whether you are eligible for the scheme, so we ask for proof of person (your name and age) and proof of residence (where you live).

For children aged 5-15 years old, we also need to carry out some extra checks for child safety reasons. We need to be able to verify who the person making the application is, the child is, and know that they are authorised to act on behalf of that child.

When doing this, we need to make sure we comply with identity verification standards and protocols, and with standards required by the UK National Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) . Young Scot NECs carry the PASS logo and can be used as proof of age.

I live in Scotland for part of the year. Can I still get free bus travel?

If you live in Scotland for most of the year (at least 6 months), then you are eligible.

I already have a disabled National Entitlement Card (NEC) for the Older and Disabled Scheme. Will I need a new card?

It is your choice. Some local council areas provide discounted travel on rail, tram or subway with a Disabled Persons’ NEC, but you are likely to have to renew that card more often. Currently, a Disabled Persons’ NEC is valid for up to three years. Further information can be found on our website.

However, if you have a Disabled Companion NEC, allowing a companion to travel for free with you, then you should not change to the new scheme. The new scheme does not allow anyone to travel with you for free.

My application’s been rejected. Why?

You should be told why your application has been rejected and given advice on how to submit a successful application. Check to see that your details are all correct and your photo meets all the requirements. If that doesn’t work, get in touch with your local council.

How long do I need to wait for my new National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC?

New or replacement cards generally arrive in the post within 10 working days from the date each application is approved.

If it has been more than 10 working days (2 calendar weeks) and you have not received your card remember, you can login to see the progress of your application or get in contact through getyournec.scot .

If you have applied for a Young Scot NEC through your school, the school can provide more information on when your card will be delivered.

My details aren’t right. What do I do?

Most cardholders can update their details at  getyournec.scot  or get in touch with your local council to have your details amended.

Why does my parent or guardian have to apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC on my behalf?

If you are 5-15 years old, then your parent or guardian must apply on your behalf. This will make sure they are aware that you get to travel for free by bus, so that they can ensure you are safe and well. If you are 16 years old and over, you must apply yourself.

I don’t want to throw away my old National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC. Can it be safely disposed of?

Yes it can. If you would like to  safely dispose your old card, you can send it to:

Transport Scotland George House 2nd Floor 36 North Hanover Street Glasgow, G1 2AD

Why do parents/guardians of 5 -15 year olds have to apply on their behalf?

If you are a parent or guardian of a 5-15 year old, then you must apply on their behalf. This will allow you to continue to exercise responsibility over their wellbeing and safety.

By applying on their behalf, you are agreeing for them to receive an NEC or Young Scot NEC that allows them to travel for free on any registered bus service in Scotland, as well as a limited number of local cross border services into northern England.

I am a parent, but my child doesn’t live with me. Can I apply on their behalf?

Your child can only have one National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC. You should decide which parent or guardian applies on their behalf.

Young people who are 16-21 years old must apply themselves. If your 16-21 year old needs additional support with their application, please contact your local council.

I don’t want my child to have free bus travel. How do I make sure that they don’t get it?

You should not apply for the free bus travel scheme. Also, a parent or guardian must apply on behalf of 5-15 year olds. If you are applying on behalf of your child for a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC, do not ‘opt in’ to the free bus travel entitlement. This will allow them to receive their card without access to free bus travel.

Once a young person is 16 years old and over, they can apply for their own NEC or Young Scot NEC and get access to free bus travel.

My child will soon be five. How soon can I apply?

You can apply for a National Entitlement Card from two weeks before your child’s fifth birthday.

Will my child’s school be arranging to help apply for cards, including getting parental approval?

Your local council will let you know if they are offering to place bulk orders for National Entitlement Cards (NEC) or Young Scot NECs in your area. These come in three types:

• a photoless NEC (primary school age)
• a Young Scot NEC (secondary school age).

My child is 16 (or older) and needs help to apply. Can a parent or guardian, do this on their behalf?

You should contact your local council if you need additional support with the application process.

I don’t read English. How do I apply for free bus travel for my child?

Please contact your local council to find out more and get support.

Should I get a Young Scot NEC or standard NEC?

If you are over 11 years old you can choose to apply for the Young Scot NEC or a standard NEC. If you choose a Young Scot NEC, you can use it to save money with in-person and online discounts – with over 500 discounts in Scotland and over 100,000 deals across Europe. It also acts as proof of age. What’s more, you can collect points by taking part in activities and exchanging these for Rewards. Find out more at  young.scot/card .

Is GETYOURNEC.SCOT new?

No, GETYOURNEC.SCOT has been available since July 2020. Thousands of people have already used it to apply for their NEC to access the Older and Disabled Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme or order a new or replacement Young Scot NEC. This has now been extended to enable people to apply online for the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme.

Why do you use biometric scans during the online application process?

GETYOURNEC.SCOT checks proofs digitally during the application process. A face scan is used to make sure that the person submitting the application is the same person as on the identity proofs supplied. It’s a way of replicating the in-person application process. Biometric scans are only used when applying online, not when making in-person applications.

Can I save progress on my online application as I go along?

Yes, you can save and return to an incomplete application on getyournec.scot

Can you make the application process simpler?

We continually review the application process to make it as straightforward as we can. However, we must also make sure that we meet child safety requirements, and comply with identity verification standards, protocols and PASS standards.

We have made video guides to GETYOURNEC.SCOT which take you through the online application process step-by-step.

You can also ask for help if you run into problems when applying through GETYOURNEC.SCOT.

I can’t apply online, how do I get a card?

If you cannot apply online, there are other ways to apply provided by your local council, such as face-to-face, in-person applications or, in some cases, through schools. Please contact your local council for more information.

I don’t have a passport or driving licence. How do I apply?

If you don’t have proofs such as a passport or driving licence, you can apply directly to your local council.

There are other documents you can use as proof of person if you don’t have a passport, driving licence, Yoti account or birth/adoption certificate. A full list of acceptable documents is on the  NEC website .

Why do I need a new NEC/Young Scot NEC to get free bus travel?

Your new card will have the free travel entitlement digitally encoded.

All bus journeys made under the scheme must be recorded so that the Scottish Government can reimburse operators for the fare. Tapping your NEC or Young Scot NEC on the ticket machine each time you travel makes this possible.

This also helps keep card holders safe as once you’ve tapped, the driver knows that you are eligible for free bus travel. This is important if you are 5-15 years old as your parent, guardian or (in some cases) carer must approve you to travel for free by bus.

Will applications be prioritised based on who needs to make essential journeys?

All applications submitted will be processed and there is no prioritisation of one person’s application over another.

Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on staffing levels, some local councils may not be able to always offer in-person applications and applications may take longer to process. Please contact your local council to find out how you can apply before setting off.

If you have questions or concerns about the application process that cannot be answered on this website

For online, get in contact through getyournec.scot

For offline, please contact your local council .

How do I use my National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC on the bus?

In most cases, you place your card on the card reader machine next to the bus driver. Ask the driver if you have any questions.

What do I do if my National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC is not working?

For information on how to apply for a replacement card go to  getyournec.scot . You will need to pay any fares until the replacement arrives.

How much will it cost to get a replacement card?

Replacements are free of charge.

My friend has lost their National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC. Can they use mine?

No. It is only for you and you should not share it with anybody else.

If your card has a photo, then please keep it up to date, as the bus driver might not let you travel if you do not look like your photo. The photo on your Young Scot NEC also needs to be kept up to date to use it to prove your age for age restricted products or services.

You can update the photo for free.

Can my access to free bus travel be stopped?

Yes, if you misuse the free bus travel scheme (such as letting someone else use your card), then you might have free bus travel removed from your card.

Can I load my National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC on an app rather than carrying the card?

No, you must have your NEC or Young Scot NEC with you if you want to travel for free.

Where can I go under the free bus travel scheme?

You can travel Scotland wide on local and long distance bus services, apart from a few exceptions such as premium-fare night buses, city sightseeing buses, and some airport transfer services. Check with your bus operator if in doubt.

If you are travelling to England, you will be able to travel to Carlisle or Berwick-Upon-Tweed, but it cannot be used to travel within these towns.

Does my National Entitlement Card (NEC) allow me discounts or free travel on rail, tram, subway or ferry?

The free travel scheme is for bus only. However, there may be other discounts available.

More information on concessionary travel

Do children need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to access free bus travel?

No. However, if you are in any doubt check with the bus operator before travelling. All bus operators have conditions of carriage which set out who can travel on their services and they may require younger children to be accompanied.

If you have problems using the card once you are on the bus

Contact  [email protected]

If you have a question about Young Scot services, contact  [email protected]

What are the terms and conditions for my National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC?

You must ensure that your card is in good condition and presented to the bus ticket machine or other transport ticketing equipment in good working order (e.g. it’s not damaged).

Full terms and conditions

What measures are being taken to support children to travel safely?

We are undertaking an awareness campaign with partners to support children, young people, parents and guardians, and bus operators.

We have been working closely with Barnardo’s Scotland on how to safeguard young people travelling on the bus network, including providing training material for bus drivers. This will help drivers to recognise and respond to children or young people who need support while travelling on the bus network and help ensure that they can travel safely.

More information on staying safe

Transport Scot Pass Collect app

I’ve already applied for a new nec or young scot nec but it hasn’t arrived yet. can i use the app.

If you’ve already applied for a new card, depending on where you are in the application process, you may be able to download free bus travel onto your current card so you can use it until your new card is issued.

However this will only work temporarily until your application is processed. This is because when your new card is issued, your old card will automatically be set to stop working. You can then recycle or dispose of your old card.

If you’ve applied for a new card and your application has now been processed but you’ve not received it yet (for example, it is in the post), then you may not have free bus travel available to download via the app. But don’t worry – this means your new card is coming.

If you have applied on getyourNEC.scot , you can log back in to check the status of your application.

What if my application for a new card has been approved and a new card is sent to me, after I have already used the app to get free bus on my existing card - will both work?

When your new card is issued, your old card will automatically be set to stop working and you can recycle or dispose of it.

If you would like to safely dispose your old card, you can send it to:

Why can’t there be an app instead of a card we can use on the bus – it would be much easier?

We recognise that there is an interest in an app based travel solution. Unfortunately, the compatible technology is not yet available to provide an app for concessionary travel, but we continue to monitor technology advancements in this area.

Why can’t Young Scot cardholders under 16 use the app?

For young people aged 5-15, a parent, guardian or carer must apply on for free bus travel on their behalf. This is to make sure the parent, guardian or carer knows that the young person is able to travel for free by bus, and can ensure their child is safe and well.

During the application process, it is important to verify who the person making the application is, who the child is, and know that the person making the application is authorised to act on behalf of that child.

As the app cannot store personal data, this information cannot be captured or verified. This means that for anyone aged 5-15, parents, guardians or carers will need to apply for a new card either online or through their local council.

I am turning 16 next week/soon – can I use the app?

Yes, the system will be updated regularly so that free travel will be available to collect on your 16th birthday. Remember that this only applies if your existing application has not been processed.

Can I use someone else’s card to collect my free bus travel?

No – your card is unique to you. To download your free bus travel you must use your own card.

Can I use someone else’s Transport Scot Pass Collect app to download my free bus travel?

Yes – the app will check your card with the details held on the system and will download the free bus travel for you, via anyone’s Transport Scot Pass Collect app.

Can my friend/child download their free bus travel using my phone?

Yes. The app will check their card details with the system and download the bus travel for them. You can only download the free bus travel for the intended person onto their card – you cannot download it onto your card, for example.

I couldn’t download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store. What should I do?

Check your smart phone is connected to the internet with good signal and you have space on your mobile device to download the app.

If you still cannot download the app your phone may not be compatible – it needs to be Android (version 6 or newer) or iOS (version 6 or newer) and have Near Field Communication (NFC) compatibility - the same function you use for contactless payment with your phone.

If you still don’t have access to the app, you can use someone else’s Transport Scot Pass Collect app to download free bus travel onto your card.

What if I have other tickets or money already loaded on my NEC or Young Scot NEC card?

The app will ignore these and download free bus travel onto the card as well.

In the unlikely event that your card is full (for example, you have lots of other travel products/entitlements already stored on your card) the app will tell you and you may need to remove some of the old tickets to free up space. You can do this by presenting your card to the relevant operators’ ticket or gate machine and it will clear them for you automatically, freeing up room for your bus pass.

Is any personal data held on the app?

• There is no data, personal or other, held or stored on the app.
• View the app terms and conditions .

How much data space does it take?

The app doesn’t take up too much space or take long to download. It’s around 100mb on Android and only 30mb on Apple - but you do need a good signal to download it (3G + or stronger).

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National ID card for the UK

Prove your age and identity - enter pubs, clubs, take domestic flights, use as Voter ID and buy age-restricted goods in shops + get discounts online

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We offer the UK public a cheap, safe for everyday use ID card, which is not costly to replace and cannot be used for illegal activities such as ID theft. With a CitizenCard you can prove who you are whenever you need and access our online discounts.

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We are audited by members of the Age Check Certification Scheme on behalf of PASS to ensure that the highest standards of UK data protection, privacy and security are upheld and rigorous identity verification is carried out.

CitizenCard is proud to have signed the TransFriendly pledge. In short, we are committed to treating transgender and non-binary customers with dignity and respect.

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CitizenCard is the only non-profit UK-wide issuer of police-approved proof of age & ID cards.

We work closely with charities, schools and Local Authorities across the country, helping the most vulnerable in society by issuing free identity cards. We also offer guidance to retailers with regards to the sale of age-restricted items.

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The information provided on an identification card provides the proof for licensees, retailers and officials to confirm your unique identity.

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Young Scot National Entitlement Card: Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to all of your frequently asked questions about the Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) below.

Can I get cheap travel using my Young Scot NEC?

With your Young Scot NEC, you get access to travel discounts if you are 16,17 or 18 years old and if you are a full-time volunteer aged up to 25 years old.  See the section below for free bus travel.

If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 years old or are a full-time volunteer aged up to 25, you get 1/3 off of single and most return rail fares in Scotland. Plus residents of the Scottish Islands can access free ferry travel vouchers.

Visit our Save Money on Travel page to find out more .

Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel  

Young people who are 5-21 years old living in Scotland can apply to access free bus travel. Young people need a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) before hopping on board.

However, If you’re aged between 16 and 21 years old and already have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC, you have the option to download free bus travel onto your existing card using the Transport Scotland Pass Collect App . This means you may not need to apply for a new card to access your free bus travel.

Check out the video below from Transport Scotland to find out more.

There are two ways for you to apply for a new or replacement card to access the scheme.

• You can apply online at getyournec.scot
• Or, you can apply directly with your local council

At Young Scot, we do not issue cards and can’t answer questions about specific applications. 

• If you applied online at  getyournec.scot  please visit the ‘help’ section on their site if you have a query about your application or check the status of your application
• If it’s been more than 10 working days (2 calendar weeks) and you have not received your card, then please get in touch with the Improvement Service’s Helpdesk
• If you have problems using your card once you are on the bus, contact  [email protected]
• If you have a question about our Young Scot Services including PASS, discounts, Young Scot Rewards and Membership Services, get in touch with us at [email protected]

Find all the information you need on freebus.scot .

Can I buy school meals using my Young Scot NEC?

Your school manages cashless catering using the Young Scot NEC (often the catering team). If you’ve any questions about the scheme, then speak directly to your school, or your Local Authority .

How do I sign up for the Young Carers Package #YSCarers using my Young Scot NEC?

If you’re 12-18 years old and you care unpaid for a family member, friend or member of your community, you might be eligible for our Young Carers Package . You can apply for the Young Carers Package via Young Scot Membership . If you’re 11 years old, then you can apply by filling in our online form .

How do I access concessionary travel for disabled young people using the Young Scot NEC?

If you are disabled then you could be eligible for free bus travel to get around Scotland and your local area. You can access this via your  Young Scot NEC . You can apply for your Young Scot NEC by contacting your  Local Authority   who will let you know about the application and renewal process in your area. You can also use  getyournec.scot  for applications. 

Click here for more information about concessionary travel .

How do I get a Young Scot NEC?

There are several ways to apply for a new or replacement Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC): 

• Online at  getyournec.scot . You can find out more information about the application process and what documents you need on the  getyournec.scot  website. 
• Directly with your local council.  Find their details on our Near Me page.  Scroll down and select your local council area. 

If you ordered your Young Scot NEC at your school, please speak to your school office to find out when they expect your Young Scot NEC to arrive. 

Before you apply for a Young Scot NEC Online

You can apply for a Young Scot NEC online at  getyournec.scot

You won’t be able to save and resume your online application, so please have this information ready before you start your application.

Aged 16+ and applying for a Young Scot NEC for yourself?

To apply online you will need:

• a device with a camera or webcam (laptop/tablet/phone).
• to sign in using your  mygovscot myaccount  (Click Register if you don’t have one).
• a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders
• proof of identity (passport, driving licence or use your  Yoti account )
• proof of address (such as Council Tax bill or bank statement)

Parent or guardian applying on behalf of a young person aged under 16?

To apply you will need:

• parent or guardian proof of identity (passport, driving licence or use your  Yoti account )
• parent or guardian proof of address (such as Council Tax bill or bank statement)
• proof of your child’s identity (eg. passport or Young Scot card)
• proof of your child’s address (only if they live at a different address from you)
• child’s birth or adoption certificate (listing both your name and your child)  Note: abbreviated birth certificates will NOT be accepted for this purpose
• a recent digital image of the child (if aged 11+) showing their head and shoulders.

Find a full list of accepted proof of address and photograph guidelines on the Get Your NEC website.

I have a question about my online application

If you applied online at  getyournec.scot , please visit the  ‘help’  section on their site if you have a query about your application or check the status of your application at  getyournec.scot .

If it’s been more than 10 working days (2 calendar weeks) and you have not received your card, then please get in touch with the  Improvement Service’s Helpdesk .

Can I apply for a Young Scot NEC in person?

Some Local Authorities allow you to apply for a Young Scot NEC in person – sometimes at local libraries and civil buildings. Please contact your  Local Authority  to find out the services on offer near your home.

Where’s my date of birth?

When you applied for your Young Scot NEC, you might have ticked the box  ‘ opt out of Young Scot’. Please get in touch with your  Local Authority  and tell them you’d like a card that’s got Young Scot branding on it.

How long does it take for a Young Scot NEC to arrive?

You should allow up to ten working days from the date your application was approved for your card to arrive.  

How do I change my photo?

You can change your photograph on your Young Scot NEC by contacting your  Local Authority  or online at  getyournec.scot.   

What’s the PASS logo on my Young Scot NEC?

The PASS logo stands for The National Proof of Age Standards Scheme. This means you can use your Young Scot NEC as proof of age and can buy age-restricted goods like lottery tickets or rated films. PASS is recognised by the Scottish Government and Police Scotland as an acceptable form of proof of age. Retailers and businesses do have the right to decide which forms of ID they will and will not accept and can refuse sale if they choose.

We are aware that there was an issue with the Proof of Age Standard Scheme (PASS) hologram on some young people’s Young Scot National Entitlement Cards. This issue has now been resolved and therefore if you require a PASS hologram to access essential services, you can apply for a replacement card. Please note that even if there is an issue with the hologram on your current card, you can still access all other discounts and entitlements including the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel scheme.

If you think your Young Scot NEC has been refused unfairly you can  fill in our refusal form online .

Find out more information about PASS . 

How do I sign up for Young Scot Membership?

If you sign up for Young Scot Membership, you get access to online discounts and Young Scot Rewards. You can also access entitlement packages such as Young Carers Package and Young Scot Next. To sign up, you must be over 12 years old and have signed up for a  MyGovScot MyAccount . Check out our Step by Step Guide on Signing Up for Young Scot Membership .

How do I apply for a Young Scot NEC if I don’t have identification?

You can ask an approved member of staff to support your application. This person should be able to confirm your name and date of birth against an approved data source. The approved member of staff could be a teacher checking against education records, a doctor checking against NHS records etc. Please speak directly to your  Local Authority  regarding this.  

How do I apply for a Young Scot NEC if I don’t have photographic identification?

If you don’t have ID with a photograph on it, you can use a birth certificate (or similar document) alongside a referee who will confirm your likeness. Your referee should have no family or personal relationship with you. Recognised professions for a referee include bank/building society official, MP/MSP, dentist, nurse, optician, pharmacist, police officer, social worker, teacher or lecturer. You must speak to your  Local Authority  to discuss this in detail.

What’s an acceptable form of proof of residence I can use when applying for my Young Scot NEC?

There are lots of forms of proof of residence that you can use. These documents should be in your (the applicant’s name) and you should live in Scotland for at least six months of the year. These include:

• Utility bill
• Council/housing association statement or letter
• Bank or mortgage statement
• Credit union statement
• Confirmation from an electoral search
• Credit card statement
• Television licence
• HMRC, Home Office, immigration letter
• DWP/disability entitlement letter                            
• Occupational pension letter
• Letter from care or residential come
• Court Order
• Letter from school/university/college
• Benefit book /card or original notification
• Award of Child Benefit letter
• Photo driving licence
• Letter from Local Authority confirming residency
• Record of a home visit by council or government official

You should speak to your Local Authority directly about acceptable forms of proof of residence.

How do I change my name on my Young Scot NEC?

To change the name on your Young Scot NEC you need to have proof of a change of name. If you don’t have this documentation, you can get a statutory declaration that can be signed free of charge by a local Councillor.

Find out more information from Scottish Trans about changing your name .

Still not found the answer to your question? Please visit our Contact Us page .

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Young Scot card

The Young Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC) is available free of charge to everyone aged 11 to 25 living in Scotland.

You can use it to:

• get exclusive rewards and discounts 
• travel 
• prove your age

Visit the Young Scot website for information on:

• how to apply for a Young Scot card
• how to update your photo or details
• what you can use the Young Scot card for

If you're 16, 17 or 18 you can get cheaper transport with your Young Scot card on:

• ferries, if you live on an island

You can travel on the bus for free if you're under 22.

Train travel

You can use your Young Scot card when booking discounted train travel. There are some restrictions on the amount of discount and the time you can travel.

If you already have a Young Scot card, and you live on a Scottish island, you'll be sent 4 free ferry vouchers each year while you're 16, 17 and 18.

The vouchers can only be used by you and will have your photo and card number printed on them. You must carry your Young Scot card with you when making a ferry trip.

You can travel for free on the bus in Scotland if you're under 22. You can update your Young Scot card or order a new one with free bus travel.

Find out more about appyling for an under 22s bus pass .

Proof of age

You can use the Young Scot card to prove how old you are.

Every Young Scot card has a PASS hologram, meaning that your age and personal details have been verified by your card issuer and that you are who you say you are.

The PASS scheme is backed by the Police and Trading Standards, and it is valid in Scottish law.

Update or replace a card

Contact your local council  or getyourNEC.scot if you need to:

• update the details on your Young Scot card or change your photo
• replace your Young Scot card

Help and support

To get help or support with your Young Scot card you should contact your local council or visit Young.Scot.

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Young Persons's Free Bus Travel Scheme

Free yourself.

If you are under 22 years old and live in Scotland, you are eligible for free nationwide bus travel. Apply now.

Opening doors to new adventures and endless possibilities

The Scottish Government is investing in a sustainable future for young people, with easier access to work, education, social and leisure opportunities through free bus travel.  With just under a million children and young people expected to be eligible, this generation of young people can make travel choices that benefit them, their pocket and the planet! Leading the way to a brighter future.

Free yourself

Where will free bus travel take you?

Video Transcript

Bus travel in Scotland is now free for all children and young people under 22 with a National Entitlement Card.

That’s good for your pocket, good for the planet and it could open doors to, well, just about anywhere.

So go on, free yourself.

Find out how to apply and more at freebus.scot

100 million free bus journeys made by under 22s

More than 100 million free bus journeys have been made since the Scottish Government introduced free bus travel for under 22s.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, and Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights, Patrick Harvie, marked the milestone at Wester Hailes High School in Edinburgh, where they heard how young people and their families have benefited from the scheme.

Ms Hyslop said:

“I’m really pleased to see that over 100 million journeys have now been made by under 22s across Scotland – and that the scheme is making a positive difference to young peoples’ lives.

“This policy is truly transformative. It’s reducing travel costs for young people and their families; encouraging a shift towards public transport from private car use and improving access to social, leisure, education and employment opportunities.

“The findings of the one year evaluation are also key to ensuring the scheme continues to have a positive impact going forward. We will work with operators and other key partners to ensure that service provision matches demand from young people, and that free bus travel continues to have a truly transformative impact across Scotland.”

Unlocking your potential

The National Entitlement Card (NEC) is your key to unlocking free bus travel. You’ll need your NEC or Young Scot NEC before your travel. Find out how to do that here.

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Check who is eligible and which buses you can use.  

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Commission offers 35,500 DiscoverEU free travel passes to young people

Starting this summer, thousands of young people will once again travel around Europe by train for free thanks to the latest call of the DiscoverEU programme. Today at 12:00 CET during the  European Youth Week  buzzing with  activities , the Commission launched the latest DiscoverEU application round. It will end on Tuesday 30 April at 12:00 CET.

In total, 35,500 travel passes are available. To get one, young people born between 1 July 2005 and 30 June 2006 can do a quiz with five questions about the EU and one additional question on the  European Youth Portal . Successful applicants will get a free rail pass to travel in Europe for up to 30 days between 1 July 2024 and 30 September 2025.

The call is open to applicants from the European Union and countries associated to the  Erasmus+ programme  including Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Türkiye. Ticket holders can plan their own routes or be inspired by existing ones. For example, they can discover a  route  launched last year, which focuses on cities and places making the European Union ‘beautiful, sustainable and inclusive' in line with the principles of the  New European Bauhaus .

Participants can also benefit from the  DiscoverEU Culture Route  an initiative of the 2022 European Year of Youth that combines various cultural destinations including architecture, music, fine art, theatre, fashion and design. Participants can visit the  European Capitals of Culture  which are on the  UNESCO World Heritage List ,   European Heritage Label  sites, or  Access City Award  label locations, which are cities that have gone above and beyond to become more accessible to everyone.

DiscoverEU is much more than just a ticket. Participants will also receive a  discount card  with over 40,000 discount possibilities on public transport, culture, accommodation, food, sports and other services in eligible countries. Additionally,  Erasmus+ National Agencies  organise pre-departure information meetings, and national agencies across all Erasmus+ countries prepare  DiscoverEU Meet-ups , learning programmes lasting from one to three days.

Social inclusion is a top priority of the Erasmus+ programme, so participants with disabilities or health issues receive support on their journeys. Since October 2022, the Erasmus+ National Agencies have implemented the  DiscoverEU Inclusion Action , allowing organisations working with young people with fewer opportunities to apply for a grant. This action provides extra support to participants, such as extra funding and the possibility to travel with accompanying persons. More than 250 projects have been awarded by the Erasmus+ National Agencies since the first call in October 2022, and two calls of the Inclusion Action are taking place in this year.

While DiscoverEU encourages sustainable travel by rail,  special arrangements  are available for young people from outermost regions, Overseas Counties and Territories, remote areas and islands.

The Commission launched  DiscoverEU  in June 2018 following a preparatory action from the European Parliament. It is integrated into the  Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027 .

Since 2018, more than 1 million candidates have applied for 284,000 available travel passes. According to the latest post-travel survey, 72% of candidates declared it to be the first time travelling out of their country of residence by train. For many, it was also the first time they travelled without parents or accompanying adults, and the majority indicated an increased sense of independence. Over two-thirds said that they would not have been able to finance their travel pass without DiscoverEU.

The DiscoverEU experience has given young people a better understanding of other cultures as well as European history and improved their foreign language skills. Participants are invited to become DiscoverEU Ambassadors to champion the initiative. The  # DiscoverEU Official group  has more than 96,000 members where young travellers can contact each other to share experiences and tips.

To apply, eligible candidates need to complete a multiple-choice quiz on general knowledge about the European Union and other EU initiatives targeting young people. The Commission will rank applicants on the basis of their responses. The Commission will offer travel passes to applicants following their ranking up to the limit of available tickets.

For More Information

European Youth Portal

DiscoverEU is a fantastic opportunity for young people who want to explore Europe, discover places and meet new people. I am happy to launch this spring application round during the exciting European Youth Week. I wish the best of luck to all applicants!

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth

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EU proposes youth mobility agreement with UK to help youngsters travel, work and live in both areas

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses a media conference at the conclusion of an EU Summit in Brussels, Friday, March 22, 2024. European Union leaders on Friday discussed plans to boost investment and the economy. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

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BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Commission proposed Thursday to start negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow young people to move freely, work and study in both regions after Brexit — the U.K.'s departure from the EU four years ago.

According to the EU, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU following a referendum in 2016 has damaged mobility between the two areas.

“This situation has particularly affected the opportunities for young people to experience life on the other side of the Channel and to benefit from youth, cultural, educational, research and training exchanges,” the Commission said.

When the U.K. was still a member of the economic and political bloc, its nationals had the right to live and work freely in the EU, with reciprocity for EU nationals in the U.K. Under the agreement proposed by the EU’s executive arm, EU and UK citizens between 18 and 30 years old would be eligible to stay up to four years in the destination country.

The deal would also allow equal treatment of EU and UK students in the field of university tuition fees. Most EU students must now pay international tuition fees if they want to study in the U.K. The Commission says these vary between 11,400 and 38,000 pounds ($14,200-$47,300) per year and are a strong deterrent for EU students who generally don’t have to pay as much within the bloc.

The Commission’s recommendation will be discussed by EU member countries who must give the green light before the executive arm can start negotiations with the UK.

“We have successful Youth Mobility Schemes with 13 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and remain open to agreeing them with our international partners, including EU member states,” the British government said in a statement.

The U.K. has its own Youth Mobility Scheme, which it has offered to some EU member states. The Commission believes the British plan is less ambitious than its own proposal.

“Our agreements provide a valuable route for cultural exchanges providing partner countries are also willing to offer the same opportunities for young British people,” the British government added.

Follow AP’s coverage of Brexit at https://apnews.com/hub/brexit

EU proposing post-Brexit joint youth work and study scheme with UK

According to the Commission, they do not foresee the scheme allowing UK citizens to travel around the Schengen area unimpeded, but rather the visa would only be valid for a single state.

By Adam Parsons, Europe correspondent, and Tim Baker, political reporter

Friday 19 April 2024 00:21, UK

Young people could be able to move more easily between the UK and Europe and stay longer to work, study and train under proposed plans by the European Union

Under the proposal, which has been put forward by the European Commission, new rules would be drawn up to allow for greater movement between the UK and EU countries for people aged between 18 and 30.

Formal negotiations have not yet begun, and a UK source told Sky News no formal proposal had been put forward by Brussels to begin negotiating on.

The proposal will be further discussed by the European Council, which represents all the nations, before negotiations start in earnest.

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The plans proposed by the EU would allow young people to stay in Europe for periods of four years, with the same rules extended to EU citizens coming to Britain.

It would also mean EU students paying the same fees as British ones. Since Brexit , UK universities have charged much higher fees to European students.

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Announcing the move, the European Commission said it wanted to take an "innovative" approach to tackling the barriers experienced by young people looking to travel from the EU to the UK and vice versa for longer periods.

"The objective would be to facilitate youth exchanges, making it easier for young citizens to travel, work and live in the UK, with reciprocity for young UK nationals in a member state," said the Commission, in a statement.

"The United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union has hit young people in the EU and UK who would like to study, work and live abroad particularly hard," claimed Maros Sefcovic, the Commission's vice-president who oversees relations with the UK.

"Our aim is to rebuild human bridges between young Europeans on both sides of the Channel."

This scheme is separate to the 90-day visa-less travel that UK citizens can take advantage of on the continent.

It added: "It is not about conferring to young UK nationals the benefits of the fundamental freedom of movement enjoyed by EU citizens."

However, visas would not be "purpose-bound" and would allow people to work, travel or study.

Read more: UK to rejoin EU Horizon programme through new agreement New Brexit border post could be demolished

Rather than just being a free exchange, the EU also says it wants people taking part in the scheme to be subject to checks with the bloc or the UK able to reject applications - for example if someone was thought to be a threat to public policy, security or health.

The UK government currently has a series of agreements with 13 individual countries - including New Zealand, South Korea, Andorra, Iceland and India, which provide a similar pathway to what the EU is proposing.

The government has said it is open to the idea of extending those agreements with European countries, but has shied away from doing a pan-EU deal and there will be those who fear that an agreement such as this would be the first step towards the UK being drawn into a "freedom of movement" deal.

The EU said it wants a group deal to "ensure that all member states are treated equally in respect of mobility of young people to the UK" - but the current government seems to prefer its current set of agreements.

The Commission has rejected these fears, with sources insisting there is no intention of either pulling the UK into such a deal, or even offering it.

A Number 10 spokesperson said: "We have spoken about wanting to reduce legal migration and also about wanting to support UK talent and skills and that's why we have a system in place whereby we have a number of agreements with individual EU member states where that works in our interests and we have that rather than a Commission-wide agreement."

Labour denied it had plans for a youth mobility scheme.

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Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, a trade body representing the hospitality sector in the UK, welcomed the move.

She said: "Such an agreement would be a huge success for hospitality and tourism and, practically, it would solve challenges for the live music and events sectors."

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