Free UK bus travel in summer holiday boost

Children aged five to 15 will be able to travel free on participating local bus services throughout August, potentially saving parents hundreds of pounds on trips during the school break.

The offer will run from August 1 until August 31, with ministers saying it will make family days out more affordable as households continue to feel the pressure from the cost of living.

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The scheme is open to children aged between five and 15 travelling on participating bus services in England.

It means families will not have to pay child fares, which typically cost between £1 and £2 per journey.

Under-fives already travel free with most major bus operators.

Parents using buses regularly during the school holidays could save significant sums over the month.

The free travel can be used for journeys to beaches, museums, parks, shopping trips, theme parks and other summer attractions.

Children on a bus (Image: Sergey Novikov)

The initiative forms part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign, which also includes discounts on children’s meals, cinema tickets, theatre performances and family attractions.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the initiative would help families enjoy more affordable days out.

She said: “Great British Summer Savings means more people can be excited about getting out and about this summer, whether it’s seeing the Roman Baths, learning something new at the Science Museum, or falling asleep on the bus ride home after a day riding rollercoasters at Alton Towers.

“I know that the cost of living is a concern for households across the UK, which is why we’re cutting the cost of the day-to-day, with free bus travel for children this summer and the £3 bus fare cap helping more families make the most of the small plans that make life enjoyable.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander (Image: Jonathan Brady/PA)

Ministers say the move is part of wider efforts to make public transport more affordable, alongside investment in local bus services across England.

Roads minister Simon Lightwood visited Bath ahead of the launch to promote the scheme, which follows similar free bus initiatives that have already proved popular in some parts of the country.

Families will be able to take advantage of the free travel throughout August before schools return in September.

The Government has also confirmed the £3 bus fare cap for adults will remain in place until March 2027.