Free and concessionary bus and rail travel

If you're 60 or over, or you have a disability, you may be entitled to concessionary travel on bus and railway journeys within Northern Ireland. Translink and some other transport operators also offer half fare travel for children and young people up until 30 June following their 16th birthday.

Concessionary fares (bus passes) in Northern Ireland

The following concessions are provided:

Free travel for:

  • everyone aged 60 and over
  • people who are registered blind
  • war disablement pensioners

Half fare travel for people:

  • who get the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • who get the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • who have had a driving licence refused or revoked on medical grounds
  • who have a learning disability
  • who are partially sighted

To be eligible for any of the above concessions, you must apply for and receive a concessionary travel card, called a SmartPass.

Getting the care component of DLA or PIP by itself does not make you eligible for a SmartPass.

You can get details below of eligibility and how to apply on the following pages:

SmartPass holders can use their card on all Glider services.

Bus companies

The following companies take part in the Concessionary Fares Scheme:

  • Ace Coaches and Minibus Hire
  • Belfast Bus Company
  • Cavehill Coaches
  • McDermott Coach Hire
  • PD Bus and Coach Hire
  • Translink
  • Yellow Line Coach Hire 

Ferry services

NI SmartPass holders can also use its on the following ferry services:

All Ireland Free Travel Scheme for senior citizens

Senior citizens are eligible for free travel on public transport throughout the island of Ireland.

Senior citizens resident in Northern Ireland can get all Ireland free travel at the age of 65.

Senior citizens resident in the Republic of Ireland can get all Ireland free travel at the age of 66.

The 60+ SmartPass does not entitle the holder to all Ireland travel.

Note to 60+ SmartPass Holders who will turn 65 shortly

Your 60+ SmartPass is programmed to run out at the end of the calendar month in which you become 65. If you have applied for a Senior SmartPass, it will not be sent to you until near the end of the month in which you become 65.

As free all Ireland and cross-border travel is only available with a Senior SmartPass, you may have to wait up to three weeks following your 65th birthday before you can claim this benefit.

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