Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, public transport services have been reduced. There may be some delays in the processing of SmartPass applications and renewals.
For more information, including timetables and about free travel for Health and Social Care workers, visit the Translink website.
Free travel for those fleeing domestic abuse
Free travel on bus or rail is available if you have refuge or emergency accommodation through Women’s Aid or the NI Housing Executive.
Travel will be by Ulsterbus or NI Railways between stated Translink stations.
You can get tickets by presenting a completed form from Women’s Aid, the NI Housing Executive or the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline at a translink ticket station.
To get access to these travel arrangements, contact a local women’s aid organisation, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive or the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline.
Further information and support is also available on the following websites:
Concessionary fares (bus passes) in Northern Ireland
The following concessions are provided on eligible scheduled services operated by Translink and other participating operators:
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:
- 60+/Senior SmartPass
- Blind SmartPass
- War Disablement SmartPass
- Half Fare SmartPass - Disability Living Allowance
- Half Fare SmartPass - Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Half Fare SmartPass - Learning Disability
- Half Fare SmartPass - Partially Sighted
- Half Fare SmartPass - Driving Licence Refused
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:
- Rathlin Island ferry
- Strangford ferry
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.