Starting today, August 1, children aged 5 to 15 across England can travel for free on participating local buses for the entire month. The initiative, announced by the government in May, is part of a £100 million package aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures on families. No registration is needed—children can simply board and ride.
How the scheme works
The free travel applies to all local bus services that have opted into the scheme. There is no cap on the number of trips a child can take, and the offer runs until August 31. While regular fares vary, single tickets outside London typically cost between £1.50 and £2, with an average cap of £3 across England—though this is set to drop to £2 in January 2027.
The government estimates that a family with two children making a weekly return trip at £1.50 per fare could save approximately £27 over the month. The scheme mirrors the successful Kids Go Free initiative in the West of England, which has provided 1.4 million free journeys so far, according to Helen Godwin, the Labour Mayor of the West of England.
Political backing and family impact
Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the news on TikTok, saying she was 'stepping in to make sure kids can still experience the little joys this summer.' Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander called the initiative vital to relieve families of 'added financial pressure,' stating that 'free bus travel for every child in August means parents can plan days out, visit loved ones and make the most of the holidays.'
Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer also voiced support, recalling family trips to the Lake District and noting that 'too many parents feel they have to hold back because the cost of living is still squeezing budgets.' He added that the scheme is part of the Great British Summer Savings programme, which also includes VAT cuts on children's meals, cinema tickets, and attraction entry fees.
Participating routes and destinations
A full list of participating buses is available on the gov.uk website. Highlights include the X46 from Hull to York for a trip to The York Dungeon, the Carousel 37 from High Wycombe to see deer in Windsor Great Park, and the 54 bus from Leicester to the National Space Centre. Coastal routes like the Coaster 12, Regency 28, and Breeze 77 serve Brighton's seafront, while the X1 and X11 from Norwich connect to Great Yarmouth's Merrivale Model Village. For outdoor adventures, the 23 or 24 bus from Birmingham leads to Woodgate Valley Country Park.
London's Weekend Hopper extension
In a separate move, Transport for London (TfL) has extended its popular Hopper fare to weekends. From July 25 until August 31, passengers can pay a single fare (£1.75) and enjoy unlimited travel on London buses and trams all weekend. The applicable weekends are August 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30. This complements the national scheme, offering even more opportunities for affordable family days out.
