Travel
Free transport UK: Who can travel on public transport at no cost?
For the majority of people traveling in the UK they use public transport is anything but free.
Whether you’re in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, most adults will have to shell out a few pounds for bus tickets or pay a higher fee for monthly passes or trains tickets.
However, some people can travel for free – by bus or, in some rare cases, even by train – depending on where they live, their age and whether or not they have a disability.
Free travel could be of great help, especially given the current cost of living Crisis.
So if you’re wondering if you might be entitled to it free public transport where you are, we’ve got all the information together – and where to go to find out more or to apply.
Let’s take a look…
Who can travel for free on public transport in the UK?
Here’s a breakdown of some of those eligible for free UK travel.
Free travel for under 18s, over 60s and people with disabilities in London
We start with London… and its network of subways, suburban trains, DLR trains, trams and buses.
Firstly, children under the age of 5 travel free on buses, the Tube and other Transport for London (TfL) services mentioned when traveling with a fare-paying adult.
Children up to the age of 17 also travel for free, children aged 5 to 10 also travel for free on the subway, DLR, buses, trams, etc ZIP Oyster Photocard.
The ZIP Oyster Photocard is too for children from 11 to 15 yearsoffers free bus and tram rides (no subway) and for 16-17 year olds specifically living in Londonagain for free buses and trams.
Over 60s living in London can travel with an for free Oyster Photocardwhile anyone over the age of 66 (state pension age in England) or with a disability living in London can travel for free freedom pass.
Finally, veterans may be entitled to free travel in London with the Veteran’s Oyster Photocard.
Check the TfL website for any regulationslike services and times, accepts your photo card or freedom pass.
Free bus travel for over 66s in England
When you reach legal retirement age in England (currently 66) you can get it free bus ride.
You must submit the application to your municipality. First enter your zip code gov.uk.
Free bus travel for children under 5 in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland
In both England and Scotland, children under the age of 5 generally travel for free on buses.
In England this can vary depending on the bus company – and may only apply if the child is accompanied by a paying adult. It can also apply to local subway or tram rides.
For example, we noticed that the Metro in Newcastle-upon-Tyne allows this Up to three children under the age of 11 travel freeif the accompanying adult has paid for a ticket.
It is best to check the guidelines on your local public transport provider’s website.
In scotland, all children under 5 years are free on buses.
In Northern Ireland, under-5s seem to get free travel on some Translink buses (as far as we can tell) – though can be included in the price of family tickets as “part of a party”.. It is worth checking directly.
Free bus travel for under 22s in Scotland
The Young Persons Free Bus Travel Scheme in Scotland is really good news for people aged 21 and under.
Under 22s can now apply for a passport to grant them free travel on buses, even beyond their immediate vicinity.
On gov.scotstates: “The scheme gives you free travel on any bus in any part of Scotland on registered bus services.
“Your card allows you to travel on buses outside of your place of residence. Only a few routes, such as night buses at a premium rate and city sightseeing buses, do not accept the card.”
Free bus travel for over 60s in Scotland
Anyone aged 60+ in Scotland can also apply for free coach travel by visiting the gov.scot website.
Dubbed the National Entitlement Card, the pass is designed to help people get around, but can also help with travel to more distant areas within Scotland.
Free bus and train travel for children under 11 in Wales
Corresponding Transportation for WalesChildren under the age of 11 travel free on buses and trains when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
Under 16s can also travel for free outside of peak hours.
Free bus travel (and some trains) in Wales for over 60s
Anyone over 60 can apply for a bus pass that allows free travel in Wales, called a Concessionary Travel Pass.
As in England you can apply through your local authority which you can find by entering your postcode on gov.uk.
This Concessionary Travel Pass also allows for some free rail travel including on routes from Wrexham to Hawarden Bridge, Shrewsbury to Swansea or Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
However, some routes are subject to conditions – for example, only being able to drive free of charge from October to March. You still have to buy a ticket even if you don’t pay.
There is more information on Transport for Wales website.
Free bus travel for over 60s in Northern Ireland
People aged 60 and over in Northern Ireland can travel for free on the country’s Translink services on buses.
You can read the fine print on the and start your application NI Direct government website.
Free bus, train and LUAS tram travel for the over 65s anywhere in Ireland
Elderly people in Northern Ireland may also be able to travel throughout the Emerald Isle for free.
The All Ireland Free Travel Scheme allows free bus and train travel in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – including Dublin’s LUAS trams (with some exceptions of course).
To qualify you must be a resident of Northern Ireland and aged 65 or over or a resident of the Republic of Ireland and aged 66 or over. Maybe there are a few other people who can qualify as well.
Learn more at IS Direct and on the Irish Government website, gov.ie.
Free bus travel for people with disabilities across the UK
People with a disability across the UK are (mostly) entitled to free travel on public transport, mainly buses.
In England you can apply for a bus pass through your local council’s website, which you can reach by visiting gov.uk.
Residents of Scotland with disabilities can Applying for the National Entitlement Card. There is also the Welsh Disabled Concessionary Travel Card that you can apply for about transport for Wales.
In Northern Ireland, people who are registered as blind or are war-disabled pensioners are entitled to free bus travel.
People with learning disabilities, who are visually impaired, unable to drive for medical reasons, or who receive the mobility portion of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can travel at half price.
Inform and apply for the relevant SmartPass via IS direct.
Finally, although not free, it’s worth knowing about Rail ticket for the disabledwhich can save you up to 1/3 off train fares in the UK (because every little bit helps with train fares…)
Free school transport for some children across the UK
Last but not least, some UK children can travel to and from school for free.
Whether or not you are eligible depends on a number of factors, such as your child’s age and how close it is to school – and whether the nearest school is a few miles from your child.
Children who do not have a safe route home or who have special educational needs may also qualify.
To find out if you can get free school transport for your child(ren), visit gov.uk (for England and Wales), gov.scot (for Scotland) and EANI (for Northern Ireland).
One last note
The above is a guide to what type of free public transport is available in the UK, but does not cover every single operator.
Things may change over time, there may be free travel regulations or things may differ slightly depending on who is providing public transport in your area.
Always check the website and read the T&Cs when applying for tickets.
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Travel
In the coming three holidays, this route of Rishikesh may remain jammed, you can also choose this route.
Route 1: New Delhi – Meerut – Muzaffarnagar – Roorkee – Haridwar – Rishikesh via NH 334
For those who choose Route 1, it takes about 6 hours to reach Rishikesh via NH 334. Rishikesh is 235 km away from New Delhi. On this route, the road will take you through some important places like Meerut and Muzaffarnagar. The roads are in very good condition, it is easy to walk a short distance from here. In the coming 3 days holiday this place between Rishikesh and Nainital will be better, which place would you like to visit?
(Image credit: TOI.com)
Route 2: New Delhi – Hapur – Chandpur – Najibabad – Haridwar – Rishikesh Via NH 9
If you choose route 2, it will take you around 7 hours to reach Rishikesh via the NH 9 and the total distance from New Delhi to Rishikesh is around 288 km. You can plan to visit here on the weekend, leave on Saturday morning and then rest in the evening and start your trip the next day. Then you can come to Delhi at night on Monday ie 15th August. These 6 countries will fulfill the dream of living abroad, lakhs of rupees will be given to the citizens upon their settlement
(Image credit: Economic Times)
Short stop in Meerut and Haridwar –
Coming from Route 1 you will see many Punjabi dhabas in Meerut. Here you can stop to have some breakfast water. This stopover is perfect from where you can eat delicious parathas. Once you reach Haridwar you can have your lunch by stopping here and also visit some ghats and famous temples here. This place is one of the holiest places in the country and large numbers of pilgrims come here to wash away their sins and seek blessings. Rishikesh is 25 km from here which you can reach in 45 to 60 minutes. Now that you have seen the place to visit, book a government guest house for less than Rs 1800
(Image credit: indiatimes.com)
How to reach – How to reach
Apart from the road, if you are thinking of traveling by train and plane, you can go this way.
By plane: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 21 km. This airport is connected to many places across the country.
By train: Rishikesh railway station is well connected to the rail network and trains run from all over the country. I have seen many hill stations near Manali, Mussoorie, now see these magnificent hill stations near Dehradun
Places to visit in Rishikesh – Places in Rishikesh
There are many places to see in Rishikesh but there are some places you can visit in a 1 to 2 days trip such as Beasi, Kaudiyala, Mun ki Reti, Bharat Mandir, Rishikund, Terah Manzil Temple.
Jaipur: The long weekend is just around the corner and if you haven’t planned a trip yet, add a visit to Rajasthan to your plans. With the onset of the monsoon season, the scorching heat of June and July is behind us and the weather is pleasant to visit the “Desert State of India”. In fact, the month of August is one of the best times to experience Rajasthan in all its verdant splendor that surrounds the state’s historic forts.Also read – Rajasthan: Woman fills in well with 4 children, all die; she survives
Why you should travel to Rajasthan in August
In August, Rajasthan enjoys light rains and comfortable temperatures of around 33 degrees Celsius due to the advent of monsoon rains. During this period the weather is just perfect – not too hot or not too cold. Also read – Explained: What is Lumpy Skin Disease That Killed Over 3,000 Cattle in Rajasthan, Gujarat?
Plus, the rain showers turn the state’s barren and arid land green, making up for the spectacular views. During this time, the view from the top of the forts and historical sites is one of lush greenery – a sight not to be missed. In addition, the rain and pleasant weather make the hard work to climb the summit worthwhile. Also read – Tina Dabi shares images showing Jaisalmer’s monsoon beauty after Rajasthan receives its heaviest rainfall in 66 years
Sightseeing in Rajasthan in August
Udaipur
This image shows the Ganges River in Udaipur. (Photo/AFP)
Udaipur – the city of lakes – is a sight to behold in August. The city has seven lakes including Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Swaroop Sagar Lake, Rangsagar and Doodh Talai Lake which are recharged by the monsoon rains. Travelers can book a stay at the Taj Lake Palace right in the middle of Lake Pichola for breathtaking views of the city. Aside from these beautiful lakes, the city is home to some of the country’s grandest palaces, which are major tourist attractions.
jalore
Jalore Fort (Source: Facebook)
Tucked away in Aravallis, Jalore is another great place to visit during the monsoons. During this period, the Aravalli forest is particularly spectacular after fresh rain showers. Jalore is also called the city of granite and majesty. Sundha Mountain, just outside the city limits, is a great place to visit and the views from the top are stunning. Make time for Jalore Fort and Swarn Giri Fort as well, they are some of the city’s top attractions.
Other
Garh Palace (Bundi) (Photo/ Pinterest)
A grand spectacle, Bundi is all about magnificent forts and ancient baoris (stepped reservoirs). During the monsoon these step reservoirs are filled with fresh water and make for a breathtaking view. Also, the hills around Bundi are revived with green vegetation and the rivers have swelled again after the rains.
Mount Abu
Mount Abu (India only/Getty Images)
The beautiful hill station in Rajasthan always enjoys pleasant weather and it’s even better during the monsoons. Mount Abu offers countless activities for tourists like trekking, hiking, zip lining to name a few. But if you want it to be a peaceful vacation, you can visit places like Guru Sikhar, Nakki Lake, Mount Abu Sanctuary, Toad Rock Viewpoint, Dilwara Jain Temple, among others.
jaipur
Hawa Mahel, Jaipur (Photo/Pinterest)
The Pink City shines in all its glory in August. After the monsoon showers have washed away all the dust and dryness of summer, Jaipur’s fantastic architecture looks like it has had a fresh coat of paint. The colors of the red sandstone monuments emerge after rain and Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Mandir Palace, Laxmi Narayan Temple, City Palace, Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Rambagh Palace and other places look like they have get a new life.
Located on the edge of the Thar Desert in western Rajasthan, Jodhpur continues to be a global tourist magnet. Jodhpur has been given several epithets such as Blue City and Sun City. The Rajasthanis affectionately call it Jodhana. The former capital of the Marwar kingdom is home to Rajasthan’s largest fort and several grand palaces, temples, gardens and markets full of old world charm and offers an amazing travel experience. Here we present you the best things to do in Jodhpur. By Karan Kaushik
Things to do in Jodhpur
Walk through the pages of history at Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh, often touted as the citadel of the sun, stands tall and proud as Rajasthan’s greatest fortress. It was built by Rao Jodha in 1459. Perched on a sheer bluff 400 feet above the city, this burnished red sandstone structure is backed by many stories. Its beauty has attracted many admirers such as Rudyard Kipling; he called it “the work of giants.” Today it is widely regarded as one of the best preserved forts in India. The main attraction of the fort is its Museum. Miniature paintings, palanquins, weapons and valuable mementos of the royal family are on display here. The main attractions of the fort are Sangar Chowki, Zenana Mahal and Phool Mahal.
Go ziplining over the Blue City
The Flying Fox Zipline Tour in Jodhpur is an exciting experience that will stay in your memory forever. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson described this zip line as Jodhpur’s best part. “The zip lines send you around the moats and pinnacles like Batman,” he had said. The zipline takes you over two desert lakes and the Rao Jodha Ecopark, offering stunning views of Mehrangarh and the Blue City.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Located near the famous Mehrangarh Fort, this 72-hectare ecologically restored desert came back to life in 2006 after careful reconstruction. Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, once an arid, decaying, barren land of vegetation, now boasts a local nursery, convenience store and cafe. Visitors can even hike trails amidst the 250 native plant species here and embark on a mission to spot several species of reptiles and over 200 birds along the way.
Revel in the Umaid Bhawan Palace
The magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace has hosted prolific figures from around the world over the past few decades. The palace is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architectural style and was named after and built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is also known as the Chittar Palace due to the use of Chittar sandstone in its construction. Interestingly, no mortar was used in the entire construction. Instead, hand-carved blocks of sandstone were interlocked. Today is part of the palace doubles as a hotel, while the others house model airplanes, guns, antique clocks, and priceless crockery for the public.
Admire the architecture of Rajasthan at Mandore Garden
Like Jodhpur itself, Mandore Garden has many names. Maddodara, Mandowar, and Mandavyapura-Durga are some of the oldest names all believed to have descended from Rishi Mandavya. Locals believe that the gardens were originally tended by Nagas, followed by Pratiharas, Chahamanas, Sultans of Delhi and finally Rathores. Today the garden is the site of many magnificent antiques temple, monuments and high rock terraces. The monoliths here date from the early fifth century. Indeed are two intricately carved monoliths depicting scenes from Krishna Leela were excavated in 1909-10. On the other side, the hilltop Mandore Palace and Fort date back to the sixth century. The highlight at Mandore Gardens, however, is the government-run museum, which houses artifacts and relics of historical importance.
Explore the twin lakes of Ranisar-Padamsar
These interconnected pristine waters are considered the twin lakes of Jodhpur and are located near Mehrangarh Fort. Both lakes date back to 1459 and were built with the intention of natural water conservation. Although it’s in a largely deserted area Condition, these lakes have a very unique quality – they rarely run out of water. Head here at the height of dawn to enjoy the water in all its glory and watch the towering fortress dance in the waves.
Take gram worthy photos in Jaswant Thada
Dating from 1899, Jaswant Thada is a famous cenotaph. While it now serves as the cremation ground for the Marwar Rajput royal family, it was originally built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. That cenotaph is built entirely of thin and intricately carved marble slabs. They have been polished to shine under the summer sun. The main cenotaph – that of Maharaja Jaswant Singh – is surrounded by portraits of rulers. In addition, the Jaswant Thada site features pavilions, a tiered garden, three other cenotaphs and a small lake.
Shop at the Clock Tower Market
No trip to Jodhpur is complete without going on a Shopping Spree. Enjoy hot Pjas Kachoris and Mirchi commander before you start splurging on everything Rajasthani. The Sardar Market in Girdikot is centered around the famous Ghantaghar or Clock Tower. The market sells everything from Jodhpuri mojaris to Lehariya Sarees, Dupattas, Safas, ethnic jewelry and more.
Plan a detour to Osian
Ossian or Osiyan is an oasis town in the Thar desert of Jodhpur district. Often referred to as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan, this historic city is famous for its Hindu and Jain temples. While here, visit the Jain Mahavira Temple which houses an idol of Mahavira made of cow’s milk, mud and a gold cloak. Then there is the Sachayee Mata Mandir, the most important Hindu temple in Osian. You may also fancy a camel safari or an ATV ride in the sandy terrain of Osian.
Feature Image Credit: Shutterstock; Hero photo credit: Makm Photography/Unsplash
Related: Looking for a cultural holiday? Drive straight to Rajasthan!
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