There are several schemes that can help older London residents travel free or at a reduced cost. Eligibility, travel times and conditions vary between schemes.
Older Person’s Freedom Pass
The Older Person's Freedom Pass provides free travel on many public transport services in London and free travel on most local bus services elsewhere in England.
Who can apply
You can apply for an Older Person’s Freedom Pass if you have reached State Pension age and your main residence is in a London borough.
Your eligibility date depends on your date of birth. Use the Gov.UK state pension age checker to find out when you will become eligible. You can normally begin your Freedom Pass application up to 14 days before reaching State Pension age.
Check your eligibility and apply for an Older Person’s Freedom Pass
When and where you can use your pass - different time restrictions apply depending on the service.
60+ London Oyster photocard
If you are aged 60 or over but have not yet reached the qualifying age for an Older Person’s Freedom Pass, you may be eligible for a 60+ London Oyster photocard, provided you meet the applicable London residency and other eligibility requirements.
This is administered by Transport for London and is separate from the Older Person’s Freedom Pass. Travel times, fees and conditions may differ, so check Transport for London’s current guidance before applying.
Senior Railcard
People aged 60 or over may be eligible to purchase a Senior Railcard which normally provides a discount on eligible rail fares, subject to the Railcard’s terms, minimum fares and time restrictions.
A Senior Railcard is not the same as a Freedom Pass and does not generally provide free travel.
Other travel support
Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for:
- a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass, if you satisfy the statutory eligibility criteria
- the Taxicard scheme, if you have a long-term mobility impairment and significant difficulty using public transport; or
- other accessible and community transport services
Eligibility for these schemes is not based solely on age.
Other ways to reduce travel costs
Hopper fare
The Hopper fare allows unlimited journeys on TfL buses and trams within one hour of first touching in, provided the same Oyster card, contactless card or device is used for each journey.
The Hopper fare is available to passengers using eligible pay-as-you-go fares. It is not specifically an older-person or disability concession, although it also applies to certain discounted fares. Current fares and conditions should be checked on the Transport for London website.
Accessible travel information
Transport for London provides information about accessible services, step-free routes and support for people who need help using public transport.