The London Freedom Pass: Free Travel Across London

For London residents, the Freedom Pass offers an invaluable way to travel around the city — and even beyond — without worrying about ticket costs. Whether you’re an older person or living with a disability, the Freedom Pass provides extensive travel concessions that make getting around London simpler and more affordable.

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What Is the Freedom Pass?

The Freedom Pass allows eligible London residents to travel free on public transport across the capital. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for one of two types:

• Older Person’s Freedom Pass
• Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass

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Each type gives access to free or discounted travel across London’s transport network — including buses, Tubes, trams, the DLR, London Overground, and most National Rail services within Greater London.

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When You Can Travel

With a Freedom Pass, you can enjoy free travel on most forms of London transport at any time.

• On buses, Tubes, trams, London Overground, and the DLR, you can travel free at any time if you have an Older Person’s Freedom Pass.
• On National Rail trains, you can travel free after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays and at any time on weekends and public holidays.
• There are a few exceptions, such as the Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express, where the pass isn’t valid.

The Freedom Pass is easily recognised by the rose symbol, which also lets you travel free on buses anywhere in England (outside London) — again, except during the weekday morning rush hour.

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Who’s Eligible?

Eligibility depends on age or disability. If you’re over 66 years old, you’re eligible for the Older Person’s Freedom Pass. This aligns with the state pension age, so once you reach that milestone, you can apply through your local London borough.

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If you have one of the types of disability specified in the Transport Act 2000, you qualify for a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass. This includes people who are:

• Blind or partially sighted
• Profoundly or severely deaf
• Without speech
• Have a significant learning disability
• Have a physical disability that substantially affects their ability to walk

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Even if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria set out in the act, you might still qualify for a discretionary Freedom Pass from your borough council if your circumstances warrant it.

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What About People Living Outside London?

If you live outside the capital, you won’t be eligible for the London Freedom Pass — but don’t worry. Many local councils across England offer concessionary bus passes that provide free off-peak bus travel, similar to the benefits enjoyed by Londoners.

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How to Apply

Applications are made through your borough council, and you’ll need to provide proof of address and eligibility (such as age or disability documentation). Each council’s website offers clear instructions and forms to help you apply online or by post.