Children to Travel Free on Buses Across England This August

Government expands free bus travel nationwide as part of summer cost-of-living support for families.

Families across England will be able to save on travel costs during the school holidays after the Government announced that children aged 5 to 15 will be able to travel on participating local bus services free of charge throughout August 2026.

The month-long initiative forms part of the Government's Great British Summer Savings campaign, designed to help households manage the cost of family outings while encouraging greater use of public transport.

From 1 August until 31 August, eligible children will be able to board participating bus services without paying a fare, with ministers hoping the scheme will make attractions, parks, museums and seaside destinations more accessible during the holidays.

Helping Families with the Cost of Summer

The Department for Transport estimates that removing child fares—typically between £1 and £2 per journey—could generate meaningful savings for families making multiple trips during the school break.

The offer builds on existing arrangements that already allow most children under five to travel free with major bus operators.

Roads Minister Simon Lightwood visited Bath ahead of the launch, meeting families, teachers and local transport operators to discuss how the initiative could support household budgets while encouraging more people to travel by bus.

Part of a Wider Package of Discounts

Free bus travel is one element of a broader package of summer offers being introduced under the Government's cost-of-living programme.

Alongside transport savings, families will also benefit from discounts on children's meals at participating restaurants, reduced-price cinema and theatre tickets, and offers at attractions including theme parks, adventure centres and indoor play venues.

The aim is to make family leisure activities more affordable during the school holidays.

Backing Public Transport

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the initiative forms part of the Government's wider efforts to reduce everyday travel costs while encouraging greater use of public transport.

She said the scheme would enable more families to enjoy trips across England without transport costs becoming a barrier.

The announcement also reinforces the Government's broader transport investment programme, which includes:

• Extending the £3 national bus fare cap until March 2027.

• Introducing the first rail fare freeze in three decades, expected to save passengers around £600 million.

• Investing £3 billion to improve local bus services across England.

Together, ministers say these measures are intended to make public transport more affordable, reliable and attractive.

Success Builds on Regional Scheme

The national initiative follows the success of similar free travel programmes introduced by local authorities.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, welcomed the decision to roll out the scheme nationally after similar arrangements proved popular across the region.

She said expanding the offer would give families greater opportunities to explore destinations both locally and further afield during the summer holidays.

Boost for Tourism

VisitEngland believes the initiative could also provide a welcome boost for the tourism sector.

Director Andrew Stokes said cheaper public transport would encourage more families to visit seaside towns, countryside attractions and city destinations while supporting local hospitality businesses during one of the busiest periods of the year.

Encouraging Greener Travel

Beyond easing financial pressures, the Government hopes the initiative will encourage more people to choose buses over private cars for leisure trips.

By combining free children's travel with the extended adult fare cap, ministers are seeking to promote more sustainable travel while helping families make the most of the summer holidays.

For many households, the scheme offers the opportunity to enjoy additional days out at a lower cost—demonstrating how public transport can play a practical role in reducing living costs while supporting local communities and visitor attractions across England.