Thousands
of older Londoners may already be entitled to free public transport — and many never claim it simply because they don’t know it exists

Is there any cost to travel?

No. For eligible holders, the Freedom Pass allows free travel on most of London’s public transport at no charge.

Who can be eligible?

Older residents who have reached State Pension age, and disabled people, living in a London borough.

Do I have to buy a ticket each trip?

No. With the pass you don’t buy separate tickets for journeys it covers.

Is it complicated to apply?

No. The application is usually done online, and checking whether you qualify is free.

🚌 Free Travel

Across London’s network

🎫 For Seniors

And disabled residents

🚇 Bus, Tube & Rail

Trams included too

📋 Apply Online

If you live in London

Learn More

A great many older Londoners have no idea that their borough may entitle them to free travel across the city’s buses, Tube, trains and trams.

This isn’t a limited-time promotion or a money offer. It’s a genuine, long-running benefit run through London Councils for residents who meet the eligibility rules.

📌 What this page covers

🚌 Which kinds of transport the pass may cover
👤 Who is usually eligible
📍 How to check availability in your borough
📄 What you may be asked to provide

Plenty of people who would qualify never use this benefit — simply because they don’t know it’s there, and keep paying for transport they could be taking for free.

What is the Freedom Pass?

The Freedom Pass is a travel card for eligible London residents that gives free travel on most local public transport.

It’s coordinated by London Councils on behalf of the city’s boroughs, and is aimed at older people and disabled residents to help them stay mobile and independent.

Why does this benefit exist?

Keeping older and disabled residents able to get around supports independence, social contact and overall well-being.

Free travel removes a daily cost that can otherwise add up quickly, which is why the scheme has run across London for years.

Who might be eligible?

The pass may be available to people who:

Have reached State Pension age

Are a disabled resident (under the eligible categories)

Live within a London borough

Exact rules can vary slightly by borough, but many residents qualify without realising it.

What might the pass cover?

Transport What it may include Notes
Buses London bus network Any time
Underground London Underground (Tube) Off-peak + weekends
Trains National Rail within London Conditions apply
Trams & DLR Tram and DLR services Included
💡 Tip: Time restrictions can apply on some services (for example, off-peak only on the Tube). It’s worth checking the valid hours for your journeys so you don’t get caught out. Checking eligibility and applying are free — never pay a third-party site to “process” a Freedom Pass.

Why so many people miss out

Often it comes down to simple reasons:

  • Not knowing the benefit exists
  • Assuming the process is complicated
  • Not knowing where to check eligibility

In reality it’s usually simpler than expected, and the eligibility check can be done online.

Your next step: check if you qualify

The first step is to confirm the rules for your borough and what you’ll need to provide. It’s free to check, and in most cases the application itself is free too.

On the next page you’ll find:

  • How the application works, step by step
  • What documents you may need
  • How long approval usually takes
  • How to apply through the official website
SEE IF YOU QUALIFYYou will remain on the same site