Make more of the school holidays for less
From 1 to 31 August 2026, children and young people aged 5 to 15 can travel free on participating bus services across the West Midlands.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, heading into town or meeting up with friends, there’s no need to register or book in advance.
Check your operator is taking part, then ask the driver for free travel when you board.
How to use the offer
- Plan your journey: Use our journey planner to find the best bus route for your day out.
- Check your operator: Make sure your bus operator is taking part by checking the list below.
- Ask when you board: Ask the driver for a free summer bus ticket and follow their instructions.
You do not need to register, sign up or buy a ticket in advance.
Check before you travel
Not every bus operator or service is included in the offer.
Before setting off:
- check that your operator and service are taking part
- check the operator’s website for any additional conditions
- bring proof of age if you have it, as this may be requested if your eligibility is unclear
- check the operator’s rules if a child under 11 will be travelling without an adult
Operators taking part
The following operators are currently expected to offer free travel for eligible children:
- Arriva
- Banga Buses
- Carolean Coaches
- Chaserider
- Diamond
- Kev's Cars and Coaches
- Landflight
- National Express
- Stagecoach
- Travel Express
This list may change and the offer may not be available on every service. Check your operator’s website before travelling.
The offer is part of the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign.
No. Free travel is only available on participating operators and services. Check the list above and visit your operator’s website before travelling.
No. You do not need to register, sign up or buy anything in advance. When you board, ask the driver for a free summer bus ticket and follow their instructions.
You may be asked for proof of age if it is not clear that you are eligible. Requirements may vary between operators.
Some operators may require children under 11 to travel with an adult. Check with the operator before travelling.
No. Adults and anyone aged 16 or over who is not otherwise eligible for free travel will need to pay their usual fare.
The offer is available on participating bus services across England. Check the Great British Summer Savings website for details of offers outside the West Midlands.
New to bus travel?
Watch simple guides to catching the bus and planning your journey, available in a range of languages.
How to travel safely
Find practical advice for safer journeys and learn how to report anti-social behaviour on public transport.
More ways to save this summer
Discover more offers available through the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign.