Public transport and travel discounts
This page gives information on public transport and travel discounts which might be available to people with Parkinson's.
Concessionary travel schemes
Concessionary travel schemes let some people travel on public transport for free or at a lower cost. They are usually for older people and some disabled people.
The availability and rules of these schemes vary across the UK.
A Disabled or Senior Railcard can also give discounts on trains across England, Scotland, and Wales. See the rail and coach discounts section on this page.
England
If you are at State Pension age, you may be able to get an English National Concessionary Bus Pass for older people. This usually gives free bus travel:
- from 9.30am to 11pm on weekdays
- all day on weekends and bank holidays.
If you meet disability criteria, you may be able to get a disabled person’s bus pass. This usually gives free bus travel at the same times.
Some local councils offer additional concessions for disabled pass holders, such as free travel at other times or for a companion, but this varies depending on where you live.
You can apply through your local council.
- Find out more about the disabled person’s bus pass on the GOV.UK website.
- Find out more about the older person’s bus pass on the GOV.UK website.
London
The Freedom Pass is for London residents over 66 or people with eligible disabilities. There is no fee for a Freedom Pass.
It gives free travel on:
- buses
- trams
- London Underground
- London Overground
- some National Rail services within London.
Free travel times depend on the type of pass. You may also be able to use your Freedom Pass on local bus services elsewhere in England if it has a red rose logo.
Apply or find out more on the Freedom Pass website.
If you’re 60 or over and live in a London borough, you can get a 60+ London Oyster photocard until you’re eligible for a Freedom Pass.
This gives you free travel on most public transport services in London. There is an application fee of £36, followed by a yearly £18.50 renewal fee.
Apply or find out more about the London Oyster photocard on the TFL website.
Northern Ireland
If you’re 60 or over, you can apply for a Senior SmartPass for free bus and rail travel in Northern Ireland.
If you’re under 60 and meet disability criteria, you may be able to get a Half Fare SmartPass, which gives half-price travel.
Apply or find out more about passes in Northern Ireland on the Translink website.
Scotland
If you’re over 60 or have a disability, you may get free bus travel on most local and long-distance services with a National Entitlement Card. Some people can also take a companion for free. You may also get cheaper rail travel in some areas.
Contact your local council or apply for a National Entitlement Card online.
Wales
If you’re over 60 or meet disability criteria, you can apply for a Concessionary Travel Pass. This gives free travel on most bus services in Wales and the borders, and discounted or free rail travel in some areas.
Apply or find out more about the Concessionary Travel Pass on the Transport for Wales website.
Rail and coach discounts
Disabled Persons Railcard
A Disabled Persons Railcard gives you 1/3 off most train fares in England, Scotland, and Wales. If you travel with another adult, they can also get 1/3 off their fare when travelling with you.
You may be able to get a Disabled Persons Railcard if you receive certain disability benefits or meet other criteria.
For example, you may qualify if you:
- receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), or Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- receive Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP)
- have a Blue Badge
- have a Disabled Persons Bus Pass in England, Scotland, or Wales
- are unable to drive for medical reasons.
There are many other ways to qualify.
The card costs:
- £20 for a year
- £54 for 3 years.
Find out more about the Disabled Persons Railcard on the railcard website.
Senior Railcard
If you’re over 60 and do not qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard, you can get a Senior Railcard. This gives you 1/3 off most train fares in England, Scotland, and Wales.
The Senior Railcard does not give discounts for companions and it’s slightly more expensive than a Disabled Persons Railcard.
Find out more about the Senior Railcard on the railcard website.
National Express Coachcards
National Express offers:
- a Senior Coachcard for anyone 60 and over
- a Disabled Coachcard for people with eligible disabilities.
Coachcards give you 1/3 off Standard and Fully Flexible fares all year round.
Find out more about National Express Coachcards on their website.
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