Children aged five to 15 can travel free on participating local buses in England throughout August 2026, under a one-month government scheme aimed at reducing holiday costs.
The basic offer
The scheme runs from 1 to 31 August. Families should check whether a planned service is participating and whether proof of age is required, as operational details can vary between operators.
Typical child fares are estimated at £1 to £2, so savings will depend on how often a family travels and the availability of useful routes.
Why buses matter during holidays
Affordable transport can improve access to libraries, parks, sports, childcare and family visits. It may particularly benefit households without a car, although rural families will gain little where services are infrequent or absent.
Before travelling
- Check the operator’s website or app.
- Confirm the final bus home.
- Ask whether the offer covers cross-boundary journeys.
- Allow for timetable changes and busy services.
The measure sits alongside the £3 adult single-fare cap, extended to March 2027. The longer-term policy question is whether temporary discounts can be matched by investment in reliable routes.
