Free Bus Pass in Wales: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
On this page
You can apply for a free bus pass in Wales if your main home is in Wales and you are aged 60 or over, or if you meet the disability criteria. The official name is the Welsh Concessionary Travel Card, and applications are managed by Transport for Wales on behalf of local councils.
Free bus pass in Wales: quick checklist
- Your primary address must be in Wales.
- You must be 60 or over, or meet an eligible disability category.
- You will need proof of identity, age and address, plus a suitable photograph.
- Apply through Transport for Wales or request a paper form.
Who qualifies for a free bus pass in Wales?
Anyone aged at least 60 whose primary residence is in Wales can apply. You can begin the online application up to 14 days before your 60th birthday, although the card cannot be used before you become eligible.
There is also a Disabled Person's Concessionary Travel Card. Eligibility includes specified levels of sight or hearing loss, being without speech, certain substantial long-term mobility impairments, loss of use of both arms, a learning disability and some conditions that would prevent a driving licence being issued on medical-fitness grounds.
The criteria are precise, so a diagnosis or benefit award does not automatically qualify in every case. Transport for Wales lists the accepted evidence, while local councils assess cases that need alternative evidence.
What does the card give you?
The card provides free travel on eligible local bus services operating in Wales, including TrawsCymru and fflecsi. It can also be used on a cross-border bus that starts or finishes in England, provided the journey does not involve changing buses in England.
It is not valid on every coach. Transport for Wales specifically excludes services such as National Express, Megabus and City Sightseeing from the statutory scheme, although individual companies may offer their own discounts.
Can you use a Welsh bus pass on trains?
Only on selected services, and some offers are seasonal. Transport for Wales currently lists free travel on Wrexham to Hawarden Bridge and the Conwy Valley line between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog. The Cambrian Coast between Machynlleth and Pwllheli and the Heart of Wales route between Shrewsbury and Llanelli or Swansea are included from October to March.
You need to obtain a free ticket before travelling. Use the ticket office where one is open, or ask the conductor when there is no open ticket office. The card can also give one-third off Cardiff and Valleys tickets after 09:30 on weekdays and at any time on weekends and bank holidays. Always check the current rail list before setting out.
What documents do you need?
Every applicant needs evidence of name and date of birth, two accepted proofs of address, a National Insurance number if aged over 16 and a recent passport-style photograph. A current driving licence can prove name, age and address. Other accepted identity documents include a current passport or birth certificate.
Address evidence can include a recent utility bill, current-year council tax document, current benefit or pension document, electoral-roll confirmation, recent GP-registration evidence or proof of rent payments. Bank statements, HMRC letters, NHS letters and mobile-phone bills are not on the current accepted list.
A disability application also needs evidence matching the relevant criterion. Upload every required page clearly; a partial benefit letter that omits the award or points may delay the decision.
How to apply for the card
- Open the Transport for Wales travel-card portal.
- Choose the 60 and Over or Disabled Person application.
- Enter your details and local council.
- Upload the photograph and supporting documents.
- Check the summary carefully before submitting.
A friend, relative or trusted person can help complete the online form. Some libraries and community hubs offer support. If online application is unsuitable, request a paper form from Transport for Wales on 03003 034 240 or at travelcards@tfw.wales. Do not post original passports, licences or certificates.
How long does it take?
Transport for Wales says an approved card should arrive within 10 working days. Travel costs incurred while waiting for a first or replacement card are not reimbursed, so apply before an essential journey where possible.
If an application is delayed, check whether the requested documents were readable and complete. You can manage an application online or contact the travel-card team for help.
What about a companion card?
A disabled person whose condition limits their ability to travel alone may qualify for a Disabled Person with Companion card. The companion travels free only while accompanying the cardholder for the whole bus journey. Local councils process companion-card applications, so contact your council for its evidence requirements.
How to use and renew it
Show the card to the driver and place it on the ticket reader when boarding. The card is personal and must not be lent to anyone else. Its expiry date is printed on the front, and renewal normally opens no more than six weeks before expiry.
Keep your address and other details up to date. A disabled person's eligibility may be reviewed before the printed card expiry if the supporting award or evidence has an earlier end date.
For journey ideas, our car-free and active-travel guide explains how Welsh transport choices fit together. Families planning around school breaks can also check the Wales school term dates for 2026/27.
Sources, further reading and image credits
- Transport for Wales: eligibility and accepted evidence
- Transport for Wales: application and use FAQs
- Transport for Wales: application portal
- Transport for Wales: travel essentials
- Feature: TrawsCymru bus at Corwen. Photo by Richard Hoare, CC BY-SA 2.0.
