Can I get a free Oyster card at 60?

Yes, you can get a 60+ London Oyster photocard if you are 60 or older, live in a London borough, and are not yet eligible for a Freedom Pass. This card provides free travel on buses, Tube, Tram, DLR, London Overground, and most Elizabeth line services. Applications cost £20 (increasing to £35 in late 2025) and can be made online 13 days before your 60th birthday.

Can anyone over 60 get a free Oyster card?

If you're 60 or over and live in a London borough, you can get free travel on our transport services with an Oyster photocard.

How to get a free travel pass?

To apply for a free travel pass (concessionary bus/travel card), you typically apply through your local council or a national transport body (like Transport for Wales/Scotland) by proving your age (e.g., 60+) or disability, residency, and identity with documents (passport, council tax bill, photo) online or in person, but specific requirements vary by region (UK, Ireland, etc.). Check your local authority's website or a national portal like GOV.UK for eligibility and application links. 

What is a senior SmartPass?

If you are 66 or over and have Free Travel, you can travel free of charge on all bus and rail services within Northern Ireland using a Senior SmartPass card. If you are 66 or over and have Free Travel, you do not need to meet the residency condition in Northern Ireland to apply for a Senior SmartPass card.

How to qualify for a travel pass?

The Free Travel Scheme, sometimes referred to as Free Travel Pass, is available to:

1. everyone who is 66 or over and legally living permanently in the State.
2. certain people who are under 66 and legally living permanently in the State. If you are under 66, you must meet certain conditions to qualify.

How to Apply for a 60+ Oyster Card

What age is free on Oyster?

Children under 11 travel free on most public transport services in London when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, or with a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard. Children aged 11 to 15 years old can get free or discounted travel with a Zip Oyster photocard, or a Young Visitor discount.

Is National Rail free for over 60s?

No, National Rail isn't automatically free for over 60s, but you can get significant discounts with a Senior Railcard, which gives 1/3 off most fares across Great Britain; free travel is available in specific areas like London with a 60+ Oyster photocard or in Scotland with a National Entitlement Card, depending on where you live and your specific circumstances.

Is it cheaper to tap card or Oyster?

No, an Oyster card is generally not cheaper than tapping with contactless (bank card or phone), as they both use the same "pay as you go" (PAYG) system and have identical fare caps and discounts, making them the same price for most journeys. Contactless is often more convenient as it avoids the £5 Oyster card cost and the hassle of topping up, but Oyster can prevent foreign transaction fees if using a foreign bank card.

What is free when you are 60 UK over 60?

At 60 in the UK, you generally get free NHS prescriptions (in England) and free NHS eye tests, with prescription costs covered across the entire UK; you may also qualify for free NHS dental treatment, bus passes (eligibility varies by region), and discounts on glasses, but some benefits like free dental care often require receiving Pension Credit.

What are the disadvantages of the Oyster card?

Cons

• Initial Cost—The card has an upfront cost of £5, which might not be worth it if you're not travelling much.
• Limited Utility – If your month-long stay has you mostly walking to nearby destinations or your travel is limited to specific zones, an Oyster card might not offer much value.

How to get a free senior railcard?

Senior Railcard Eligibility Checklist

1. Aged 60 years old or over.
2. Have a valid UK Driving Licence, Passport or EEA national Identity card.
3. Can be bought online or at a station.

Can I use my 60+ Oyster to get to Gatwick?

Yes, you can use your 60+ Oyster card for part of the journey to Gatwick Airport, covering travel within London zones, but you'll need to buy an extension ticket for the part of the journey from the London zone boundary (Zone 6) to Gatwick Airport, as Gatwick is outside the Oyster zone. Tap your 60+ card at the start in London and at the zone boundary, then buy an extension ticket (e.g., from Coulsdon South or Purley) to Gatwick on Southern or Thameslink services. 

Is an over 60 railcard worth it?

A Senior Railcard is the starting point for travelling by train. That's because it gives you 1/3 off Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares. It means you can save money on visits to the grandkids, trips into town to catch a show, or weekends by the seaside – as many times as you like.

Who qualifies for a free railcard?

You aren't typically entitled to a free railcard, but those with disabilities, visual/hearing impairments, epilepsy, or receiving specific disability benefits (like PIP/DLA) qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard, which offers 1/3 off and a companion pass, while children under 5 travel free, and some students/youth get discounted cards.

What are the best ways to travel for free?

Volunteering is not only one of the best ways to travel for free, it is one of the best ways to travel for those seeking an authentic experience and genuine connection with communities around the world.

What is the free travel card for London?

Freedom Pass

This photocard gives people aged 66 or over or who have a disability: free travel on bus, tram, Tube, DLR, London Overground and TfL Rail.

Are pensioners free on trains?

Pensioners don't get entirely free national train travel, but many qualify for concessionary passes (often for local buses/trams) or a Senior Railcard (1/3 off) in the UK, with eligibility depending on state pension age and local council rules, while some areas offer free local bus/tram travel for older residents, but national rail usually requires a Railcard for discounts.
 

Does Aircoach accept Free Travel Pass?

Can I travel using my Free Travel Pass? We accept the Free Travel Pass on all services, except for route 705X.

Can I use my Free Travel Pass on a ferry?

To travel for free you must always produce your Free Travel Pass for inspection to the ferry operator. You and your accompanying spouse / companion may also need to produce evidence of identity at the gangway, by producing a sample of your signature(s) and/ or photographic identification.