Concessionary fares for younger people
As a younger passenger you may be entitled to get concessionary or free travel on public transport on the grounds of your age. This page helps you to decide if you are entitled and explains how to claim the concessionary fares. If you also have a disability you may be able to claim concessions on travel costs. See Concessionary fares and free travel.
National entitlement card for concessionary travel
Young people in Scotland are entitled to concessions on the cost of travel on buses, trains and ferries. You become eligible on your 16th birthday and you stop being eligible on your 19th birthday.
If you are a full time volunteer (30 hours or more) aged between 19 and 25 (up to aged 26) you are also included in the concession scheme. You must apply for a National Entitlement Card in order to access the scheme.
Where to apply for the national entitlement card
You must apply for a Young Scot National Entitlement Card to use the scheme. Local authorities are responsible for dealing with the application process and arrangements will vary across Scotland. Application forms may be given out in schools, libraries or in local council offices. You should contact your local authority or you can telephone the Young Scot InfoLine on 0808 801 0338 (open 12noon to 8.00pm, Mon-Fri).
More information about the Young Scot National Entitlement Card on the Transport Scotland website.
What concessions are available
When you are eligible you are entitled to:
- a third off single bus fares across Scotland
- a Scottish Youth Rail Card, which means you get a third off most train fares. The subway in Glasgow is not included and the rail card only lasts for a year but you can reapply after 12 months
- two free return ferry journeys to the mainland of Scotland if you live on Scottish islands. Any inter island ferries are also included in the concession.
More information about concessions for ferry travel on the Transport Scotland website.
Air fare discount for students
If you are a student and live in Colonsay, Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles, Islay, Jura, Caithness or North West Sutherland you may be entitled to reduced air fares on certain routes. The Scottish Government Air Discount Scheme gives a discount of 40% on the air fare on certain routes.
More information about which students are eligible, including how to register to use the scheme is on the Air Discount Scheme website.
Free travel to school
Some young people may be able to get help with travel to school or it may be free.