Concessionary fares for younger people
As a younger passenger you might be entitled to get concessionary or free travel on public transport because of your age. Check if you're entitled and how to claim the concessionary fares.
If you're disabled you might be able to claim concessions on travel costs. Check if you can get concessionary fares and free travel if you're disabled.
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.
You're also included in the concession scheme if you're:
- a full time volunteer - volunteering 30 hours or more a week, and
- aged over 19 and under 26 years.
You must apply for a Young Scot national entitlement card to use the scheme.
Where to apply for the national entitlement card
Your local council deals with applications for the Young Scot national entitlement card. Application forms might be given out in schools, libraries or in local council offices. You should contact your local council to:
- apply for a card
- update your card
- replace your card.
Find out how to contact your local council on the Young Scot website. If you need more information, you can phone the Young Scot InfoLine on 0808 801 0338, Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm. Calls are free.
You can find more information about the Young Scot national entitlement card on the Transport Scotland website.
What concessions are available
When you're eligible you can get:
- 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
- 2 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.
You can find more information about concessions for ferry travel on the Transport Scotland website.
Free bus travel if you’re under 22
From 31 January 2022, you can get free bus travel if you:
- are under 22 years
- live in Scotland
- have a National Entitlement Card (NEC), or a Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC).
If you already have an NEC or Young Scot NEC, you’ll need a new or replacement card that works on buses.
Find out how to apply for a card for free bus travel on the Transport Scotland website.
You can travel anywhere in Scotland, but you won't be able to use the card on some services like premium-fare night buses and city sightseeing buses.
Free travel to school
Some young people might be able to get help with the costs of travelling to school or it might be free.
Find out more about help with school costs.
Get help with the travel costs of starting a job
You might be able to get a Job Start Payment to help with the costs of starting a job, including travel, if you're:
- 16 to 24 years old, or a care leaver aged 16 to 25
- getting certain benefits.
Find out more about Job Start Payment.
Air fare discount for students
If you're a student and live in Colonsay, Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles, Islay, Jura, Caithness or North West Sutherland you might 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.
Find more information about which students are eligible and how to register to use the scheme on the Air Discount Scheme website.