Free Travel for Children in August 2026

This August, we’re joining the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme with free travel for all children aged 5 to 15 across all NCT bus routes. 

Between 1st to 31st August 2026 inclusive, the Government is funding free bus travel for children on bus routes in England making it cheaper for families to visit the Nottingham Beach as well as go out for meals, the theatre and cinema.

With a reduction in VAT on all tickets for attractions like soft play and museums the Great British Summer Savings will help you and your family see and do more this summer. Find out more about how you could benefit from Great British Summer Savings here - https://summersavings.gov.uk/

If you’re looking for suggestions on local attractions and things to do, check out our local guide of places easily accessible on the NCT bus network. 

Here’s what you need to know about the free bus travel offer:

Who is eligible?

All children aged 5 to 15 inclusive can travel for free. 

Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. This is a safeguarding measure to prevent young children potentially travelling great distances unaccompanied and not being able to get home. 

Do I have to prove my age?

Drivers may ask you to prove your age to qualify for free travel. This is to prevent people abusing the scheme and travelling for free when they’re not entitled to. If the driver believes you are 16 or over, you will be asked to pay a fare.

We will be issuing a proof of age card in the NCT Travel Centre at 28-30 Lister Gate, Nottingham, NG1 7DD. Please bring a passport sized photo with you and a document with a date of birth on for your child.

How do I travel for free?

To qualify for free travel, you need to ask for an August Child Free Single ticket when you get on the bus. The driver will issue a ticket to each child, which is a requirement of the scheme. 

I already have a bus pass that covers August 2026, what happens to that travel?

The scheme has made no provision for people who have already paid for a bus pass that covers August 2026. 

You can apply for a refund on any days of travel that cover any date in August.  You must request this refund before Saturday 12th September 2026. Our standard 10% admin fee will be applied to the refund value.

This scheme does not affect Anyday or bundles of app tickets, which only count down when they are activated or used. If you have an Anyday or bundle ticket, do not use it during August 2026. The days will remain available for you to use from September 2026. 

Customers who have purchased a 1 year pass can apply for a refund for August 2026 only. 

You must request this refund before Saturday 12th September 2026. Our standard 10% admin fee is included in these refund values.

I normally buy a weekly or monthly pass, what should I do? 

If you normally buy a weekly or monthly pass, we recommend you don’t purchase a travel pass for August whilst the free travel scheme is running. You can buy a pass during August and then activate from September 2026.