Under the Department of Social Protection’s Free Travel Scheme, persons aged 66 or older and living permanently in Ireland are entitled to of avail of free travel across the country’s public transport network. The scheme also covers people receiving certain disability payments and in other circumstances, and may cover the holder to bring a companion with them free of charge.

For more information, visit the Citizens Information website or contact your local social welfare office.

Exclusions apply: the Free Travel Card is not valid for travel on special bus services or for organised group travel on any service.

When using your Free Travel Card, it must be presented on request to any Bus Éireann official. If you fail to do so, you will be liable for the appropriate fare and requests for refunds in such circumstances will not be entertained.

For information on Free Travel Entitlements under the Free Schemes administered by the Department of Social Protection, please consult Social Welfare Leaflet SW40, contact your local Social Welfare Office or ‘phone 1890 500 000.

Contact Department of Social Protection

Free Travel Section
Social Welfare Service,
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection,
College Road,
Sligo,
F91 T384

Email: freetravelqueries@welfare.ie
Telephone: (071) 915 7100

Application forms for Free Travel may be obtained at local Post Offices.

Free Travel Scheme

People aged 66 or older and living permanently in Ireland are entitled to of avail of free travel across the country’s public transport network.