Bus and coach discounts outside London: the £3 bus fare cap and the move to £2 in January 2027, free bus passes and the National Express Coachcard
Published: Last checked: October 20264 min read
Short answer
Outside London most single bus fares in England are capped at £3; the government announced a £2 cap on participating buses from 1 January 2027, extended to the end of 2027. A free bus pass is available at State Pension age. The National Express Coachcard gives one third off.
In short
- This post is general information. It is based on the Railcard and TfL pages and on GOV.UK and National Rail announcements as they were on 18 October 2026; prices and conditions change often.
- Outside London bus fares in England vary by area; the government caps most single fares. According to GOV.UK's announcement of 22 July 2026, until 1 January 2027 most single bus fares outside London remain capped at £3; from 1 January 2027 a £2 cap applies on participating buses for the rest of the year, and a cap will be extended until the end of 2027.
- The same announcement elsewhere says the £3 cap runs until the end of March 2027; the two dates conflict on the page, so check GOV.UK and your local council for the changeover date.
- People at State Pension age and some disabled people can get a free bus pass. Discounts for young people are mostly local.
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Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.
- GOV.UK: Cheaper travel for millions with a third off fares
- GOV.UK: Apply for an older person's bus pass
- GOV.UK: Free travel and new routes, the government's bus revolution
- National Express: Coachcards
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