Freedom Pass for Londoners aged 66+: free travel and how to apply

The Older Person's Freedom Pass is a named card that gives Londoners aged 66 and over free travel on most public transport in London. It is issued by London Councils, not TfL, and only people who live in a London borough can get one.

Where and when does it work?

On TfL services (buses, the Tube and other city routes) the pass is valid free after 9:30am on weekdays, and at any time at weekends and on bank holidays. It also entitles you to free travel on most local buses across England as part of the national concessionary travel scheme. If you move out of London, the pass stops being valid.

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What age qualifies?

The Older Person's Freedom Pass is issued from age 66. If you already use a 60+ Oyster photocard, TfL usually passes your details to London Councils about four weeks before your 66th birthday, and you then receive a letter inviting you to confirm your details and order the pass.

How to apply

The easiest route is online at the London Councils website: you need an email address, proof of name and age, proof of a London address and a colour photo. You can also apply by post — download the form, enclose a passport photo and copies of your documents, and send it to Freedom Pass Application, PO Box 572, Hull, HU9 9LP. The form must not be photocopied: each has a unique barcode. Paper forms are also available from libraries and some borough offices.

The pass is posted within 10 working days of your application being received, by second-class post. If it has not arrived 10 working days after dispatch, call the Freedom Pass helpline on 0300 330 1433.

Worth remembering

The date on the card (usually five years) is the life of the chip, not how long you are entitled to the pass: the card is renewed when it expires and your right continues while you still qualify. Apply only through the official London Councils website — fake pages exist. Always check the current rules on londoncouncils.gov.uk.