Website of the UK government

Types of local tickets schemes

Depending on where you live in the UK, there may be a variety of different types of bus and coach tickets available, from single journey tickets to one-day, weekly or monthly tickets as well as student or over-60 passes.

Finding your local bus or coach service

You can find your nearest bus or coach service when you plan your journey using the online journey planner.

• Journey planner

Avoiding a penalty fare in London

In central London you must buy your tickets from machines at bus stops before you board the bus. If you do not buy a ticket valid for your entire journey, it could result in an on-the-spot penalty fare or having your contact details taken down for a possible fine.

The Transport for London (TfL) website has information of all public transport services in central London.

• London tickets and fares (opens new window)

Hiring a coach

Some companies hire out coaches for private use. The Guild of British Coach Operators website allows you to search for coach companies.

• Guild of British Coach Operators (opens new window)

Community buses/mini-buses

There are many bus schemes run by voluntary or non-profit organisations aimed at helping people get around cheaply and easily. They operate under special permits which exempt them from many of the usual public service vehicle rules. More details on how to obtain permits are on the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website.

You can contact your local council for more information on community buses in your area.

• VOSA voluntary transport permits (opens new window)
• Find your local council
• More about mini-bus and community bus permits (motoring section)

More useful links

• Other travel discounts for young people