Travelling by Bus or Coach

Local Buses

From 1st January to 31st October 2023 many bus fares in England are capped at £2. Check gov.uk to see if your route is included.

For information about buses in York please go to  iTravel York. There are many ways to find live bus information to improve your journey experience. The iTravel - your next bus page explains the range of options including mobile apps, Quick Response (QR) codes and Near Field Communication (NFC) codes.

Getting a Bus Pass

Bus passes are available to York residents who reach eligible age or those with qualifying disabilities. Bus pass holders are entitled to free local travel throughout England, subject to peak-hour time restrictions. You can apply online, or make an appointment to apply in person at West Offices:

Check if you are eligible, apply and find out more about the Older Person’s Bus Pass

Disabled Person's Bus Pass

You can apply for a disabled person's bus pass in person at the Customer Centre, West Offices, Station Rise, York. Make an appointment to apply in person.

Further information about the disabled persons bus pass is available on the council website, including: 

• Which documents you will need to bring with you when you apply for your disabled bus pass.
• Applying for a disabled bus pass by post.
• Using your disabled bus pass.
• Renewing your disabled bus pass.
• How to replace a lost or stolen bus pass.

Companion Entitlement 

For people with more severe disabilities, your bus pass can include a 'companion' who can travel with you free of charge throughout York and North Yorkshire. The companion entitlement is also valid on cross-boundary journeys between York and other areas of Yorkshire and the Humber, such as the East Riding of Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Hull. This means, for example, your companion can travel free between York and Leeds, but not on local journeys within Leeds.

Further information about companion entitlement is available at the City of York Council website. 

Blind Person Bus Pass

If you have ticked that you are registered blind (severely sight impaired) then you can apply for a Blind Persons Bus Pass, offering free travel in the York area at any time of day.

Visit the City of York Council website to find out more about:

• What the blind bus pass offers
• How to apply in person.
• How to apply by post.
• How to replace a lost or stolen pass

Discount Coach Cards

National Express offer Disabled Coach Cards where you can save a third on their standard and fully flexible fares any time. For up to date details of current price and savings visit the National Express website. There are no restrictions on peak and off peak travel times, so you can travel when it suits you and your plans.

Visit the National Express website for more information about:

• Discounted coach travel for registered disabled customers
• How much will you save
• Accessible coaches.
• Senior Coach Card
• Year round savings
• How to buy a senior card

Needing some additional help to start using public transport again

We are aware that not everyone has yet gone back to using buses again since the COVID pandemic. 

You may feel that you would like to start using the bus again or have decided that you want to start using the bus for the first time. If you feel that you would need a bit of support the first time and are over 50 years old, then Age UK York can arrange a buddy for you. Please go to Age UK York - Out and About Service for more information.