Free Bus Travel for Kids: Just a Few Days Left for Brighton Families
A Brighton & Hove bus in central Brighton. Children aged 5 to 15 can travel for free on participating local bus services until 31 August 2026
This Bank Holiday weekend is the last chance for families in and around Brighton to make the most of free bus travel, thanks to the government's Great British Summer Savings scheme, which ends on 31 August.
We previously reported on the free bus travel scheme earlier this month. Read our original coverage of the August free bus travel offer.
The offer at a glance
Throughout August, 5-15 year olds can travel on local buses for free, giving families room to breathe and helping tackle the cost of living.
With the scheme coming to a close at the end of August, kids in Brighton have just a few days left to travel to some of the South's most scenic destinations completely free of charge.
So far, over 400,000 young people have travelled using the scheme on Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus services.
As well as free bus travel for children, the government's £3 bus fare cap continues to help passengers save money on everyday journeys, with the new £2 bus fare cap launching in January 2027.
Whether it's building sandcastles by the beach or a visit to a historic castle, free bus travel makes it easier and cheaper for families to enjoy their summer.
Some of the scenic destinations that families can reach for free on the bus include Brighton Palace Pier, Arundel Castle, the Brighton i360 and Seven Sisters Country Park.
"I know how hard it can be for families to enjoy their time together with persistent cost of living pressures. That's why this summer, children can travel on participating local buses for free, as part of our Great British Summer Savings scheme, which is also giving money off attractions and restaurants, as well as cheaper train fares.
"From beaches to iconic historical sights, there's loads of beautiful attractions kids can get to for free. We want everyone to enjoy their summer holidays, and by taking action, we hope no one misses out on the small plans that make life more fun with loved ones." Simon Lightwood, Local Transport Minister
How it works
Where kids can go for free
From the seafront to the South Downs, here are some of the destinations children can reach for free before the scheme ends, along with the Brighton & Hove Buses and Compass Travel routes that get you there. Always check the latest times and routes with your operator before you set off.
A couple of things worth knowing before you travel: the free fare covers children aged 5 to 15 on most participating local buses, and younger children generally need to be with a fare-paying adult. You can check exactly which services are included on the government's Summer Bus Fare Offer route list.
It's not just the buses
The free travel is one part of the wider Great British Summer Savings scheme, which has also cut VAT to bring down the cost of children's meals in restaurants, children's cinema and theatre tickets, and entry to family attractions such as theme parks, soft play and adventure centres. The government has put together an interactive tool that shows the deals available in your postcode, so you can see the restaurants, museums and attractions near you offering discounts before the summer ends.
→ Find summer savings near you at summersavings.gov.uk
With just days left before the offer ends on 31 August, this Bank Holiday weekend is the perfect time to jump on a bus and make the most of it.
Source: Department for Transport. This article was supplied to ImJustBrighton as information for publication. Free travel applies to participating local bus services for children aged 5 to 15 until 31 August 2026. Routes and times can change, so check with your operator before travelling.