Eligibility for free travel for London residents over 60
For London residents, there are two primary travel concession schemes. The one you are eligible for depends on your age and whether you have reached the state pension age.
The 60+ London Oyster photocard
This card is for individuals aged 60 and over, who are not yet eligible for a Freedom Pass, and live in a London borough.
- Eligibility: To get a 60+ Oyster photocard, you must be 60 or over and have your sole or principal residence in a London borough. You can apply up to 13 days before your 60th birthday.
- Free travel: The photocard offers free travel on London buses, Tube, tram, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, and most National Rail services within London.
- Restrictions: Free travel on TfL services is not valid on weekdays between 4:30 am and 9:00 am. For most National Rail services in London, the weekday morning restriction is from 4:30 am to 9:30 am. Free travel is available at any time on weekends and bank holidays.
- Other benefits: Holders also receive discounted fares on certain River services and the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
- Annual check: The card requires an annual address check to confirm you still reside in a London borough, for which there is a fee.
The Older Person’s Freedom Pass
The Freedom Pass is the next stage of concessionary travel for older Londoners, providing wider travel options.
- Eligibility: You become eligible for an Older Person's Freedom Pass once you reach the current State Pension age (currently 66) and are a London resident.
- Free travel: It provides free travel on all the same London services as the 60+ Oyster photocard, with the same time restrictions. Crucially, it also allows for free bus travel on local bus services throughout England, outside of London, subject to specific national time restrictions (usually from 9:30 am on weekdays).
- Other benefits: Similar to the 60+ Oyster, discounts on River services and the cable car apply.
- Automatic transfer: If you applied for the 60+ photocard and opted to share your data, the transfer to a Freedom Pass can be automatic when you reach State Pension age.
Comparison table: 60+ Oyster photocard vs. Older Person's Freedom Pass
| Feature | 60+ London Oyster Photocard | Older Person's Freedom Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Age | 60 to State Pension Age (currently 66) | State Pension Age (currently 66) onwards |
| Application | Apply online via the TfL website | Apply via London Councils or automatically transfer from 60+ Oyster |
| Validity | Free travel only within London | Free travel within London and on local buses across England |
| Weekday Time Restrictions (TfL) | Not valid between 4:30 am and 9:00 am | Not valid between 4:30 am and 9:00 am |
| Weekday Time Restrictions (National Rail in London) | Not valid between 4:30 am and 9:30 am | Not valid between 4:30 am and 9:30 am |
| Weekend/Bank Holiday Travel | Free anytime | Free anytime |
| Cost | One-off fee (currently £35) and annual fee for address check | No fee for eligible residents |
The process for applying
Both cards have a simple online application process, managed by different bodies depending on the pass you need.
60+ London Oyster Photocard Application
- Create an account on the TfL website and apply online.
- You will need a valid passport or UK driving licence, a colour digital photo, and a credit or debit card registered at your London address.
- There is a one-off fee, and you can apply up to two weeks before your 60th birthday.
Older Person's Freedom Pass Application
- Apply online through the London Councils website.
- You will need proof of your age and London residency, such as a passport, birth certificate, or UK driving licence.
- If you already have a 60+ Oyster card and meet the age requirement, you can be sent a new Freedom Pass automatically if you consented to data sharing during your 60+ application.
Other travel concessions
Beyond the age-related passes, other concessions may be available, depending on your circumstances. For instance, London residents with eligible disabilities can apply for a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass, which offers free travel at any time. Other options include a Senior Railcard, which can be purchased by anyone aged 60 or over to receive discounts on National Rail services across the country, not just in London.
Conclusion
Yes, over 60s who are residents of a London borough can get free travel in London, but the type of pass they receive and its validity depends on their exact age. The 60+ London Oyster photocard is the initial benefit for those aged 60 up to State Pension age, providing free travel across most of London's transport network during off-peak hours. Once State Pension age is reached, this entitlement extends to a Freedom Pass, offering free bus travel nationwide and the same benefits within London. By understanding the difference between these two schemes, eligible residents can take full advantage of their travel concessions in the capital and beyond.
