Who is Eligible for the Free Travel Scheme?
While the scheme is primarily associated with senior citizens, several groups of permanent residents can qualify for free travel. It is essential to understand the different eligibility criteria to ensure you can claim your entitlement.
Eligibility for those aged 66 and over
If you are a permanent resident aged 66 or over, you are entitled to free transport under the Free Travel Scheme. Eligibility information for those receiving an Irish social welfare pension and registered for the Public Services Card (PSC), those under 66 receiving certain payments or meeting specific conditions (such as Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Carer's Allowance, Invalidity Pension, being medically certified unfit to drive, or being a bereaved partner aged 60 or over receiving certain payments), and partner and companion entitlements (including the automatic Free Travel Companion PSC for those aged 70 and over from September 2025) can be found on the {Link: Government of Ireland website https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/free-travel-scheme/}.
How to Apply for a Free Travel Pass
The application process for the Free Travel Scheme, which uses the Public Services Card (PSC) as the pass, varies depending on individual circumstances. Information regarding automatic issuance for those aged 66 and over receiving a qualifying social welfare pension and registered for a PSC, automatic issuance for those under 66 starting to receive a qualifying payment, and the manual application process using the FT1 form for others is available on the {Link: Government of Ireland website https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/free-travel-scheme/}.
Renewing an expired PSC
Expired Free Travel PSCs must be renewed to maintain entitlement. Renewal can be done online or in person. Those over 70 whose current FT+C card expires after August 31, 2025, will receive a new one automatically.
Services Covered by the Free Travel Scheme
The Free Travel Scheme is accepted on most public transport in Ireland, including services operated by Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, Luas, TFI Local Link, and certain private operators. It's advisable to confirm participation with private operators. Irish Rail allows online booking of passes, though free reservations can be limited.
Free Travel Between Ireland and Northern Ireland
The All Ireland Free Travel Scheme allows eligible cardholders to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Irish residents aged 66 or over can apply for a Senior SmartPass for free travel within Northern Ireland, as the Irish Free Travel Pass is only valid for cross-border journeys, not internal NI travel. Northern Ireland residents aged 65 and over with a Senior SmartPass can travel free within the Republic of Ireland.
Comparison of Irish and Northern Irish Schemes
| Feature | Republic of Ireland (ROI) | Northern Ireland (NI) |
|---|---|---|
| Free Travel Age | 66+ | 60+ (Concession), 65+ (All-Ireland) |
| Primary ID | Public Services Card (PSC) | Senior SmartPass (65+) |
| Internal Free Travel | Yes, with FT PSC (66+) | Yes, with Senior SmartPass (65+) |
| Cross-Border Travel | Yes, with FT PSC | Yes, with Senior SmartPass |
| Companion Pass | FT+C for over 70s and some under 70s on medical grounds | Not available for travel in ROI |
| Eligibility | Age 66+, or under 66 with specific payments/conditions | Age 60+ (Concessionary), 65+ (All-Ireland) |
Using Your Free Travel Pass
You must present or scan your Free Travel PSC when using public transport. On buses, tap the card when boarding; on Luas or trains, tap on and off. The pass is for personal use only and is not transferable; misuse may lead to review and potential loss of the entitlement.
Conclusion
The primary age for free transport in Ireland for permanent residents is 66. However, the Free Travel Scheme also includes those under 66 receiving specific disability or carer payments. The Free Travel Public Services Card may be issued automatically for those on state pensions or require a manual application. With the inclusion of companion passes for those over 70 from September 2025, the scheme significantly supports the independence and social inclusion of older people and individuals with specific needs. For more details, visit the official Department of Social Protection guide: {Link: gov.ie https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/free-travel-scheme/}.
