Child Tickets & Unaccompanied Children and Young People

We want every journey to be safe, comfortable, and stress‑free. 

Tickets for children

• Children aged 5–15 will need a ticket to travel.
• If your child has a Young Scot Card (YSC), they may be able to travel for free using the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel Scheme (Scotland only)

Free travel for young children

• One child aged 4 or under can travel free per fare‑paying adult.
• For safety reasons, we ask that they sit on a parent or guardian’s lap for the duration of the journey.

Unaccompanied children

• For safety, we’re unable to carry unaccompanied children under the age of 8.

Children aged 8–12 travelling alone

Children between their 8th and 12th birthdays may travel unaccompanied, as long as the following conditions are met:

• For journeys over 50 miles, the ticket must be purchased by a responsible adult.
• The journey must not include a change of coach.
• On journeys over 50 miles, a responsible adult must:
  • See the child safely onto the coach, and
  • Arrange for another responsible adult to meet them at their destination.
• Children must be able to look after themselves during the journey and at any stops along the way.
• Please note, we’re unable to accept responsibility before boarding or after alighting.

Young people aged 13–15

• The guidance above also applies as advice for children aged 13 to 15.

Proof of age

• Our staff or drivers may ask for proof of age, so please ensure this is available when travelling.

If you’re unsure about anything or would like help planning a journey for a child, our Customer Services team is always happy to provide information which may help you make an informed decision for your child.