Children travel free with Ipswich Buses this August

Children aged 5–15 can travel free on all Ipswich Buses services throughout August as part of the Summer Bus Fare Offer, funded by HM Government and promoted under the Great British Summer Savings campaign.

 

 

The offer runs from 1 to 31 August 2026.

 

 

There is no need to register or apply in advance. Simply ask the driver for a free Summer Bus Fare Offer ticket when boarding.

 

 

At a glance

 

 

• Available to children aged 5–15 inclusive
• Valid from 1–31 August 2026
• Available on all Ipswich Buses services
• No time or distance restrictions
• No residency requirement
• No registration required
• A free Summer Bus Fare Offer ticket must be requested for every journey

 

 

Who can travel free?

 

 

The offer is available to anyone aged 5–15, regardless of where they live.

 

 

Children under five already travel free under our usual arrangements and do not need a Summer Bus Fare Offer ticket.

 

 

Passengers aged 16 and over must buy their normal ticket:

 

 

• Passengers aged 16–19 should buy the appropriate U20 ticket.
• Passengers aged 20 and over should buy the appropriate adult ticket.

 

 

Concessionary pass holders should continue to use their pass and travel as normal.

 

 

Does a child need proof of age?

 

 

We recognise that most children will not routinely carry formal proof of age. However, if a child has something that shows their age, we recommend bringing it with them just in case it is needed.

 

 

Drivers will normally accept the child’s or accompanying adult’s stated age. If there is reasonable doubt about whether someone is aged 15 or under, the driver may ask for suitable evidence, such as a school or college card, travel pass, or another document showing their age.

 

 

Formal photographic identification is not routinely required. However, if the driver reasonably believes that a passenger is aged 16 or over, the appropriate normal fare will apply.

 

 

Do children need to be accompanied?

 

 

Children aged 11 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

 

 

Children aged 12–15 may travel independently.

 

 

Which services are included?

 

 

The offer applies to all Ipswich Buses services operating during August.

 

 

There are no restrictions on the time of travel or the distance travelled.

 

 

Does the child need a ticket?

 

 

Yes. A free Summer Bus Fare Offer ticket must be issued for every journey.

 

 

The child or accompanying adult should ask the driver for a Summer Bus Fare Offer ticket when boarding. If the journey involves changing buses, a new ticket should be requested when boarding the next bus.

 

 

Please keep the ticket until the journey has been completed.

 

 

Can more than one child travel with an adult?

 

 

Yes. More than one eligible child can travel with an adult, provided each child is aged 5–15.

 

 

A separate Summer Bus Fare Offer ticket must be issued for each child.

 

 

Is travel guaranteed?

 

 

Boarding remains subject to available capacity and our normal Conditions of Carriage. At particularly busy times, passengers may need to wait for the next available bus.

 

 

Where could you go?

 

 

Free bus travel makes August a great time to explore Ipswich and the surrounding area.

 

 

The Government’s Summer Savings website lists offers and discounts at participating attractions, restaurants, cinemas and other venues. Visit the website and enter your postcode to find offers near Ipswich:

 

 

Find Summer Savings near Ipswich

 

 

Please check the individual terms of any offer before travelling.

 

 

Need more information?

 

 

Email info@ipswichbuses.co.uk or visit our Contact Us page.

 

 

The Summer Bus Fare Offer is funded by HM Government and is subject to the scheme requirements. Ipswich Buses reserves the right to amend the offer if the Government scheme changes.