Bus pass and travel discounts

How to apply for a card

If you are aged between 5 and 21 years, over 60, or have a disability, you could be eligible for free or discounted travel to get around Scotland by bus.

The National Entitlement Card and Young Scot National Entitlement Card gives free access to almost all buses.

Companion entitlement - if you need a companion to help you use buses your National Entitlement Card will allow them to travel for free too.

People in Highland can now apply for an Over 60s, Disabled or Young Scot card via the following options:

Apply for an Over 60s card

  • Online at getyournec.scot – you will need photographic ID to do this – be aware online applications are not dealt with by Local Authorities
  • At one of our Service Points (Not an Access Point) - bring proof of age, address and a passport sized photo or similar
  • By emailing a completed form to buspass@highland.gov.uk – provide proof of age, address and a passport sized photo or similar
  • Replacement requests can be done via phone on 01349 886604 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm), at a Service Point or by email to buspass@highland.gov.uk – provide your full name, date of birth and address
  • Application forms can be requested by phone, email or by visiting a Service Point

Apply for a Disabled Card

  • Online at getyournec.scot – you will need photographic ID to do this - be aware online applications are not dealt with by Local Authorities
  • At one of our Service Points (Not an Access Point) – bring proof of age, address and a passport sized photo or similar
  • By emailing a completed form to buspass@highland.gov.uk – provide proof of age, address, disability entitlement and a passport sized/style photo
  • Application forms can be requested by phone on 01349 886604 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm), by email or by visiting a Service Point

Apply for a Young Scot Card

  • Online at getyournec.scot - you will need photographic ID for this - please be aware online applications are not dealt with by Local Authorities
  • First-time applications should be taken to a Highland Council Service Point (Not an Access Point) or where this is not possible due to location, an application and proofs can be posted to us - Service Point opening days and times can be viewed at https://www.highland.gov.uk/directory/16/visit_an_office/category/481
  • Replacement requests can be done by calling on 01349 886604 (Mon – Fri 9am to 5pm), at a Service Point or by email to buspass@highland.gov.uk – when emailing, provide your full name, date of birth and address
  • Application forms can be downloaded from the Young Scot Application box below, by email, phone or by visiting a Service Point

National Entitlement Card application

NEC proof and eligibility

Pass approved referees

Under 22's Free Travel Scheme - What we need if you are applying through Highland Council

For 5 to 10 year olds

  • Completed application form (signed by Parent or Legal Guardian to show consent to Free Travel)
  • Copy of the child’s full birth certificate
  • Photographic ID for the child (if they have any)
  • Proof of parent or guardian ID and address

For 11 to 15 year olds with no previous Young Scot Card

  • Completed application form (signed by Parent or Legal Guardian to show consent to Free Travel)
  • Passport style photo (against a white background)
  • Copy of the child’s full birth certificate
  • Photographic ID for the child (if they have any) - if no photo ID for child, please have an eligible referee complete the referee section of form
  • Proof of address for the child
  • Proof of parent or guardian ID and address

For 11 to 15 year olds with a current Young Scot Card

  • Copy of child’s full birth certificate
  • Updated passport style photo if required (against a white background)
  • Proof of parent or guardian ID
  • Proof of parent or guardian address
  • Consent from the Parent or Legal Guardian for the child to receive Free Bus Travel

For Over 16's who have never had a Young Scot Card

  • Completed application form
  • Proof of ID
  • If you do not have photo ID, please have an eligible referee complete the referee section of form
  • Proof of address
  • Passport style photo (against a white background)

For Over 16’s who do have, or have had a Young Scot Card

  • Your full name
  • Date of birth
  • Full address
  • Updated passport style photo (if required – against a white background)

Existing cardholders who are Over 16 can now also download the Transport Scotland App onto their Mobile Phone to add the Young Persons Free Travel entitlement onto their card. Please visit the Young Person's Free Bus Travel Scheme link below for more information and guidance.

For more information on the scheme, please visit the freebus.scot website.

Ferry and train travel

Highland residents aged over 60 or with a disability, and holding the free bus travel entitlement, can also travel free on ferry journeys within Highland and at half fare on the Craignure to Oban service. Concessions are for passenger fares only.

Travellers with a visual impairment can get Scottish National Blind Scheme concessions. The card gives you free rail and ferry travel on all Scottish routes.

Highland residents who hold the C+1 entitlement can take a companion at half fare on train journeys within Highland or for 50p single fare if the card holder is entitled due to visual impairment. They can also travel from Highland to Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Glasgow for the same concession.

Highland Service Points - Opening times can be viewed on our Service and Access Points pages.

Check the full details of the eligibility criteria and documents you need to show for the different types of card with Transport Scotland.

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