Children Can Travel Free on Cumbria Buses Throughout August
Children and young people can travel free on more than 100 participating bus services across Cumbria throughout August.
The offer is available to anyone aged between five and 15, including both ages, from Saturday, August 1 until Monday, August 31, 2026.
It covers selected services operated by Stagecoach Cumbria and Lancashire and Blueworks. The scheme could help families save money on journeys to local attractions, town centres, parks and other summer activities.
Part of a National Summer Scheme
The free travel offer forms part of the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign.
Child bus fares often cost between £1 and £2 per journey. The government hopes the scheme will make family days out more affordable during the school holidays.
Children under five already travel free with most major bus companies. Adult passengers may also benefit from the national £3 cap on eligible single bus fares.
Which Blueworks Routes Are Included?
Children can travel free on the following participating Blueworks services:
- 11
- 532
- X7
- X12
- X60
- X70F (also listed as 532)
- X70U (also listed as X70F)
Passengers should check the latest route and timetable information before setting off.
Which Stagecoach Routes Are Included?
The following Stagecoach Cumbria and Lancashire services are listed as taking part:
- 1, 1A, 1S, 2, 2A, 2X, 3 and 3A
- 4, 5, 6, 6A, 6B, 6C, 7, 9, 10 and 11
- 18, 22, 29, 29A, 30 and 32
- 40, 40C, 41, 41A, 41B, 42, 42A, 43 and 43A
- 44, 45, 46, 49, 50, 51, 52 and 55
- 59, 59C, 60, 61, 61C, 62, 63, 63A and 64
- 67, 68, 68C, 71, 77, 77A, 77C and 78
- 79, 81, 88, 89, 93, 100, 104 and 105
- 106, 109, 111, 111C, 125, 125C, 127 and 179
- 280, 300 and 400
- 505, 508, 509, 516, 517, 530 and 534
- 553, 554, 555, 559, 563 and 567
- 599, 600, 646, 685 and 755
- C1, C2, EL1, M1, N1 and UB1
- X2, X4, X5, X5S, X6 and X7
Some services with similar route numbers may not be included. Dedicated school buses and certain longer-distance or specialist services are among those excluded.
Families should check the official government route list or the operator’s website before travelling.
How Do Children Claim Free Travel?
No advance booking or paid pass is needed on participating Stagecoach services.
When boarding, children should ask the driver for a free child ticket and say where they are travelling. The driver will then issue a ticket, which should be kept until the end of the journey.
Young people can travel independently, although Stagecoach advises parents and guardians to read its conditions of carriage first. Families may also wish to practise the route together and check live journey information before a child travels alone.
Check Before Setting Off
The free travel scheme applies between August 1 and 31 only. Normal child fares will return once the offer ends.
Services can also change due to roadworks, weather or other disruption. Passengers are advised to check the latest timetable through the bus operator or Stagecoach app before leaving home.
Full details of the Stagecoach offer are available on its Kids Go Free page
