Free Travel for under-18s

    Please note this is our current understanding of the Transport for London travel arrangements for under 18s so we advise that you regularly check www.tfl.gov.uk for any up to date information.

    Who gets free travel and when?

    Zip is the new name for Oyster photocards for young people, and from 1 June all 11-15 year olds will need a valid Oyster photocard to travel free on buses and trams. If you already have one, you don't need to replace it, just use it until it expires. If you don't have one you must apply by 10 May to receive it for 1 June.

    Under-5s

    Children under five can travel free at any time on buses, the Tube, trams, DLR, and London Overground as long as they are accompanied by someone with a valid ticket who is using Oyster to pay as they go.

    5 to 10 year-olds

    Children aged 5-10 years can now travel FREE at any time on the buses, the Tube, trams, DLR and London Overground at any time.

    On buses and trams

    • Unaccompanied 5-10 year-olds can travel free at any time. They do not need a ticket or photocard to do so

    On the Tube, DLR and London Overground:

    • Up to four 5-10 year-olds can travel free when accompanied by an adult who has a valid ticket, is using Oyster to pay as they go or has a Freedom Pass

    • If they are travelling unaccompanied, 5-10 year-olds need a 5 to 10 Oyster photocard to travel free at any time

    Under-11s travelling with an adult will not be issued with tickets and will be allowed to pass through the ticket gates at stations. Please note: if they have an Oyster photocard they should not use it when being accompanied, or they could be charged a fare.

    11 to 15 year-olds

    Children aged 11-15 can travel free at any time on buses and trams and across the entire London bus network, including sections outside Greater London.

    All 11-15 year-olds must have a valid Child, 14-15 or 11-15 Oyster photocard to get free travel on buses and trams and some child-rate travel on the Tube, DLR and London Overground.

    16 to 18 year-olds

    Children aged over 16 and under 19 on 31 August prior to the start of the academic year who are in full time education or on a work-based learning scheme, and who live within a London borough, can travel for free on buses and trams across the entire London bus network, including sections outside Greater London.

    Please note, 16-18 year-olds must have a valid 16+ Oyster photocard to get free travel on buses and trams.