How to use your free travel pass on Irish public transport

The Free Travel Pass

Everyone aged 66 and over and living permanently in Ireland is entitled to the free travel scheme. If you qualify for Free Travel, your Public Services Card (PSC) will have FT (for Free Travel) in the top left-hand corner. The letter following it shows who you can take with you:

FT-P – you can travel for free

FT+S – your spouse, partner or cohabitant can travel with you for free

FT+C – you can have a person (over 16) travel with you for free

You must carry it with you when you are using public transport. Free travel passes are non-transferrable and can only be used by the named person. If you are in possession of a new Public Services Card, remember to touch on and touch off when embarking and disembarking on LUAS services. Please note that passes are issued by the Department of Social Protection, not the transport provider. Now that you know how to get your free travel pass, read on to learn more about how you can put it to use.

Iarnród Éireann

To avail of your free travel pass on train journeys, you must present your travel pass at ticket kiosks for all services except for the DART. You must also have your pass with you for the duration of your journey.

Bus Éireann

The free travel pass is available on all Bus Eireann buses, and in some cases a companion pass may be issued. The holder of the free travel pass must have it in their possession for the duration of their journey. The free travel pass does not apply for Sightseeing Day Tours, Nightrider or special bus services, or for organised group travel on any service.

Dublin Bus

Dublin Bus services accept the free travel pass on all regular daytime routes. It is not accepted on Airlink, Nitelink, Tours, special events or other non-regular services. You must present your travel pass to the bus driver at the beginning of your journey as he or she is obligated to check it before the bus takes off .

Luas

On Luas services, remember to touch on and touch off your Public Services Card before and after your journey. Touch On at the validator at the stop and get on the Luas tram. You will hear a positive beep and a message will display on the validator when you touch on successfully. Produce your Public Services Card with free travel for inspection if requested. Get off the Luas tram and touch off at the validator at the stop. You will hear a positive beep and a message will display on the validator when you touch off successfully. A validated card is much quicker and easier to inspect so you’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle.

This article is for informational purposes only, please visit CitizensInformation.ie to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.