From young children to teenagers and care leavers, there’s a range of low-cost bus and tram tickets and passes available for young people travelling in Greater Manchester.
Find the right ticket or pass for you.
Jump to:
Free bus travel for children in August
As part of the government’s Great British Summer Saving scheme, children aged 5-15 can travel for free on Bee Network bus services throughout August.
What you need to know:
- Valid for children aged 5 to 15
- Available on Bee Network buses and other participating buses across England
- Unlimited free travel during August
- No registration or sign-up required
Our Pass
Additionally, we’re activating Our Passes early from 1 August so all young people under 18 can enjoy free bus travel throughout the summer.
If students apply for Our Pass after 1 Aug, once approved, it will activate straight away and available to use.
Get ready for September
If your child does not already have an igo card, it’s still worth applying early ready for September.
An igo card: Costs £10
Allows 11 to 16 year olds to travel using child tickets on buses and trams in Greater Manchester
You can also use your igo card as proof of age when travelling by tram. From age 11, proof of age is required to travel using a child ticket on Metrolink.
Who can get an igo card
To qualify, you must:
- Be aged between 5 and 16
- Live, or attend school in, Greater Manchester
Apply for an igo card
You can find out how to apply for an igo card here.
Please allow a few weeks for your application to be processed and for the card to be posted before it can be used.
igo card (5-16 year olds)
You must have an igo card to travel using a child ticket on buses and trams in Greater Manchester.
Child fares on buses and trams
In Greater Manchester, a range of child bus and tram tickets are available:
- Children under 5 years old: Travel for free on buses and trams.
- Children aged 5-16 years old: Pay child fares on buses (£1 single/£2 return/£10 7-day) and trams (prices vary by zone).
- Young people aged 11-16 years old: Must have an igo card to travel using a child ticket on buses and trams in Greater Manchester.
- School bus only tickets: Find out more about child tickets for use on school bus services only.
How to buy tickets
For easy, safe and cash-free travel, buy bus, tram or bus and tram child tickets on the Bee Network app. Buy as many bus tickets as you like in advance and use them when you travel. Buy tram tickets on the same day as travel.
Tickets are also available from the bus driver or at ticket machines on tram stops.
If you are struggling to pay for your travel to school, it is important you speak directly with your school and local authority to seek support.
Free school pass
If you're under 16 and travel more than three miles to school, you could be eligible for a free school pass.
Our Pass (16-18 year olds)
Free local bus travel and off-peak 1-day and weekend Metrolink travelcards at half adult prices, for 16-18 year olds.
Members can also sign up for access to a range of fantastic Exclusives offers, events, discounts and experiences.
Discounted travel for 18-21 year olds
18-21 year olds who live in Greater Manchester can apply for access to half-price 28-day Bee Bus tickets through the Bee Network app.
Care Leavers travel offer (18-25 year olds)
Free local bus travel for 18-25 year olds who are classed as a care leaver.
Scholar’s permit (16-19 year olds)
Child fares for 16-19 year olds travelling to school or college.
Kid for a Quid: School group tram travel
Metrolink has a great special offer for school groups travelling on the tram network.
It's only £1 return for each child and £2 for each accompanying teacher, from any stop on the network.
How to book
The offer only applies to school group bookings or ten or more students aged 5-15 (or 16 if they have a valid igo card) travelling after 9.30am.
Bookings must be made at least one full day in advance by calling us on 0161 244 1000.