Bus travel discounts for young people and students
Latest
- Improvements to Bus Services from July 2023
- Fare improvements £2 Bus fares and lower fares on East Sussex bus services
All information checked 8 April 2023, prices are subject to change.
How do I work out which bus fare scheme is best for me?
The different bus companies in East Sussex each run different discounted fares for young people. The best choice for you will depend on:
- your age
- where you are going
- which buses you need to use.
To find out more information on routes and bus companies, go to Public transport routes and timetables.
The Freedom Ticket and proof of age for under 19s
The Freedom Ticket offers unlimited travel on nearly every bus* in East Sussex for seven days in a row, including weekends. The Freedom ticket is £15.00 per week (valid as of 1 April 2023) and is issued on the bus as a paper ticket only.
If you need proof of age, under 19s can apply for a 3i-D card and download the East Sussex Age Verification App. This will give you proof of age so you can purchase the Freedom ticket, but should only be necessary where your age may be questioned by a driver.
*Please contact the bus operator before travelling to ensure they issue and accept the Freedom Ticket.
To find out more about other discounts and applying for proof of age visit the 3i-D card webpage or download the East Sussex Age Verification App.
Child half fares on all bus services for under 16s
All children (aged under 16) pay half the adult fare on one-way and return journeys. It is recommended that you have ID so visit the 3i-D card web page for more information You can also download the East Sussex Age Verification App.
Brighton & Hove Bus fares
- If you are between 5 and 18 travelling with Brighton & Hove Buses and you do not already have a 3i-D card, you can get discounts on one-way and journeys and Saver tickets with a free busID card until the age of 18. See Brighton & Hove Buses - Young People.
- If you are 18+ and you are a student or apprentice, visit Brighton & Hove Buses - Student Travel for details.
Stagecoach offers – updated April 2023
Dayrider tickets
With suitable ID, like the 3i-D card and the East Sussex Age Verification App, you can get unlimited travel in your local travel zone for just £4 a day with a local dayrider U19 (under 19) ticket.
You can also travel on all Stagecoach buses in East Sussex and Kent with a South East dayrider U19 for just £5.70.
Find out more about the Dayrider U19 and the app.
Studentrider season tickets
Travelling for the whole school year on Stagecoach buses? A Stagecoach studentrider ticket might be better for you. The studentrider ticket is available to students in school, college or university, regardless of age with a valid ID (this can be a 3i-D and the East Sussex Age Verification App).
It gives you unlimited travel on all Stagecoach buses from September through to July the following year, that’s the whole academic year sorted! There is a choice of the local studentrider at £478 for a specific area or the South East studentrider at £797 which is valid on all Stagecoach buses in East Sussex and Kent.