Somerset families can cut August travel costs for children

Q: What is the Kids Go Free bus scheme in Somerset?

The scheme lets children and young people aged 5 to 15 travel free on participating bus services from 1 to 31 August 2026. It is designed to make school-holiday journeys, days out and visits to attractions across Somerset more affordable.

Q: How much could Somerset families save?

Child fares typically cost £1 to £2 per journey, so the saving depends on the number of trips made during August. Families may reduce the cost of days out to places such as the seaside, Glastonbury Tor, Exmoor or Wookey Hole. The saving can be greater when combined with the current £3 adult bus fare cap, where available.

Q: Does free travel apply to every bus in Somerset?

No. The offer only applies to participating operators and routes, so families should not assume every bus journey is covered. Check the route through Somerset Council’s Bus It information before setting off. Children under five already travel free on the main bus operators.

Q: Where can I find the latest information about eligible routes?

Check Somerset Council’s Bus It service for the participating operator and route list. The council’s Think Travel service can also help plan a journey. Verify the information shortly before travelling because route participation and operating details may vary.

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-07-29 16:59 3 min read

A family of four stands together looking out at the calm ocean.

Families across Somerset can save on bus fares this summer, with children aged 5 to 15 able to travel free on participating services throughout August 2026.

Free travel runs from 1 to 31 August

The Government’s Kids Go Free scheme will operate across England from 1 August until 31 August 2026. Somerset Council is working with local bus operators to make the offer available on participating routes.

The scheme applies to children and young people aged 5 to 15. Child fares typically cost between £1 and £2, so families could reduce the cost of local days out and longer journeys during the school holidays.

Somerset families can cut August travel costs for children

What Somerset families need to check

Dates: 1 August to 31 August 2026.
Eligible ages: Children and young people aged 5 to 15.
Where it applies: Participating bus operators and routes across England.
Potential saving: Typical child fares of £1 to £2 per journey.
Under-5s: Free travel is already available on the main bus operators.

The exact list of participating operators and routes is available through Somerset Council’s Bus It information. Families planning a journey in the county can also use the council’s Think Travel service to help plan their trip.

Cheaper days out around Somerset

The offer could make bus trips to Somerset’s seaside, Glastonbury Tor, Exmoor and Wookey Hole more affordable. Combined with the current £3 cap on adult bus fares, it may reduce the travel cost for families visiting attractions or exploring the county during August.

Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said the scheme would give families an alternative to driving, fuel and parking costs while supporting local businesses and tourist destinations.

Families should check whether their intended operator and route are included before travelling, as the free fare applies to participating services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kids Go Free bus scheme in Somerset?

The scheme lets children and young people aged 5 to 15 travel free on participating bus services from 1 to 31 August 2026. It is designed to make school-holiday journeys, days out and visits to attractions across Somerset more affordable.

How can my child use free bus travel in August?

First, check that your child is aged 5 to 15 and that your planned operator and route are participating. Use Somerset Council’s Bus It information to confirm eligibility before travelling. No application is mentioned in the scheme details, but families should check the operator’s boarding requirements and timetable in advance.

How much could Somerset families save?

Child fares typically cost £1 to £2 per journey, so the saving depends on the number of trips made during August. Families may reduce the cost of days out to places such as the seaside, Glastonbury Tor, Exmoor or Wookey Hole. The saving can be greater when combined with the current £3 adult bus fare cap, where available.

Does free travel apply to every bus in Somerset?

No. The offer only applies to participating operators and routes, so families should not assume every bus journey is covered. Check the route through Somerset Council’s Bus It information before setting off. Children under five already travel free on the main bus operators.

Where can I find the latest information about eligible routes?

Check Somerset Council’s Bus It service for the participating operator and route list. The council’s Think Travel service can also help plan a journey. Verify the information shortly before travelling because route participation and operating details may vary.

Source: Somerset Council Newsroom

Context & actions About this article

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The dates, age range, fare details and Somerset travel guidance were checked against the Somerset Council Newsroom source.

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