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Use your Free Travel card or paper pass on the day of travel

This topic gives practical guidance for the day you travel. It explains what to bring, how to use your Free Travel card or paper pass on common services, and what to do if you are travelling with a spouse, partner or companion.

Use this topic if you or someone you support want to:
  • Know what to bring and check before you travel
  • Understand how to use your Free Travel card or paper pass on the main public transport services
  • Feel more confident about travelling with a companion where you have that entitlement
  • Be prepared to show ID or answer questions if staff need to confirm your entitlement

Note

This page offers plain language guidance. It is not a legal document. Only the Department of Social Protection (DSP) can make an official decision about a free travel application.

Before you begin

Before you leave home, try to:

  • Bring your Free Travel card or paper pass
  • Bring photo ID if you have it, for example, a Public Services Card, passport or driving licence
  • Check your route and timetable, especially for Local Link or private operators
  • If you have a companion entitlement, make sure your card shows the correct code (for example FT C)
  • Allow extra time in case you need help boarding, finding a seat or changing vehicles

Steps

Choose the steps that match your situation.

1. Use on Dublin Bus and other city buses
  • Let passengers get off before you board
  • Have your Free Travel card or pass in your hand as you step on
  • Show your card or pass to the driver or hold it to the reader if they ask
  • Tell the driver your destination if required
  • Move down the bus, sit or hold on securely
  • Keep your card or pass with you in case an inspector asks to see it
2. Use on Bus Éireann and Expressway
  • At stations, staff may check your card at a desk or gate before boarding
  • At roadside stops, show your card or pass to the driver as you get on
  • Say where you are travelling to, especially on long distance services
  • Keep your card or pass where you can easily reach it for ticket checks
  • Some Expressway or other coach routes may not accept Free Travel. check the route details in advance
3. Use on Irish Rail and DART
  • At many stations you will:
    • Show your card at a ticket desk, or
    • Use your card at an automatic gate if staff tell you to
  • On the train, keep your card or pass handy in case staff walk through and ask to see it
  • At your destination, you may need to show or tap your card again at exit gates
  • If gates are confusing, go to a staffed gate or help point and ask for assistance
4. Use on Luas
  • Have your card or pass ready on the platform
  • Follow any instructions to tag on or tag off at card readers
  • Keep your card or pass with you for the whole journey. inspectors may ask to see it
5. Use on Local Link and some private buses or ferries
  • When booking by phone, tell them you have a Free Travel card
  • Show your card or pass to the driver or crew when you board
  • On ferries, staff may check your card before boarding or during the crossing
  • If you are not sure whether Free Travel is accepted, ask politely before you get on.
    • If Free Travel is not accepted, decide whether to pay the fare or look for another service
6. Travel with a spouse, partner or companion (if you have a companion entitlement)
  • Check that your card clearly shows a companion code such as FT C
  • One adult companion can usually travel free with you on each journey
  • Your companion must board, travel and leave with you. you must stay together for the full journey
  • If staff are unsure, calmly show your card and say.
    > I have a Free Travel companion entitlement. They are travelling with me today.
  • If your card does not show a companion code, your spouse, partner or friend normally needs to pay their own fare, unless they have their own Free Travel
7. Use a paper Free Travel pass (where still valid)
  • Treat your paper pass like a ticket
    • Keep it flat, clean and easy to read
    • Do not fold through the printed details or tear it
  • Show the pass clearly to the driver, inspector or staff whenever they ask
  • On longer journeys, keep it somewhere safe but easy to reach for repeat checks
  • If the pass is worn or damaged, contact the Free Travel Section or Citizens Information to ask how to get a replacement
8. Show ID if staff ask
  • Staff may sometimes check that the card or pass belongs to you
  • Be ready to:
    • Show photo ID if you have it. for example a Public Services Card, passport or driving licence
    • State your name and, if asked, your date of birth
  • If you lose your card or think it has been stolen, contact the Free Travel Section as soon as possible to ask about a replacement

Tip

If you are unsure about any service, you can ask the driver, station staff or contact the operator before you travel.