Kids Can Travel Free on Morebus Throughout August

Families can save money on summer days out across Dorset this August, with children aged 5 to 15 travelling free on participating Morebus services. Here's everything you need to know about the offer and how to make the most of it.

Planning family days out in Dorset just became a little more affordable, as children aged 5 to 15 can travel for free on participating Morebus services throughout August 2026.

As part of the Government-funded Great British Summer Savings scheme, eligible children can enjoy free bus travel from Saturday 1 August until Monday 31 August 2026 inclusive.

Whether you’re heading to the beach, exploring one of Dorset’s towns, visiting a local attraction or simply enjoying a family meal or cinema trip, the offer could help you save money while making the most of the school summer holidays.

How does the free bus travel offer work?

There’s no need to apply for a special pass or book your child’s journey in advance.

When boarding the bus, passengers simply need to tell the driver where they are travelling and how many eligible children are making the journey. The driver will issue each child with a free ticket, which must be kept for the duration of the journey.

A new ticket will be needed for every separate bus journey made that day.

Although children under seven would usually travel free without being issued a ticket, children aged five to seven must still wait for their ticket from the driver during the scheme.

Can children travel without an adult?

Children aged 5 to 11 must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult to benefit from the free travel offer. Adult single fares currently cost £3 or less, and concessionary bus pass holders are classed as fare-paying adults under the scheme.

Morebus recommends that accompanying adults use tap on, tap off contactless payment, as their daily travel will then be capped at the cost of a Dayrider ticket for the zone in which they are travelling.

Children and young people aged 11 to 15 can travel independently. They will need to tell the driver where they are going, collect a ticket and keep it with them throughout the journey.

Children aged 14 and 15 must also carry proof of age. This could include a passport, birth certificate or school pass showing their year group for the 2025/26 academic year. A clear photograph of a passport or birth certificate stored on a mobile phone will also be accepted.

If a driver cannot confirm the passenger’s age and reasonably believes they may be older than 15, the appropriate fare will need to be paid.

Under the rules of the scheme, a 15-year-old cannot accompany a younger sibling aged under 11 for the younger child to receive free travel. Children under 11 must travel with somebody aged 16 or over.

Where could you explore by bus this summer?

The offer is a brilliant opportunity to leave the car at home and explore more of Dorset for less.

Morebus provides connections across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Wimborne, Blandford, Ringwood and the Isle of Purbeck, opening up plenty of possibilities for family adventures.

You could enjoy a day beside the sea, visit the shops, walk around Poole Quay, explore one of the area’s parks or gardens, discover a new town or head out for an affordable family meal.

Taking the bus also removes the need to find and pay for parking at some of Dorset’s busiest summer destinations.

Are any Morebus routes excluded?

The free travel offer is available on participating Morebus routes, but some exclusions apply.

All night bus services and the New Forest Tour are excluded from the scheme. Families should check their route and timetable before setting out, particularly when travelling further afield.

If an eligible child already has a prepaid monthly or three-monthly Morebus ticket covering August, an appropriate partial refund may be available. Parents or guardians can contact Morebus Customer Services on 01202 338420 from Monday to Friday between 8am and 5.30pm.

The free travel scheme runs from 1 to 31 August 2026 inclusive.

For full details, terms and conditions, visit the Morebus Great British Summer Savings page.

Make More of Dorset This Summer

With free travel available for children aged 5 to 15, August is the perfect time to plan a few family adventures across Dorset.

Pack a picnic, choose somewhere new to explore and let Morebus take care of the journey!