Quick Summary
- Scotland offers some fantastic travel support for young people, helping you get where you want to go without worrying about the cost.
- If you’re under 22 and live in Scotland, you can travel for free on most bus services across the country using a Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC).
- Scotland’s transport network includes buses, trains, ferries and local transport services.
- If you’re facing challenges linked to moving, accessing services or getting involved in local activities, Forces Children Scotland’s resources can help you understand what support is available and where to find it.
If you’re part of a Forces family, you’ll know that moving around can be a challenge. Whether you’ve recently moved to a new area, are trying to meet new people or want to explore what’s available nearby, knowing how transport works in Scotland can make a huge difference.
But how can we help? Scotland offers some fantastic travel support for young people, helping you get where you want to go without worrying about the cost.
Free Bus Travel for Under 22s
If you’re under 22 and live in Scotland, you can travel for free on most bus services across the country using a Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC). This means you can travel to school, college, work experience, sports clubs, youth groups, volunteering opportunities or simply meet up with friends without paying a bus fare.
Why Transport Matters for Forces Families
Being part of a Forces family can sometimes mean moving to a new area, changing schools or being far away from friends and family. Reliable transport can help make these changes easier.
Having access to free or discounted travel means you can:
- Join clubs and activities outside your local area
- Meet new friends and stay connected with old ones
- Attend sports training, music lessons or youth groups
- Access volunteering opportunities
- Visit colleges, universities and careers events
- Explore your local community and build confidence
Getting Around Scotland
Scotland’s transport network includes buses, trains, ferries and local transport services.
Buses
Buses are often the easiest and most flexible way to travel. With your Young Scot NEC, you can use most local and long-distance bus services across Scotland for free if you’re under 22.
Trains
While train travel isn’t generally free for under-22s, Young Scot cardholders can access discounts on rail travel. Depending on your age and journey, these discounts can help make trips more affordable.
Ferries
If you live on or are visiting Scotland’s islands, there are also ferry discounts and concessions available through the Young Scot NEC and other travel schemes.
Finding New Hobbies
One of the biggest benefits of affordable transport is the freedom to try something new.
Maybe there’s a climbing club in the next town, a football team that trains after school, a gaming group, an art class or a youth volunteering project you’ve been interested in. Free travel can help remove one of the barriers to taking part.
Support from Forces Children Scotland
Forces Children Scotland works with families across Scotland to help them understand the support available when it comes to education, housing, health, employment and community life.
If you’re facing challenges linked to moving, accessing services or getting involved in local activities, their resources can help you understand what support is available and where to find it.
Getting Started
If you don’t already have a Young Scot NEC, check whether you’re eligible and apply as soon as possible. Once you’ve got your card, start thinking about places you’d like to explore, activities you’d like to try and opportunities you’d like to take part in. Your next hobby, friendship, volunteering role or career opportunity could be just one bus journey away!