Using your Freedom Pass
On the gates at most stations and when boarding buses you will see a yellow circle which is a card reader. Keep your pass in its wallet and touch the pass flat onto the yellow card reader.
- When travelling on Underground and train services you will need to touch your card on the reader when entering and exiting stations
- On buses, trams and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) you will only need to touch your card on the reader when boarding
- On buses with more than one entry door you must touch your card on a reader at the earliest opportunity.
Holders of contactless payment cards
If you have a Freedom Pass and a contactless payment card make sure you keep your them separate.
If you touch a purse or wallet containing your Freedom Pass and a contactless payment card onto a yellow reader, the reader may charge your payment card for the journey rather than recognising your Freedom Pass.
If you have a valid Freedom Pass and have been charged a fare on your contactless payment card, please contact TfL Customer Services on 0343 222 1234 to apply for a refund. You will need to advise them of your Freedom Pass number, name and bank account details.
Visit the TFL website to find out more about contactless payments.
When can I use my Freedom Pass?
As of 18 January 2023, Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster Cards are no longer valid on TfL services between 4:30am and 9:00am on weekdays, unless it is a bank holiday. This does not affect disabled person's Freedom Pass holders.
Protecting your pass from damage
- Keep your card in its protective wallet - remember you don’t need to take your pass out of the wallet to use it.
- Take care not to bend or scratch your pass or write anything on it.
- Keep your pass away from your mobile phone/pager or anything electronic.
- Be careful to keep your pass away from coins, studs and zippers as they will scratch it.
- Don’t keep your card in your back pocket as it will get damaged if you sit on it.
- Do not insert your card into the ticket slot on Tube or National Rail Stations.
Inspections
You should be ready to show your Freedom Pass to station staff or ticket inspectors if requested. For more information please read Transport for London's Conditions of Carriage. Pass holders are reminded to be respectful and courteous to all transport staff.
Travelling with children
Up to four children aged under 11 may travel free with a Freedom Pass holder on all buses, trams, Tube, DLR and between stations on the orange routes on National Rail/London Overground services as per the Freedom Pass map.
Lending your card to someone else
Please do not lend your pass to friends or relatives. The Freedom Pass is only to be used by the authorised holder.
Find out more about the Freedom Pass terms and conditions.
Freedom Pass map
Download our Freedom Pass map, which shows all routes that are valid to travel on with a Freedom pass and restricted times.