SmartPasses are issued by Translink. You must show your SmartPass when you buy your ticket to get the discount.
Quick facts
- Senior SmartPass
- Free travel at 65+
- 60+ SmartPass
- Free travel aged 60 to 64
- Registered Blind SmartPass
- Free travel
- War Disablement SmartPass
- Free travel
- Half Fare SmartPass
- 50% off
- Dial-a-Lift
- Free with Senior, 60+, Blind or War Disabled pass
The SmartPasses
- Senior (65+) SmartPass: free travel is available to all Senior Citizens who are 65 years of age or over and who have been resident in Northern Ireland for a minimum of three months.
- 60+ SmartPass: if you are aged between 60 and 64 and you are a permanent resident of Northern Ireland, you are eligible for a 60+ SmartPass.
- Registered Blind SmartPass: if you are registered blind with a Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trust and you are a permanent resident of Northern Ireland, you are eligible for a Registered Blind SmartPass.
- War Disablement SmartPass: you must be getting a regular War Disablement Pension or Guaranteed Income Payment from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, and be permanently resident in Northern Ireland.
- Half Fare SmartPass: Half Fare SmartPass holders are entitled to 50 per cent off the standard adult single fare on scheduled rail services operating within Northern Ireland. See who gets a Half Fare SmartPass.
To apply, ask at any staffed Translink bus or rail station, phone 028 9066 6630, or email smartpass@translink.co.uk. SmartPasses are only valid for five years, and Translink writes about three months before yours runs out. You will never be contacted asking for any bank account details when you're applying for or renewing a SmartPass.
Dial-a-Lift in rural areas
The Dial-a-Lift scheme is a transport option for people living in rural areas who are unable to access, or have difficulty accessing, local services due to a lack of transport. You can use it for shopping, the doctor, dentist or pharmacy, the Post Office or bank, work or training, and visiting family.
To be eligible, you must live in a rural area not covered by the Disability Action Transport Scheme and have difficulty accessing everyday services due to a lack of transport.
You must also become a member of your local Rural Community Transport Partnership, and book at least two working days before the day of travel. Through the Assisted Rural Travel Scheme you can travel free on Dial-a-Lift with a Senior, 60+, Blind or War Disabled SmartPass. You can travel for half fare on Dial-a-Lift services if you hold a Half Fare SmartPass.
Disability Action Transport Scheme and Shopmobility
The Disability Action Transport Scheme (DATS) is a transport scheme that runs in and around large towns across Northern Ireland. When you become a member, you are told your travel zone.
Shopmobility schemes lend manual and powered wheelchairs, scooters, rollators and walking sticks in town and shopping centres, so people with restricted mobility can get to shops and leisure facilities. See Shopmobility Northern Ireland for the nearest one.
Adapting a car
You can get your vehicle adapted so that driving is safe and comfortable and getting in and out is easier, with hand controls, steering knobs, swivel seats, hoists and ramps. Driving Mobility gives professional assessments. For information on help with financing your adaptations, contact Motability. See also the Blue Badge.
Common questions
At what age do you get free travel in Northern Ireland?
At 60. The 60+ SmartPass covers ages 60 to 64, and the Senior SmartPass from 65.
Is Dial-a-Lift free?
Free with a Senior, 60+, Blind or War Disabled SmartPass through the Assisted Rural Travel Scheme, and half fare with a Half Fare SmartPass. Otherwise fares depend on the distance.
How long does a SmartPass last?
SmartPasses are only valid for five years.