South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset: Enjoy Free Bus Rides This Christmas – A Holiday Treat for Families Exploring the West of England!

Published on December 10, 2025

This Christmas, South Gloucestershire, Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, and North Somerset are offering a festive boost to families by rolling out the highly successful Kids Go Free initiative. Between December 20 and January 4, children aged 5 to 15 can enjoy free bus travel across these areas, providing an easy and affordable way for families to navigate the region during the holiday season. The initiative, part of the Department for Transport’s £13.5 million Bus Grant, aims to ease the financial strain on parents during the expensive Christmas period.

A Convenient and Cost-Effective Solution for Families

The Kids Go Free scheme has quickly become a well-loved initiative in the region, thanks to its accessibility and simplicity. Unlike some travel schemes, no bus pass or registration is required for children to take advantage of the offer. Simply hop on a bus, and the ride is free for eligible children, making it easier for families to get out and about this Christmas.

The scheme is set to benefit around 150,000 children across the four areas, reducing the cost of travel and offering a stress-free way to visit local attractions, retail centers, and friends or family. Whether it’s to enjoy a festive market, visit a museum, or simply explore new areas of the city, the free travel initiative is designed to make transportation more affordable during the holiday season.

Reflecting on Summer’s Success

The Kids Go Free scheme’s success during the summer holidays set a strong precedent for its winter return. Over the summer, more than 910,000 free journeys were made, putting nearly £1 million back into the pockets of parents and caregivers. The impact was felt beyond just families, with a noticeable boost in local business as increased footfall contributed to spending growth in towns like Yate and Chipping Sodbury. There was a reported 12.2% rise in spending in these areas, showing that free bus travel can benefit both consumers and local businesses.

The scheme is proving to be a win-win, offering families more freedom to enjoy the season while simultaneously boosting the economy. The return of the program for the Christmas period is expected to generate similar positive outcomes, increasing local engagement and providing families with more opportunities to make the most of the holiday season.

Aiding in Sustainable Travel Choices

The Kids Go Free initiative also aligns with the region’s efforts to promote more sustainable travel options. By encouraging the use of public transportation, the scheme supports a shared ambition to make it easier for people to travel sustainably and reduce reliance on cars. This Christmas, as more families use the bus for shopping trips or holiday outings, it is expected to help alleviate some of the pressure on local roads, reducing traffic and benefiting the environment.

Who Can Benefit?

The free travel offer is available for children aged between 5 and 15 years across South Gloucestershire, Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, and North Somerset. The offer applies to all registered commercial and supported bus services that operate within these areas. However, there are some exemptions that travelers should be aware of. Specific details on any exemptions are available on the Travelwest website, where you can find up-to-date information on the routes included in the offer.

Additionally, the scheme complements the year-round low fares for children. Outside of the offer periods, child fares in the West are capped at just £1, among the most affordable child fares in the UK. For children under five, bus travel remains free throughout the year, ensuring that families with young children can continue to enjoy affordable public transport options.

Benefits for Businesses and Tourists

From a tourism perspective, the Kids Go Free initiative has multiple advantages. For tourists visiting the region, the scheme offers a convenient and budget-friendly way to explore different areas, particularly those with children. Visiting popular attractions like Bristol’s Christmas markets, South Gloucestershire’s heritage sites, or the many winter festivals in Bath will be made much easier with free bus travel. Tourists can now experience the region more comprehensively without worrying about transportation costs.

Moreover, the scheme encourages more families to engage with local businesses, from retail outlets to cafés and restaurants. Local businesses stand to gain from the increase in footfall, particularly during the bustling holiday period. Visitors and locals alike will find it easier to shop, eat out, and enjoy seasonal events, contributing to the overall economic health of the region.

Quick Tips for Families and Tourists

1. Plan Ahead: Although the Kids Go Free offer runs from December 20 to January 4, some bus services may have altered schedules due to the holiday season. Be sure to check local timetables on the Travelwest website before you travel.
2. Explore Local Attractions: Take advantage of free bus travel to visit local attractions, shopping areas, and festive events. Some attractions may offer discounts or special Christmas deals for families.
3. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with any route changes, cancellations, or exemptions by regularly checking Travelwest or local bus operator websites.
4. Make Sustainable Choices: Use the Kids Go Free scheme as an opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint and opt for public transport over driving.

Conclusion: Spreading Christmas Cheer Across the Region

The Kids Go Free initiative is a generous gift to families in South Gloucestershire, Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, and North Somerset this Christmas. By alleviating travel costs and encouraging the use of public transport, the scheme helps make the festive season more enjoyable for everyone. With a proven track record of success during the summer, this initiative is expected to bring even more joy to families across the region, boosting local economies and promoting sustainable travel choices. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist visiting for the holidays, the Kids Go Free scheme is one more reason to enjoy all that the West of England has to offer this Christmas.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated