legal age to travel on a bus alone uk

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How young to travel on a bus on their own?

By Skink April 20, 2012 in Sheffield Parenting Group

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Skink    10.

My eldest is now 7 and wants to go to grannys house on her own. It is a pretty long walk but only 2 stops on the bus. She is pretty sensible and has done the journey a few times, so she knows exactly what to do

While I am not happy about allowing it right now I am wondering what the law (or a bus company) might think

To my knowledge children have to be 12 to fly on an airplane unaccompanied (if the airline agrees and allocates a stewardess) but buses must be different as a lot of children at school use the bus every day

According to the Children and Young Person’s Act "there is no legal age limit for leaving a child on their own, but it is an offence to leave a child alone if it places them at risk. Parents can be prosecuted if they leave a child unsupervised ‘in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health'"

be interested in others' views

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Link to post, share on other sites, fabgirl    10.

interesting question, my boy is 7 and would love to do this but the nervous mother in me wouldn't let him,perhaps at 9 i would seriously consider it. I do however have a friend who's 8 year old goes on public bus alone to school. I personally wouldn't how does she know he's got safely to school, to grannys is different as i'm sure she could meet your daughter off the bus. Very personal choice.

As for the bus companys i haven't any idea, only they would probably say they would in no way be liable if anything were to happen.

pottedplant    10

Would she know exactly what to do if, during that short journey, someone asked her to get off with them at the next stop? ,maybe told her granny had said you need to get off earlier?

When you do allow the journey to happen do start by putting her on the bus- and making sure granny is waiting at the other end.

fabgirl I cannot believe the OP waited nearly 5 hours for a reply and then we both posted at exact same minute ........

lewbeedoo    10

Hi my eldest 2 boys have only just started using the tram alone. they are 10 and 9, they go from Halfway to Hackenthorpe ( there dads house ) they know what to do and both have mobiles. i feel it gives them a sense of responsability and im proud they do so well and never had a problem,

Every child is differant and its up to you as a mum to make that decision, i think 2 stops is fine and like you say, she knows what to do/where to get off etc,,

the first time you let her your heart will be in your mouth but after that youll both be fine

lubylou12    10

well my little girl is 8, 9 this year and very sensible, i would not allow it myself, more so due to my own worries instead of not trusting her, i have let her pop to the shop on the corner a few times and i hate every second of it, and just recently have started stopping it and wondering what the hell i was thinking allowing it in the first place. It not her i dont trust its other people i dont trust.

as someone said the only way i would allow the bus thing is if you put her on it and her nan waited and took her off, other that that no way

scousemouse    10

I thought children had to have a 'minder' under the age of 16 to fly? As for allowing a child of seven to travel alone on the bus.................not sure about that one!

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School Admissions FAQ's

It’s primary school offer day on the 16th April 2024. Please view our school admissions FAQ’s here for guidance.

This page provides information on the duties of local authorities to provide free school transport to children and young people.

What is the law on school transport.

The Education Act 1996 contains the law on school transport. The government has also issued statutory guidance called ‘ Travel to school for children of compulsory school age .’ Local Authorities must have regard to this when carrying out their duties on home to school travel and transport and sustainable travel.

What does the law say? 

Under section 508A of the Education Act 1996, local authorities must also promote the use of sustainable travel and transport for all children and young people of compulsory school age who travel to receive education in the local authority ‘s area.

Under section 508B and Schedule 35B of the Education Act 1996, local authorities are under a duty to provide free school transport to "eligible children". 

Under section 508C of the Education Act 1996, local authorities have a discretionary power to provide travel to school for children resident in their area who are not eligible children.

Who is entitled to free school transport?

To qualify as an "eligible child", the child must be of compulsory school age (5—16) attending a qualifying school and must fulfil one of the following criteria:

• For children aged over 5 but under the age of 8 the statutory walking distance is 2 miles from their home.
• For children aged over the age of 8 and under 16 the statutory walking distance is 3 miles from their home. 
• The statutory distance is measured by the shortest route along which a child, accompanied if necessary, may walk safely.
• A suitable school is defined as the nearest qualifying school with places available that provides education appropriate to the age, ability and aptitude of the child and considering any SEN the child may have.
• A child’s home is defined as the place where he/she is habitually and normally resident.
• This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• The local authority will consider whether the child could reasonably be expected to walk if accompanied and whether the child’s parent can reasonably be expected to accompany the child.
• The nearest suitable school is beyond 2 miles (for children aged 8-11); or
• The school is between 2-6 miles and there are not three or more suitable nearer schools (for children aged 11-16). ; or
• The school is between 2-15 miles and is the nearest school preferred on the grounds of religion or belief (for children aged 11-16).  Religion or belief includes a lack of religion or belief and so also applies to an atheist parent’s wish for their child to attend a non-faith school.
• For the above criteria, when assessing whether the child lives 2 miles from the school the route should be measured based on the shortest route a child could be expected to walk safely, accompanied by an adult if necessary (this can include routes which may not be accessible to vehicles, for example a footpath); when deciding if the child lives within the upper 6 or 15 mile limits then the Local Authority should assess the upper limits based on road routes which would be suitable for a vehicle as the child should not be expected to walk such a distance to get to school.

What is a qualifying school?

A qualifying school, for the purpose of identifying an eligible child, includes: 

• community, foundation or voluntary schools
• community or foundation special schools
• non-maintained special schools
• pupil referral units
• maintained nursery schools or 
• city technology colleges (CTC), city colleges for the technology of the arts (CCTA) or academies, including free schools and University Technical Colleges (UTC).

It will also include an independent school if named on a child’s statement or EHCP.

What is suitable transport?

To be suitable, the transport must enable an eligible child to reach school without such stress, strain or difficulty that they would be prevented from benefitting from the education provided. It must allow the child to travel in reasonable safety and in reasonable comfort.

Ideally, a child should not be expected to make several changes on public transport. Best practice suggests that a child of primary school age should not travel for longer than 45 minutes and a child of secondary school age should not travel for more than 75 minutes. 

Local authorities should also consider the walking distance to access public transport .

Statutory walking distance

The statutory walking distances are used to determine whether a child is eligible for free travel to school. They are the distance beyond which a child who is attending their nearest suitable school is eligible for free travel arranged by their local authority. Where a child lives within the statutory walking distance (and is not eligible for free travel on any of the other grounds set out in this guidance) the parent is responsible for arranging their child’s travel to school. There is no expectation that the child will walk. It is for the parent to determine what arrangements would be suitable for their child.

When a local authority assesses whether the distance between a child’s home and their school is further than the statutory walking distance, the route they measure must be the shortest route along which a child, accompanied as necessary, may walk in reasonable safety. This is not necessarily the shortest distance by road. The route may also include footpaths, bridleways, other pathways and alternative entrances to the school.

When assessing whether a route can be walked in reasonable safety, local authorities should consider the whole of the route. This will include, for example, any sections that use footpaths or bridleways, as well as sections that use roads. They should consider a range of risks such as canals, rivers, ditches, speed of traffic and fields of vision for the pedestrian and motorist.

How will the transport be provided?

It is for local authorities to decide how they will arrange free travel for an eligible child. The local authority can:

• Provide expenses e.g. refund travel costs to parents
• Fund public transport e.g. through a season ticket
• Provide school buses
• Provide taxis or minibuses
• Provide escorts to walk children to school.

Does the local authority have discretionary powers to grant free transport to other children?

Even if your child is not an eligible child he/she might still be entitled to free school transport. Section 508C grants local authorities a discretionary power to make arrangements for children who are not eligible under the criteria above. The local authority can ask for a contribution towards costs for this. It will be up to individual local authorities whether and how they will apply this discretionary power. It is for each local authority to decide whether and how to exercise their discretionary power.

Most use it to provide free travel to school for 4-year-olds attending reception classes if they will be eligible for free travel when they reach compulsory school age. Some use it to enable children who are not eligible for free travel to take spare seats on vehicles providing free travel for eligible children. Local authorities will usually charge for this service.

There is an expectation that local authorities will act reasonably in the performance of their functions. They should not have a blanket policy of never providing discretionary travel and should be prepared to consider cases where the parent says there are reasons why their child needs free travel to school and make decisions on a case-by-case basis. The Department acknowledges that local authorities will not usually be able to consider matters such as the parent’s working pattern, the cost to the parent of public transport, or the fact the parent has children attending more than one school, on their own, to be exceptional circumstances in which they will arrange travel on a discretionary basis.

How do I apply for transport?

Local authorities must publish general arrangements and policies on school transport for children of compulsory school age. 

To apply for transport contact the local authority transport department and complete an application form, attaching any evidence necessary to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria stated above, for example, proof of receipt of free school meals or Working Tax Credit or proof of a child’s SEN or disability.

When might the local authority refuse free transport?

If your child attends a school which is outside of the statutory walking distance but the local authority can demonstrate that there is a nearer suitable school then it is not liable to provide transport. The local authority must show that there is a real prospect that the child could get a place at that suitable alternative school.

What if my circumstances change during the school year?

The expectation is that once assessed as eligible for school transport the child should be eligible for the whole year and the local authority should avoid disrupting a child’s education by withdrawing school transport during the year. 

What if I believe that a grammar school is the nearest suitable school?

Some local authorities will provide transport to the nearest grammar school if it is outside of the statutory walking distance but others do not. It is important to check your local authority’s transport policy.

My child has been excluded and is attending a Pupil Referral Unit outside statutory walking distance, is he still entitled to free transport?

Where a child remains on the school roll but is attending another site as a result of a fixed term exclusion then he will be eligible for home to school travel during that temporary period.

What is the guidance on school transport for pupils with special educational needs, disability or mobility problems

A child is eligible for free travel to school if:

• they attend their nearest suitable school, and
• it is within the statutory walking distance of their home, and
• they could not reasonably be expected to walk there because of their special educational needs , disability or mobility problem, even if they were accompanied by their parent

To be eligible on these grounds, a child does not need to:

• have an Education Health and Care plan (EHC plan); or
• have travel to school specified in their EHC plan if they have one; or
• attend a special school ; or
• live beyond the statutory walking distance.

Local authorities will need to assess eligibility on the grounds of special educational needs, disability or mobility problems on a case-by-case basis. The assessment should take account of the child’s physical ability to walk to school and any health and safety issues related to their special educational needs, disability or mobility problems.

What is the law on transport for children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?

 The SEN and Disability Code of Practice 2015 sets out the considerations for a child with an EHCP.

• If the parents’ preferred school is further away from the child’s home than another school that can meet the child’s special educational needs the Local Education Authority (LEA) can name the nearer school if that would be compatible with the efficient use of resources. Alternatively, the LEA can name the parents’ preferred school with the condition that the parents agree to pay all or part of the transport costs.
• Where the LEA names a residential placement at some distance from the parents’ home and the local authority, the LEA should provide transport or travel assistance (such as reimbursement of public transport costs, petrol costs or provision of a travel pass).
• In exceptional cases where a child has particular transport needs this will be set out in the child’s EHCP.
• The Local Offer must contain information about arrangements for transport (including for young people up to the age of 25 with an EHCP) including specific arrangements for specialised transport.
• Transport costs may be provided as part of a Personal Budget where it is agreed and contained in the EHCP. 

Can I appeal a refusal of transport?

There is a right of appeal if the local authority refuses transport for your child. The local authority must provide you with details of how to appeal. 

The government has issued recommendations of how a transport appeals process should operate in practice, local authorities do not have to adopt this structure but it is good practice to. The guidance recommends a two stage process for any complaints relating to:

• The transport arrangements offered
• Their child’s eligibility
• The measurement of statutory walking distances
• The safety of the route. 

Stage one: review by a senior officer

• The parent has 20 working days from receiving the transport decision to make a written request that the decision is reviewed
• The parent should give detailed reasons for the review
• The decision reached
• How the review was conducted 
• Details of other agencies who were consulted
• What factors were considered
• The rationale of the decision
• Details of how to escalate to stage 2.

Stage two: review by an independent appeal panel

• Parent has 20 working days from receiving the senior officer’s decision to make a written request to escalate to stage two
• Within 40 working days of receiving the parent’s request the independent panel must consider written and verbal representations from parents and the officer
• Information about taking the review to the Local Government Ombudsman.

If the local authority does not have a satisfactory appeals process or if the refusal of transport is unreasonable then it may be possible to bring a claim for Judicial Review against the local authority. You should contact Civil Legal Advice on 0345 345 4345 to see if you qualify for legal aid for this claim. This claim must be brought within 3 months of the decision to refuse transport.

The local authority should also have a complaints procedure and if you feel that the local authority failed to comply with procedural rules then you can refer the matter to the Local Government Ombudsman on 0300 061 0614 or at www.lgo.org.uk . 

What if I cannot get my child to school?

Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children of compulsory school age attend school regularly. However, section 444(3B) of the Act provides that a parent will have a defence in law against a prosecution by a local authority for their child’s non-attendance at school where the local authority has a duty to make travel arrangements in relation to the child under section 508B and has failed to discharge that duty. 

Can the local authority withdraw transport because of bad behaviour?

Schools can cover behaviour on school transport under their behaviour and discipline policies and impose sanctions on the child for misbehaviour whether or not the pupils are wearing school uniform. It is possible for the school to withdraw transport, either temporarily or permanently, due to poor behaviour. A school can also exclude a child for poor behaviour on school transport.

It is worth checking the specific policy in question as there may be options to request a review. You may also wish to discuss the possibility of an escort to ensure future behaviour is better.

Is there transport for young people over 16?

Since June 2013 young people are required to stay in education or training for a further year after compulsory school leaving age, and this extends to the age of 18 from June 2015. The government has issued statutory guidance on Post-16 transport to education and training 2014 which local authorities must have regard to when carrying out their responsibilities. 

Local authorities have discretion to determine transport and financial support in their area and must publish their policies on this. Local authorities must have regard to:

• The needs of those who could not otherwise access education or training and in particular those not in education, employment or training (NEET), young parents and those living in rural areas.
• The young person having reasonable choice between education options.
• The distance between home and the education establishment.
• The journey time.
• The journey costs
• The needs of learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. 

Is there a complaints process for transport for post-16 learners?

Local authorities must publish its policy on transport for those over 16 and the complaints procedure. A complaint can be escalated to the Secretary of State.

Under section 509AA(9) Education Act 1996 the Secretary of State can direct the local authority to make transport arrangements or provide financial help. The Secretary of State can also make a direction in cases where a local authority has exercised their functions unreasonably of failed to discharge a duty.

This information is correct at the time of writing, 26th October 2023 . The law in this area is subject to change.

Coram Children’s Legal Centre cannot be held responsible if changes to the law outdate this publication. Individuals may print or photocopy information in CCLC publications for their personal use.

Professionals, organisations and institutions must obtain permission from the CCLC to print or photocopy our publications in full or in part.

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Children travelling abroad alone: the safety checks that need to be in place

D uring the recent summer holidays, 11-year-old Liam Corcoran left his home in Wythenshawe , caught a bus to Manchester airport and boarded a Jet2 flight to Rome. The tabloids had a field day, but the incident highlights a serious concern for the travel industry: child safety and protection.

Liam was escorted home on the return flight. But with millions of families jetting off on foreign holidays every year, what can the travel industry do to ensure their young charges arrive back unharmed?

Getting there

The fact that an 11-year-old could board a plane without a ticket or accompanying adult raises very specific issues. Airport security was clearly grossly inadequate. UK Border Agency rules do not permit children to fly without correct documentation or boarding pass.

Likewise, standard airline procedure requires security staff to check a child's boarding pass and passport at check-in and at the gate, as well as the boarding pass stub once the child is on board. A passenger headcount before take-off is also habitual – a procedure that Jet2 had discontinued, but has since reinstated.

Over and above these routine checks, special provisions are in place for children (generally defined as under-16) who are travelling without adults. Responsibility for these unaccompanied minors falls to the airline or their handling agent, clarifies Sarah Brookes, head of public affairs at Manchester airport.

Policies on unaccompanied minors differ from airline to airline. In the case of Jet2, it – supposedly – operates a blanket ban on children flying without an accompanying adult. Higher-end carriers are more lenient. British Airways, for instance, will carry unaccompanied children under 12 as long as they are registered under its Skyflyer Solo service.

The UK carrier insists that the child is checked-in in person, not online or at an airport kiosk, and that the adult stays in the airport until the plane has left. Other provisions include photographs of the person responsible for meeting the child at the other end.

Ferry and train companies exhibit a similar range of policies . Many ferry companies refuse to take unaccompanied children full-stop. Others have an age limit. Eurostar, for instance, will not take unaccompanied children under 12, but "will consider" taking children aged between 13-17.

Breaches are possible, but extremely rare, transport operators say. In Jet2's case, the airline undertook a thorough investigation following the Corcoran affair. "Revised procedures have now been implemented," clarifies Gaby O'Grady, a spokesperson for the airline.

Once on holiday

Travelling alone is the exception. The vast majority of children heading abroad for their holidays do so in the company of their family. Ensuring these child holidaymakers come to no harm starts with basic health and safety in their hotel or resort, insists Angela Hills, destination services manager at the UK travel trade association Abta .

Abta produces a Health and Safety Technical Guide, which includes child-specific safety measures, such as signing children in and out of the hotel, and notification of parents' contact details. Since the guide was introduced in 2003, Abta has distributed it to all its 5,500 members, plus around 40,000 suppliers.

At a facilities level, child-related risks tend to be wrapped up in general health and safety management, according to Barbara Powell, senior director of corporate social responsibility at the hotel chain Marriott International.

Where specific child protection policies kick in is to cover child violence or trafficking. Since the Madeleine McCann case in Portugal in 2007, such issues have become a top-line priority for the tourism industry, notes Abta's Hills.

Marriott follows many other large hoteliers and tour operators in having tailored training for all its employees on child protection and human rights . The training provides guidance on how to spot suspicious activity, as well as protocols on how to report it, Powell explains.

"We don't put this in the hands of an associate [hotel employee] as it's too sensitive", she states. "Instead, they are told to report it to their supervisor and then it goes through a chain of command in the hotel."

It falls to the hotel's head of security or hotel manager to then investigate and intervene if necessary. Depending on the seriousness of the case, hotel security will either approach the guest directly or put in a call to the local police.

Marriott's position keeps with the zero tolerance approach set out in the Industry Position Statement on Human Trafficking – a collective agreement drawn up by members of the International Tourism Partnership , which represents 16 global hoteliers.

Leading tour operators take a similar approach. The global travel company TUI has gone further than most. Working with children's charity NSPCC , it has set up a train-the-trainer programme that sees all its 350 childcare staff receive instruction on child protection issues. This is in addition to the child safety content of the NVQ2 qualification required of all TUI's childcare staff.

In addition, NSPCC provides a 24-hour helpline service that TUI staff can call when suspicious incidents arise. The charity's expert staff can advise them on what action to take locally, as well as dealing with social services and other agencies in the child's place of residency.

"While kids are away, we need to make sure that doesn't become a vulnerable time", clarifies Ian Chapman, director of holiday experience at the TUI brands Thomson and First Choice . "The NVQ and in-house training, plus the NSPCC partnership, means that we've been able to deal directly with the handful of cases that we've had or pass them on to the appropriate authorities."

The tourism sector cannot make the scourge of child trafficking disappear for good. That said, it is making "positive" steps to combat it when incidents occur, insists Fran Hughes, spokesperson for the International Tourism Partnership.

"We've gone from a position where child trafficking wasn't on the radar for some companies", she notes, "to one where they are developing their own policies and training."

Oliver Balch is author of India Rising: Tales from a Changing Nation , published by Faber

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Home » Lifestyle » What age could your child travel on their own?

What age could your child travel on their own?

By Independent School Parent | Fri 28th Aug 2020

https://www.independentschoolparent.com/school/when-should-your-child-travel-independently/

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How far did you drive your children this week? For most parents, being a taxi driver comes as part of the package: according to a survey into parents’ driving habits, conducted in 2019 by car manufacturer Skoda , parents drive around 1648 additional miles per year driving their kids around. This is mostly because of safety concerns. So what age should your child travel on their own?

A small number of parents – 3 percent – drive their children 200 miles a week. If you include the school run, these figures would be altogether considerably higher. Why do parents offer a taxi service so often instead of letting your child travel on their own? The main reason is because of concerns over safety. But how realistic are these concerns, and are we in danger of wrapping our children in cotton wool so they never become street-wise?

What are the risks when your child travels alone?

Dr Pat Spungin, family psychologist and author of several parenting books , says, “The greatest danger to children is traffic, not paedophiles. Parents’ fears are disproportionate to the actual dangers, because the reality is that most incidences of harm to children stem from adults they know.”

Credit: Pexels

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents – RoSPA – acknowledges that it is sometimes hard for parents to determine risks. Their guiding principle is, “Life should be as safe as necessary, not as safe as possible”. Cassius Francis, RoSPA’s Youth Liaison Officer says, “For many years, RoSPA and a wide variety of our safety education partners have championed the philosophy that children and young people develop important life skills by having opportunities to experience risks and not by being wrapped in cotton wool.”

Teaching your child to be streetwise

RoSPA’s advice is that children under the age of 11 should be taught to choose a safe place to cross the road and how to use pedestrian crossings. According to educational child psychologist, Jeni Hooper, the best way to protect children is to make them confident.

Outside of travelling to and from school, children do and should have the opportunity to travel independently. Whether it’s a rural bus journey, using the train or the London underground, walking or cycling, children need to be able to cope with these and be prepared for using them safely.

What is the right time for your child to travel on their own?

But how do you know when to let go? Is there a minimum age when your child should be allowed out alone? Hooper suggests eight years-old, and Spungin agrees, “Most children aged eight or nine should be allowed to walk from school or to friends on their own.” Hooper says, “At this age a child can hold a conversation with an adult and can ask questions if there are any problems.”

They will also have developed some ability to know if a stranger is showing an unhealthy interest in them. Dr Spungin says, “Children who are going on a long journey should be post-puberty, around 12 for girls and 13 or older for boys.” She adds, “ Parents need to know their children. A shy child may not ask for help if something goes wrong, whereas a younger, yet more confident child will.”

Talking to strangers

As parents, we often advise our children not to talk to strangers – but is this sensible? There may be occasions when they need help and a stranger is the only person around. It’s about learning to read the situation, Hooper explains. “Children need to develop their intuition. They need to be able to talk to strangers without encouraging the conversation to develop and to move away if they feel uncomfortable.”

Your child and public transport

Travelling by bus or underground poses other risks. Bus journeys can be problematic for a young child. Does the bus stop in the same place on its return journey – or a few hundred yards further down the road? Is it a request stop when you want it to stop?

If you haven’t done the journey yourself, then you need to find out. Letting go and allowing your child to travel independently is never easy. As Dr Spungin says, “If they aren’t asking, they are probably not ready. You know your child best.”

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What do I need to consider if my child is traveling alone to the UK?

Are you embarking on a journey to the United Kingdom with your child? If so, the UK Child Visitor Visa, nestled within the UK Standard Visitor visa route, is designed for overseas nationals under 18 who wish to explore the UK for up to six months. This blog serves as your go-to resource, detailing the ins and outs of this visa and ensuring a seamless travel experience for you and your young explorer.

The UK Child Visitor Visa, a component of the broader UK Standard Visitor Visa pathway, caters to individuals below the age of 18 seeking a visit to the UK lasting up to six months. This visa allows holders to enjoy a stay in the UK for various purposes, including holidays, visits to friends and family, participation in recreational courses, receiving private medical care or undertaking a short course of study.

Not everyone necessitates a Visitor Visa to enter the UK. Therefore, it is imperative to verify whether a Visitor Visa is required before initiating the application process. Holders of the UK Child Visitor Visa can travel with or without an accompanying adult. However, eligibility requirements for the Child Visitor Visa differ slightly depending on whether the child is travelling with an adult or alone.

While it may be feasible to stay beyond six months for medical treatment, for stays exceeding six months, alternative visa options should be considered, which include the UK Student Visa, UK Child (Family) Visa and Child Dependant Visa.

Child Traveling Alone to the UK:

Children traveling solo to the UK, without an adult (i.e. a person over 18), must obtain written consent from their parent or guardian. The applicant’s parent or guardian must also provide:

• Full contact details.
• Proof of a suitable place to stay in the UK, including the address where the applicant will be staying, the name, contact details and date of birth of the host in the UK.
• Details of the relationship between the applicant and the host, along with written consent for the stay.
• If the host is not a close relative, the parent, guardian or school, they must inform the relevant UK local authority about the visit, if the applicant is under 16, or under 18 with a disability, and they will be staying with a distant relative for more than 28 days.
• It is essential to note that the same rules apply to children travelling alone for educational exchange visits of more than 28 days, unless they are part of a group or accompanied by an adult.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to  contact us  for advice, send us an  e-mail , or, alternatively, follow us on  X ,  Facebook ,  In stagram , or  LinkedIn  to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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Children travelling alone

If your child is about to embark on their first adventure without you, here’s everything you need to know to help make sure it goes smoothly. 

How old does a child have to be to fly alone?

We allow children aged 14 or older to travel alone with us on domestic or international British Airways flights. 

Children under 14 years old cannot travel alone with us. They must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over on the same or a linked booking to travel with us. 

Our partner airline SUN-AIR of Scandinavia follow different guidelines. Please see below for more information.

Booking flights for children under the age of 16

A child aged 14 or 15 years old travelling alone will be booked to travel as an adult. To book their ticket, please get in touch via our  Contact Us  page as you’re unable to book this online. 

The young traveller will be making their own way through departure and arrival airports and boarding their flight(s) without assistance or a chaperone. We’re unable to accept parental responsibility for the young person. 

Our partner airlines may have different regulations, age limits and charges, so please check with them directly.

What your child needs to travel alone

All children aged 14 or 15 travelling alone must carry with them:

• A  British Airways consent form  (pdf, 124kb, English only), completed and signed by a parent/guardian. 
• A copy of photographic identification of the parent/guardian who completed the form showing their signature, such as passport or driving licence. 
• Any required travel documentation, such as valid passport(s), visas and proof of return travel.  Check what they need for their destination .

These three documents must always remain in the child’s possession while travelling. 

We also advise your child carries with them:

• Any required medication and/or health certificates.
• Method of payment for any expenses.
• A way to communicate with their parent or guardian, as well as the person they are meeting at their destination. Please ensure all phones and devices are fully charged, with sufficient credit and roaming activated.

At the airport

You can accompany your young traveller up to the security gate. Anyone not flying with us is unable to go past this point, because we cannot offer gate passes at any of our airports. Airport colleagues will be able to tell you the latest time your child can stay with you before they need to go through security and onto their departure gate. 

We recommended that you wait until their flight takes off before leaving the terminal.

It can help to look at the airport terminal maps with your child before arriving at the airport so they’re familiar with their journey. Some airports do offer paid assistance to help customers to their boarding gate. Please visit the airport’s website for more information. 

Children travelling alone on SUN-AIR flights

SUN-AIR, our partner airline, allows young children between the ages of five and 11 years to travel without a parent or legal guardian provided you contact the airline in advance. Children over the age of 12 can travel unaccompanied on SUN-AIR operated flights, although young flyers between 12-16 years can use the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service on request.

You’ll need to book and pay for the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service in advance. You can’t book this service online, so please contact SUN-AIR for more information and to make your booking.

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• UK Railway Forums
• UK Railway Discussion

age for solo child travel

• Thread starter 34D
• Start date 20 Jun 2015
• 20 Jun 2015

Established Member

Prompted in part by this thread I was wondering what age people generally think is appropriate for a child to travel solo by train. Particularly interested in views from other parents  

RailUK Forums

I would probably say it depends on the journey, and the confidence, knowledge and street-wise-ness of the child in question. I don't think there's one simple answer for this. I'm not a parent, but I have been a child relatively recently. I was certainly comfortable with commuting to school from the first day I went to secondary school, but I probably wouldn't have been happy with, say, going to Edinburgh on my own for another couple of years!  

I commuted everyday 30+ miles to school via train and underground from the age of 11 by myself.  

Long story short: My son got home, ecstatic with independence. Long story longer, and analyzed, to boot: Half the people I've told this episode to now want to turn me in for child abuse. As if keeping kids under lock and key and helmet and cell phone and nanny and surveillance is the right way to rear kids. It's not. It's debilitating — for us and for them. Click to expand...

Train Operators cannot take any responsibility for children travelling alone and Train Companies will not allow any child under the age of 12 to travel without an adult aged 16 or over. If Train Company staff believe that a child under that age is travelling alone, the British Transport Police will be called for assistance. Click to expand...

There's no simple answer to this question. Essentially, children shouldn't travel unaccompanied with Virgin Trains East Coast until they are mature enough to understand the unique risks involved with rail travel. Because responsibility for a child remains with the parent, or those acting on behalf of the parent, only they can decide at what age their child is old enough to travel alone. If we notice children travelling unaccompanied and have concerns for the child’s safety, we will contact the British Transport Police for assistance. You'll find some helpful guidance for children travelling alone created by the British Transport Police here Click to expand...

Veteran Member

Mine are now grown up, but they travelled regularly to and from school from year 7, though there were plenty of others doing the same. I did the same from year 5, with no company, but that was many years ago. My daughter did a long journey alone just before she was 14, but she was taken and met. As Muzer says, it depends on the child and the journey. But there's also a cultural issue - I was struck on a recent trip to Germany that primary age children routinely use public transport to and from school unaccompanied.  

trainophile

I've seen quite young children, maybe eight or nine, put on a train by one parent and being met at the other end by someone else. This must be fairly common nowadays with so many separated families. The kids seemed quite happy about it anyway.  

I didn't take my first solo rail trip until I was 18. That was the first time I was going home from university, previously I'd never had to take a train anywhere and it wouldn't have been a helpful thing to do anyway. In regards to the question, I agree with VTEC, there is no "right age", it all depends on the child. The whole American thing I've been seeing a bit more of recently - I think there's a bit too much fear nowadays. It's safer than ever to ride public transport, and crime in general is down. Unfortunately perception of it is up. As an aside, kidnapping children, much like rape, is significantly more likely to be by someone the victim knows than by a random crazy person.  

TheNewNo2 said: ...The whole American thing I've been seeing a bit more of recently - I think there's a bit too much fear nowadays... Click to expand...

nottsnurse said: What "American thing"? Click to expand...

Agent_c said: Helicopter parenting. Keeping the child from even the mildest risk, but ultimately raising them to be helpless. Click to expand...

It may be a self confidence thing. Getting my son to take a bus into the centre of Reading took some doing a number of years ago in terms of what with where to get on/off, timetables etc. Son had to travel to Hammersmith from Reading in April for a uni do and that too required quite a bit of work too. When I was his age I did all my open say trips to uni's and that included going to places all over the place.  

HilversumNS

At the age of 10 (in 1978) I was taken by my mother to the check-in desks at Heathrow to drop off my luggage, then handed my ticket, boarding pass and passport to get on a flight to Amsterdam where my grandfather collected me. Did the reverse trip some weeks later. Can't remember that anyone raised an eyebrow. I had done the trip about 15 times by then, once with just my sister only (3 years older than me) and the rest with my mother too. I could also speak both dutch and english. No way that would work these days, although there was a case of an 11yo getting on a flight in Manchester a few years back without a passport, tickets or boarding pass.  

At the age of nine I regularly caught the bus alone from my house to school and to my grandparents. These were local journeys which I had done many times with parents and knew exactly where the stops were. If there had been a rail link instead this would have also been quite appropriate. At thirteen I was entrusted to go from Leeds to York or Doncaster by myself (I don't think my parents realised I bunked the sheds!) and by fifteen myself and a friend went virtually anywhere on the UK rail network, occasionally staying away overnight. And we didn't have smart phones, GPS devices and the like - just a rail map and maybe a local OS map to guide us. These days my concern for kids wouldn't be about paedophiles, getting lost or rail safety, but harassment by officialdom.  

HilversumNS said: At the age of 10 (in 1978) I was taken by my mother to the check-in desks at Heathrow to drop off my luggage, then handed my ticket, boarding pass and passport to get on a flight to Amsterdam where my grandfather collected me. Did the reverse trip some weeks later. Can't remember that anyone raised an eyebrow. I had done the trip about 15 times by then, once with just my sister only (3 years older than me) and the rest with my mother too. I could also speak both dutch and english. No way that would work these days, although there was a case of an 11yo getting on a flight in Manchester a few years back without a passport, tickets or boarding pass. Click to expand...

An investigation has begun at Manchester airport after an 11-year-old boy boarded a flight to Rome without a passport, boarding card or ticket, by apparently tagging on to another family. Click to expand...

Emeritus Moderator

nottsnurse said: And that's solely an "American thing" is it? As someone from Michigan I can't say that it's something I recognise as being a purely home-grown phenomenon. Of course this wouldn't fit the narrative that us 'damn Yanks' are responsible for all the world's ills would it? Click to expand...

me123 said: Airlines do generally manage to facilitate "Unaccompanied Minors" without a big issue. Most airlines have a plan in place that will allow young children to fly without their parents or guardians, generally by accompanying them through the airport and asking their cabin crew to keep a closer eye on them on board the plane. Examples are BA Skyflier Solo , KLM's Unaccompanied Minor service , and Lufthansa's service , to name but three major European airlines who go out of their way to facilitate this, for a small fee of course. Click to expand...

Forum Staff

Muzer said: I would probably say it depends on the journey, and the confidence, knowledge and street-wise-ness of the child in question. I don't think there's one simple answer for this. Click to expand...

Domh245 said: It's not really about age (as most things are) but about the maturity of the individual. Some 10 year olds are more sensible than some 13 year olds! Click to expand...

I did short journeys from the age of 12, then I started travelling down to Hastings and Bexhill on my own from 14.  

neilmc said: At the age of nine I regularly caught the bus alone from my house to school and to my grandparents. These were local journeys which I had done many times with parents and knew exactly where the stops were. If there had been a rail link instead this would have also been quite appropriate. At thirteen I was entrusted to go from Leeds to York or Doncaster by myself (I don't think my parents realised I bunked the sheds!) and by fifteen myself and a friend went virtually anywhere on the UK rail network, occasionally staying away overnight. And we didn't have smart phones, GPS devices and the like - just a rail map and maybe a local OS map to guide us. These days my concern for kids wouldn't be about paedophiles, getting lost or rail safety, but harassment by officialdom. Click to expand...

johnnychips

I used to hitchhike when I was fourteen as well as travelling by train and coach all over the place. I vowed that when I could drive I would always pick hitch hikers up. This form of transport has practically vanished: I think I've only picked two people up over the last four years. On the other hand, I do organise transport training for students with autism, and this is extremely rewarding when you can get a sixteen year old to be able to get to town and college by himself and know what to do if there's a problem.  

34D said: Particularly interested in views from other parents Click to expand...

I think that in my case up until about 12 years old I went everywhere with my parents but then, at about 13 I was trusted to go on my own to go almost everywhere on the train the thing that I remember is keep a watchful eye on your surrounding and I always make sure that I have enough battery on my phone so that I can call my parents.  

najaB said: Society has changed a lot as well. I was discussing this case recently with one of my friends. When I was 9 or 10 I would regularly be a mile or more away from home without it being a problem. Click to expand...

me123 said: Oh FFS, that story is utterly insane! Click to expand...

Just as a matter of interest, are there any official rules and regs for the age when a child can travel on a train alone? Edwin  

See my post above. The BTP don't specify an age, and most TOCs don't seem to, however some sources say a minimum age to be 12. As we've already established, if this is the case, this certainly isn't enforced in practice.  

• 21 Jun 2015

Do people think there's any difference travelling by train, bus or tram? I can't fully remember when I made my first journey by bus / train solo, but certainly was doing so by age 10, for journeys of only a couple of miles  

I take some tiny kids of maybe 9 or 10 short distances to school on some of my trains and they seem perfectly happy and confident. I keep an eye on them and if they're running late for the train or similar will wait for them rather than leaving as I might with an adult but otherwise I don't make any distinction. It encourages them to be independent so I approve entirely. If I come across a child travelling long distances I do check they're OK and happy though and I've never come across a problem yet.  

I don't think you can put an age on when a child is old enough, it depends on the child and how mature the child is and its up to the parent to decide if the child is mature enough. I have been traveling alone by rail since i was 9 (Short journeys to school) and started doing longer journeys to Copenhagen(around 170km) when i was around 12, and now i'm about to do my first flight alone at the age of 14. My brother is 2 years younger than me and not very mature of his age, at his age i was traveling alone to Copenhagen and my parents barely let my brother take the bus alone. It depends on how mature the child and not age, and the only judge to tell when a child is ready is the parents.  

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At what age do children pay to travel?

Journey Planning

Up to two children under five years of age may travel free-of-charge provided that they do not occupy a seat required by an adult passenger and are accompanied by a responsible fare-paying customer. Additional children, or children under five occupying a seat required by an adult, may be charged as if they were aged five or over. Children 16 and above will need to pay a fare; in some cases this will be the adult fare, but in some areas we are able to offer reduced fares for young people. Please select the ticket section of your region for more details.

Where a child may appear older than 15 (the maximum age for a child fare), the driver may ask them to verify their age. We would always seek to avoid any embarrassment, so in such cases it may be helpful for the young person to carry additional photo identification.

Is There a Minimum Age to Travel Alone in a Taxi in the UK?

Posted on 12-Apr-2023

Utilizing taxis for transportation is often a convenient choice, whether it's for daily commutes or special occasions. However, when it comes to your child traveling alone, considerations and precautions become paramount. In the UK, there's no upper age limit for solo taxi rides, but as a parent, it's essential to understand the regulations and prioritize safety. In this article, we explore the factors to consider and provide guidance on ensuring a secure journey for your child.

Regulations for Children Traveling Alone in Taxis: In the UK, children aged 12 and older can travel alone in a taxi without restrictions on the upper age limit. However, there are still important considerations for parents to keep in mind. The law mandates that children under 135 cm or 12 years of age must use a booster or car seat when riding in a vehicle, including taxis.

Safety Measures for Child Passengers:

• Booster seats: While not strictly enforced, it's recommended that children without booster seats sit at the back for added safety. Parents can request a booster seat from the taxi company in advance or provide their own for the child.
• Reputable Taxi Companies: Choosing a reliable taxi company, such as the School Chauffeur Service offered by Imperial Ride, ensures a commitment to safety. Always verify the driver's identification and record their badge number for added security.

Tips for Parents and Guardians:

• Provide Information: Share the taxi's license plate and the driver's identification number with a responsible parent or guardian in case of emergencies.
• Stay until Arrival: Request the driver to wait until your child safely enters their destination, be it home or school.
• Basic Provisions: Offer your child a snack and water for the journey, and ensure they are aware of basic safety guidelines.

Travel Insurance for Children:

• Occasional Travel: Children who travel alone infrequently may not require travel insurance. However, for international trips or situations with potential risks, having a policy covering luggage, cancellations, and medical emergencies is advisable.

Choosing the Right Transportation Option:

• Evaluate Behavior: If your child has a history of misbehaving during transportation, consider alternative means of travel that may provide a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Conclusion: Ensuring the safety of children traveling alone in taxis involves a combination of adherence to regulations, careful consideration of the transportation method, and choosing reputable services. Parents and guardians play a crucial role in prioritizing their child's safety, from selecting the right taxi company to providing essential information for emergencies. By following these guidelines and having open conversations with children about safety, parents can foster a secure environment for solo taxi journeys.

About the Author

Khawar Riaz is an experienced and versatile content writer. With a passion for storytelling and a talent for crafting engaging copy, Khawar has made a name for herself in the world of content creation. Over the years, Khawar has worked with a wide range of clients, from small startups to large companies. he has written content for websites, blogs, social media, and marketing materials, covering topics such as technology, lifestyle, travel, and business.

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Traveling with your entire family can get expensive. The good news is that most US bus companies have special discounts for children, and in some cases, they may even travel for free! Wondering what the fees, baggage allowances, and regulations are? We’ve got you covered.

Can I bring my child’s stroller on the bus? Yes. All providers allow one stroller per person. Also, it needs to be folded and placed in the underneath compartment (some carriers may charge a small fee).

How do I know if my child can ride for free or at a reduced rate? If you have small children below the age of two, they may travel for free or at a discounted price. One child per adult is allowed to travel on their lap and not pay a fare. Any additional child pays either the full fee or gets a child discount. Exception: RedCoach, where children don’t travel for free but get a discount until age seven.

Can my child travel alone? Children can travel unaccompanied by an adult as of eight years old with Greyhound, Peter Pan, and Jefferson Lines (note that fees may apply for unaccompanied children). With most other providers, no unaccompanied travel is allowed below the age of age 15. Also, the person accompanying a minor must be at least 15 years old.

What is the cost of baggage liability for children? Baggage liability for a child’s fare is $125.

If you have any questions, we’d be thrilled to help you! Contact us at + 1-888-988-5185, and we’ll do our best to find a solution for your travel plans.

Search and book your bus tickets to and from the United States directly on Busbud.com

My son is 17 and would to travel to jeffreys bay, eastern cape. Can he travel on his own? Also when I book the bus ticket do I click on adult or child booking?

17 years old! Some ages are not safe for travel. You should reconsider this issue with your child.

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• Childcare and parenting

The law on leaving your child on their own

The law does not say an age when you can leave a child on their own, but it’s an offence to leave a child alone if it places them at risk.

Use your judgement on how mature your child is before you decide to leave them alone, for example at home or in a car.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children ( NSPCC ) says:

• children under 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for a long period of time
• children under 16 should not be left alone overnight
• babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone

Parents can be prosecuted if they leave a child unsupervised ‘in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health’.

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Children Traveling

We look after our younger travelers and for the safety of all kids who ride with us, we have a few important rules… 

Things you need to know:

• Children age 15 and under must be accompanied on the same bus by a parent, legal guardian, or another passenger at least 16 years old.
• Any traveler, regardless of age, occupying a seat must pay the applicable adult fare.
• Travelers age 16 and up qualify as an adult when traveling.
• Traveling to/from Canada or Mexico  with children – take a look at special details for international travel. 

Children ages 2 and under

One child less than 2 years old may travel as a lap child, meaning not occupying a seat, may travel at no additional charge. Infants occupying a seat pay the applicable adult fare.

Child safety belts and seating options

Many of our buses have seat belts that can accommodate standard child car seats. You may use these with your own car seat if it can be attached using a seat belt, has been approved for use in a motor vehicle, and is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Policies also apply when traveling on FlixBus operators.

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Benefits and Entitlements

If you're 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from discounts on your rail journeys to a free bus pass.

What transport concessions are available?

Can i get a free bus pass, can i get a discount on train travel, can i get a london freedom pass, what if i have difficulty using public transport, what if i'm unable to use public transport, more travel concessions questions.

There are several national public transport concessions available to older and disabled people. Some entitle you to discounts on your fares, while others allow you to travel for free.

Eligibility for these concessions depends on whether you have a disability or your age. 

Depending on your age and your circumstances, you might be able to get one of the following free bus passes, which allow you to travel free on local buses:

• an older person's bus pass
• a disabled person's bus pass

What age do I have to be to get an older person's bus pass?

You can get an older person's bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men.

Apply for your older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

If you're 60 or over and live in London, then you can get free travel on buses, trains and other modes of transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

Apply for your 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website

How can I get a disabled person's bus pass?

There's no central provider of the disabled person's bus pass – to find out if you're eligible and how to apply, you need to get in touch with your local council.

Find your local council and apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Are there any other discounts if I'm an older person or I'm disabled?

It's a good idea to contact individual transport operators to see if they offer discounts.

For instance, National Express offers Coachcards. These are discount cards for older or disabled customers. You buy them for a set fee of £15.00 and they get you a third off the cost of your travel across the year.

Find out more and order a Coachcard on the National Express website

Depending on your age and circumstances, you might be entitled to one of the below railcards:

• a Senior Railcard
• a Disabled Person's Railcard

Both railcards are discount cards. You buy them for a set fee to last either 1 or 3 years and they get you a third off the cost of your train travel.

Can I get a Senior Railcard?

The Senior Railcard is available for anyone aged 60 or over to buy.

You can apply on the Senior Railcard website using a valid passport or UK driving licence as ID. Or, you can apply in person at most staffed railway stations.

Find out more about the Senior Railcard and apply online

Can I get a Disabled Person's Railcard?

The Disabled Person's Railcard is available to you if you meet one of the following criteria:

• you're registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
• you're registered as having a visual impairment
• you have epilepsy
• you receive a disability-related benefit, such as  Personal Independence Payment
• you receive War or Service Disablement pension
• you receive Attendance Allowance
• you receive Severe Disablement Allowance
• you receive War Pensioner's mobility supplement

Find out more about the Disabled Person's Railcard and apply online

Freedom Passes give London residents free travel in the city – including National Rail services, the Underground, buses, river services and trams – and free local bus journeys nationally.

If you live in London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass if one of the following applies to you:

• you've reached State Pension age
• you have a disability.

Find out more about Freedom Passes and apply on the London Councils website

National Rail has an interactive tool called Stations Made Easy, designed to help people find their way around stations and find more accessible routes, avoiding potential difficulties like stairs. This may be helpful if you have difficulty using public transport because of your health. 

Find out more and use the tool on the National Rail website

If you're disabled, you can't use public transport, or you don't have access to a car, you might also be able to use a community transport scheme – such as a social car, dial-a-ride, or taxicard scheme.

Shopmobility schemes help people shop in town centres by lending out wheelchairs and scooters. Some local councils also offer concessions on local public transport.

To find out what's available in your area, you can contact your local council or your local Age UK.

Find your local council on GOV.UK

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No, you can't use a free bus pass on National Express buses. To get senior concessions on National Express you need to buy a senior coachcard, which costs £15 a year.

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Yes, your bus pass will give you free travel on buses across England, including London. However, there may be specific rules about when you can travel for free, so check your local council's free bus pass guidance before travelling.

Find your local council's older person's bus pass guidance on GOV.UK

Want more information?

Apply for an older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

We're here to help

We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.

About the Age UK Advice Line Find your local Age UK

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Last updated: Apr 09 2024

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