How to use your PSC Free Travel Card or Paper Pass

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed that all transport operators in the Free Travel Scheme are now allowing customers with a PSC Free Travel Card to continue to avail of Free Travel even if the card has expired. This is a temporary measure due to COVID-19.

More information about renewing your Public Services Card (PSC) is available here.

Bus services

You do not need a bus ticket to use bus services including Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and some private bus services.

When boarding the bus, you must show your Free Travel Paper Pass to the bus driver.

Rail services

You must show your Free Travel Paper Pass at the ticket booking desk in the train station and you will be given a free rail ticket.

If you are making your return journey on the same day, you will get a Day Return ticket. In all other cases, you will get a Single Journey ticket. You will have to get another Single Journey ticket before making your return journey.

Luas services

You do not need a Luas ticket to use Luas services as there is no facility to scan your Free Travel Paper Pass. However, you must always carry your Free Travel Paper Pass with you during your journey as you may be asked to show it to an inspector.

Private ferry services

You must show your Free Travel Paper Pass to the ferry operator. In some cases you will be given a ticket for your journey, but you do not need to pay for it.

Bus services

Dublin Bus

If travelling on your own, touch your card against the validator on the right hand side as you enter the bus until you hear the beep or see the green light flash.

If you have a companion or spouse with you, place your card on the reader by the driver, and request a ticket for that person. Your companion should have the ticket ready for inspection at all stages of the journey

All other bus services

If travelling on your own, place your card on the card reader either at the bus entrance or by the driver and remove the card when you hear a beep

If you have a companion or spouse with you, tell the driver and he or she will issue them with a ticket.

Rail services

If travelling on your own, touch your card against the validator on either the gate or pole at your station. Remove the card when you hear a beep or see the green light.

If you have a companion or spouse with you, you will need to visit the ticket desk and request a ticket for that person. Your companion should have the ticket ready for inspection at all stages of the journey.

Luas services

Touch your card against the validator on the platform before and after your trip. Remove the card when you hear a beep or see the green light.

Private ferry services

You must show your card to the ferry operator. In some cases, you will be provided with a ticket for your journey, but you do not need to pay for it.

If you need assistance when travelling with your PSC Free Travel Card or Paper Pass, you can ask the driver or any member of staff who will be able to assist you.

You cannot get a refund for any:

• journeys you make without your PSC Free Travel Card or Paper Pass
• delays encountered while using your PSC Free Travel Card or Paper Pass

Travelling with a companion

If you have a valid PSC Free Travel Card or Paper Pass, it may allow a companion to travel with you for free

Your Public Services Card (PSC) will display one of the following codes in the top left-hand corner to identify if you can avail of free travel with a spouse, partner, cohabitant or companion:

• FT-P - only you can avail of free travel
• FT+S - your spouse, partner or cohabitant can travel with you for free
• FT+C - a companion who is over 16 can travel with you for free

If you hold a Free Travel Companion Card and you are travelling with a companion:

• you may need to follow special instructions depending on the transport you are using. These instructions are outlined above.
• you must always carry your pass or card with you during your journey so it may be checked by the driver or inspector. If you are not carrying it, you or your companion may be charged for your journey

For more information on Free Travel and the Free Travel Companion Card click here.