Service
How to use your PSC Free Travel Card or Paper Pass
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
If you hold a Free Travel Companion Card and you are travelling with a companion: