Cheap student bus tickets

Pay less, go out more - we've got you!

Student life’s all about making memories - not stressing over travel costs. Whether you're heading to lectures, your part-time job, or a spontaneous night out, we’ve got you with travel that’s flexible, affordable, and made for student life.

From under-22s travelling for free to student discounts of up to 29%, it’s a total no-brainer.

We get it - student life isn’t just books and classes. It’s days out, nights to remember, side hustles, and making lifelong friends. So pick a ticket that fits your lifestyle and enjoy the perks of bus travel across Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Dumfries.

Are you under 22?

You can travel for free on all buses across Scotland! All you need is a valid National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot card with free travel activated. Click here to check out our handy guide with everything you need to apply.

Living in Scotland while you’re studying?

Did you know that if you’re living in Scotland for more than 6 months out of the year, you’re also entitled to apply for free under 22s’ bus travel?

Be the envy of your pals and travel without spending a penny!

Apply now for FREE bus travel!

Not updated your Young Scot card yet?

If you’re 16 or older and haven’t activated your free travel on your Young Scot card yet, what are you waiting for? With the Transport Scot Pass Collect app, you can activate your free travel with just a few taps on your phone. Handy, right?

Talking about apps, if you haven’t got the Stagecoach Bus App yet, you're missing out! Our app is the perfect travel buddy for your journeys. 

Download now to plan your journey and buy your ticket!

Over 22 or studying in Scotland for a short period of time?

we’ve got you covered!

If you’re 22 or over, or only in Scotland for a short time, don’t worry - you can still save big with our range of student bus tickets! Just remember to show your student ID to our driver when you board the bus.

Whether you're on campus once a week or five days a week, there’s a ticket that fits your schedule - and your budget.

Pay less, go out more with flexible options designed for student life.

Student DayRider 

Unlimited travel for one full day -  yes please! Our Student DayRider tickets are perfect for spontaneous plans, busy days, or just getting to class without the hassle.

• Easy to buy
• Easy to use
• Unlimited travel for the day

Whether you're off to lectures or living your best life, DayRider has you covered.

You can buy your DayRider ticket on the Stagecoach app or on the bus from our friendly drivers.

Buy on the Stagecoach Bus app!

Get Flexi – travel your way

Need a ticket that fits your unpredictable schedule? we’ve got you.

With student Flexi 5 and Flexi 10, you get:

• 5 DayRiders for the price of 4
• 10 for the price of 7

Fun fact: Flexi tickets last a whole 12 months - so you can use them whenever, wherever.

Just buy on the Stagecoach Bus App, activate when you need it, and enjoy a full day of unlimited travel.

More freedom. More savings. All Flexi.

Student MegaRider 

On campus all week? Always on the move? we’ve got you.

With a Student MegaRider, you get unlimited bus travel for 1 week or 4 weeks - perfect for students who want to save money and skip the hassle.

• One-time payment
• No need to carry change
• Travel as much as you like

Fun fact: Using a MegaRider just 3 times a week can already save you money compared to buying single tickets!

👉 Buy now on the Stagecoach Bus App and ride unlimited.

Save with a MegaRider!

Choosing the right ticket for you

Student tickets are available both here and on the Stagecoach Bus App. Going digital keeps you one step ahead - you can plan your journey, track your bus in real time, and buy your ticket, all from your phone.

Set up your Stagecoach account when you download the app or buy tickets online. Your account keeps your tickets safe and secure, so you’ll never have that last-minute panic of “where’s my ticket?” as the bus pulls in.

Prefer to pay on board? No problem!

You can buy your ticket directly from the driver using:

• Contactless payments (up to £55)
• Cash (our drivers carry change)

Just remember to show your student ID when you board.

Traveling around West Scotland by bus

Ticket options and prices vary depending on where you are and where you're heading in West Scotland.

👉 Explore your ticket options and the areas they cover here

Studying at College or University in West Scotland?

we’ve got you covered from campus to concerts.

Glasgow City Centre, Cumbernauld and North Lanarkshire

Buchanan Bus Station is right next to Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Strathclyde, and several city centre colleges - making it super easy to get to class and back using our express services from Ayr, Kilmarnock, Cumbernauld, and Dumfries.

Heading to the University of Glasgow in the West End?
Hop on the subway from the city centre to Hillhead, or catch our X77 from Ayr and X76 from Kilmarnock which serve the university on select journeys.

Want to explore Glasgow?
Our Glasgow DayRider is perfect for study breaks and nights out.

The X19 travels from Easterhouse to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, passing through the city centre and stopping at the SEC Hydro - ideal for gigs and unforgettable moments.

Ayrshire 

Ayrshire is packed with Stagecoach services to help you get to class, grab a bite, or head out for the night. Our Ayrshire and Mid-Ayrshire tickets make travel easy and affordable.

Studying in Ayr?
Our Ayr Town tickets start from just £4.10 per day - perfect for getting around without breaking the bank.

Explore West Scotland by Bus

Whether you’re new to the area or born and bred, there’s something for everyone. From campus commutes to weekend adventures, Stagecoach helps you live your best student life.

Explore the very best of West Scotland by bus

Got a question? Check here for frequently asked!

What do I need to get my student ticket?

Our student bus tickets are available to any students at either college or university with valid student ID.  You can show this to the driver with your student ID card, a digital ID or the Unidays app. 

Can I get a student ticket on my Stagecoach Smartcard?

• Yes, 7 day MegaRider tickets can be loaded onto your Stagecoach Smartcard by the driver. 
• If you don't have a Stagecoach Smartcard already, you can order one if you are buying a ticket online. 
• 4 week MegaRider tickets can be purchased from our website (and loaded onto a Stagecoach Smartcard) or from the Stagecoach Bus App.  
• DayRider tickets can be purchased from the Stagecoach Bus App as a mobile ticket, or on our buses as a paper ticket. 
• Flexi tickets can only be purchased on the Stagecoach Bus App as mobile tickets. 

What do I do if I lose my student ticket?

By registering online with Stagecoach, you can keep your purchased tickets safe and secure. Download your purchased and activate it before you use it. 

We realise there's a small chance of you losing your ticket, please look after it as it's a valuable item. If you do lose it, contact our customer services team with a crime reference or lost property number from the police, and a replacement may be considered.  

Do I need to show my student ID every time? 

Yes, you must show your valid student ID when buying a physical ticket, or when buying via the app or online, you must show your valid student ID to your driver when you board the bus. This can be a physical student ID, or a digital ID. 

Can students get a free bus pass?

Students under 22 years of age are entitled to free bus travel in Scotland with a valid National Entitlement Card or Young Scot National Entitlement Card.

As this scheme was only brought in by the Scottish Government & Transport Scotland in January 2022, it is likely that you will need to apply for a new card with the free bus pass feature included. 

Students with an active NEC Card or Young Scot NEC card can download the Transport Scot Pass Collect App and pair your NEC card with the app, enabling the free bus pass feature. For more information, and to apply for a valid card now, please click the button below.

Apply for under 22s free bus travel

Colleges and universities may provide funding or bursaries to cover the cost of travel for some students. Please contact your college or university for more information.

Can I cancel my student bus ticket?

To cancel, change or get a refund on a paper ticket, send the ticket and an explanation to Stagecoach in your area, where it will be reviewed on an individual basis.  

To cancel your Stagecoach Smart ticket, log in to your account via the website and select the Manage My StagecoachSmart section of your account.  

Your StagecoachSmart ticket can also be cancelled or refunded by calling the StagecoachSmart customer services team on 0345 810 1000.   

View full terms and conditions