Hop onboard this Easter - Kids Go Free is back!

North East families can travel for less this Easter, with Mayor Kim McGuinness’ regionwide Kids Go Free offer available on bus services throughout the school...

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Published by Georgina Cocker on 07/04/2026

North East families can travel for less this Easter, with Mayor Kim McGuinness’ regionwide Kids Go Free offer available on bus services throughout the school holidays, giving families more freedom to enjoy affordable days out across County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.


The popular initiative aims to make public transport more accessible during school holidays by reducing travel costs for families. Last summer alone, an estimated 360,000 children travelled for free with a fare‑paying adult or concessionary passholder, supporting greener, more affordable journeys across the region.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “Kids Go Free has already helped hundreds of thousands of children travel for free with their parents and carers, and I’m really pleased it’s available again this for the Easter holidays.

“School holidays should be a chance for families to spend time together, but we know costs can quickly add up and what should be an exciting couple of weeks can be overshadowed by money worries. Kids Go Free is about helping people keep more money in their pockets while making it easier to get out and enjoy everything our region has to offer by bus.”

A joint statement on behalf of local bus operators added: “We’re proud to continue working together on this initiative which makes days out more affordable for parents and carers. Whether exploring the coast, countryside or city, we hope many families will take the opportunity to explore our beautiful region by bus this Easter.”

Cathy Massarella Managing Director of Nexus said: “Kids Go Free has been a real success story on Metro, and it’s great to see the offer continuing on the bus again this Easter. It’s a fantastic way to give families more choice and flexibility to get around the region during the school holidays.”

Until Sunday 19th April, up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the bus in County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear when travelling with a fare‑paying adult or concessionary passholder. The offer runs year-round on the Tyne and Wear Metro.

The scheme offers families a simple, cost‑effective way to get around the region - whether that’s visiting local attractions, heading into town, or seeing family and friends over the Easter break, with bus travel part of the fun for kids too, and plenty of time left to make the most of it.

More information and terms and conditions can be found at northeast‑ca.gov.uk/kidsgofree