School Transport Services in Ireland

Schooldays.ie
March 28, 2025

The School Transport Scheme in Ireland provides safe and reliable transport for eligible children to and from school. This scheme, operated by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education, aims to ensure that students have access to education regardless of their location.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility for school transport is determined based on the distance between the child’s home and the nearest school. Generally, students are eligible if:

They live more than 3.2 kilometres from the nearest primary school.
They live more than 4.8 kilometres from the nearest post-primary school.

In cases where students do not meet the eligibility criteria, they may apply for concessionary transport, which is subject to availability.

How to Apply

Parents or guardians can apply for school transport online through the Bus Éireann website. Applications usually open in late spring for the following school year. To complete the application, parents need:

A valid email address.
The child’s PPS number.
Payment details for the transport fee.

Costs and Payment

There is an annual charge for school transport. However, families who hold a medical card may be exempt from paying the fee. The fees are:

Primary school: €50 per child, capped at €100 per family.
Post-primary school: €75 per child, capped at €150 per family.
Families with children at both primary and post-primary levels are capped at €150 in total.

Refunds and Appeals

In some cases, refunds may be granted if a student is deemed ineligible after payment. Parents can also appeal decisions regarding eligibility through the School Transport Appeals Board.

Special Educational Needs Transport

The scheme also provides transport for children with special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability. This service is free of charge and tailored to accommodate the specific requirements of the students.