School Transport Scheme
A low-cost school bus place. The charge for 2026/27 is €100 a year per child. The family maximum is €200 for primary and €220 for post-primary. Children with a valid medical card who are eligible for the scheme pay nothing.
Last checked October 2026
What it is
Subsidised transport to school for eligible children.
Who can get it
- Primary children who live at least 3.2 km from, and attend, their nearest primary school (judged with regard to the school's ethos and language)
- Post-primary children who live at least 4.8 km from, and attend, their nearest post-primary school or education centre (judged with regard to the school's ethos and language)
- Eligible children who apply and pay on time get a seat where a service runs
- Children who are not eligible can apply and pay on time to be considered for a spare (concessionary) seat, if any are left after eligible children are placed. They pay the annual charge and the medical card exemption does not apply to them
- The charge for 2026/27 is €100 a child. The family maximum is €200 for primary and €220 for post-primary. €220 is the most any family pays. Eligible children with a valid medical card are exempt.
- The application and payment deadline for 2026/27 was 8 May 2026. Late applications are not guaranteed a seat.
- You apply through the Bus Eireann family portal.
How to apply
Applications go through Dept. Education. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 20 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
How much does school transport cost in 2026/27?
€100 a year per child. The family maximum is €200 for primary and €220 for post-primary. No family pays more than €220. Children with a valid medical card who are eligible for the scheme pay nothing.
How far do I need to live from school to qualify?
Your child must live at least 3.2km (primary) or 4.8km (post-primary) from their nearest school and attend that school. Children attending a school further away can only be considered for a spare (concessionary) seat.
What was the deadline?
The application and payment deadline for 2026/27 was 8 May 2026. There is no guarantee of a seat for late applicants.
Related guides
- National Childcare Scheme
- ECCE (free preschool)
- Child Benefit
- Working Family Payment
- Back to Work Family Dividend
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