west midlands bus travel card

West Midlands Bus Users

SWIFT Smartcard

SWIFT is the new easy and flexible way of travelling around the West Midlands.

There are four types of SWIFT card available:

Pay As You Go

The cashless way to buy single or day tickets for use on buses and the Metro.

Cheaper tickets than paying with cash
No need to find exact change
No photo, share with friends or family when you’re not using it
Auto top-up available, never run out of credit

Season Tickets

Most weekly, monthly and annual passes for travel on buses, Metro and trains are now only issued on SWIFT.

Great for commuters and students who travel often
Requires a photo – only you can use it
Easy to buy and renew online
Spread the cost with Direct Debit

Multi Day Tickets

A SWIFT card loaded with 5, 10 or 15 day tickets for all day travel on bus services.

Great for flexible or part time workers
Cheaper than buying a ticket on the day
Buy online or at your local Travel Centre
No photo, share with friends or family when not using it

Swift Go is here to cut out the confusion. This product takes away the need to understand which ticket to buy for your journey. A product, designed for those who don’t travel the traditional, Monday – Friday commute.

Once you’ve set up an account, choose how you want to pay, and use your Swift card each time you travel on the bus or tram. At the end of each day, we’ll calculate the cost, based on the number of journeys you’ve made and cap the price.

This could work out cheaper and more convenient than buying single or day tickets each time you need to travel.

Find out more information on the various types of SWIFT card available and how to use at the SWIFT website .

Tell others!

Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
Click to print (Opens in new window)

Protected by Security by CleanTalk

Single trips & day tickets
Adult bus passes and travelcards
18 & under tickets
Student bus pass
Flexible ticket bundles
Paying on the bus
See all timetables
Use our interactive map
Latest service updates and diversions
Our operating area
Timetable changes from the 22nd October 2023
Castle Hill, Dudley closure
Priory Queensway closure
Places to go
Activity stop
Ways to pay for my ticket
October half term fun in the West Midlands
Edgbaston's fireworks spectacular is back for another year and bigger than ever!
14-year-old bus enthusiast road tests future career
Black History Month: Saluting our Sisters
Get on board with Coventry’s all electric buses
16-18 photocard
Group Day Saver
Birmingham Uni Hop
Workwise travel scheme
Free older person's travel pass
Free disabled person's travel pass

Frequently asked questions

Lost property
Ways to pay
New online booking system
Tickets & prices

Plan your journey

Accessibility

All tickets & prices

All services & timetables

Inspiration & news

See all offers

All help & information

An easy and flexible way to travel

A Swift card is an easy and flexible way to travel around the West Midlands with a choice of tickets and ways to pay.

What are the options?

swift card bus passes/travelcards.

You don't get issued with a paper ticket, your smartcard is your ticket!
Cheaper than buying tickets daily
You can pay by a regular subscription or as a one off payment

Simply tap the Swift card on the scanner every time you board the bus!

Swift Pay As You Go

You can buy any of the tickets that are available on the bus
Never worry about having cash with you!

Place your Swift card on the scanner and let the driver know which ticket you would like. You'll be issued with a paper ticket once you've selected your ticket.

To find out which operators within the West Midlands will accept nBus 1, 4 and 52 week passes click here .

Please note the operators who will not accept Pay As You Go cards.

Find out more information about our Swift card by going to our FAQ's section, just click below:

Swift card FAQ's

Like us on Facebook

See what we're up to, what's going on locally and get the latest service updates.

Follow us on Twitter

The best place to see the latest West Midlands travel updates while on the go.

Get inspired on Instagram

See local sights and tag us in your bus pictures. Follow us to get involved!

Email Sign Up

Subscribe for updates & special offers!

Download Our App!

Search 'NXBus mTicket'

Clean air zone
Cookie policy
Corporate governance policy
Disability awareness & accessibility
Help & information
Modern slavery statement
Partnerships
Platinum buses
Privacy policy
Private hire
Read our blog
Safer travel partnership
Services & timetables
Sustainable travel
Zero emissions buses

Call or get in touch online We are here to help

Coventry buses

Visit National Express Coventry

National Express great value coach travel and holidays

Part of Mobico Group

Passenger descriptions

Our passenger descriptions are designed to help you choose the right ticket for yourself or your fellow travellers.

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged 2+. Adults under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel alone on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over or they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Infants 0-1 Inclusive

Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.

New £49 'climate card' UK rail pass with flat-fee for train travel

Campaigners are calling for flat-fee train travel which will bring "economic AND health benefits" to passengers up and down the UK.

08:04, 19 SEP 2024

New £49 'climate card' UK rail pass with flat-fee for train travel

Get the latest Birmingham Live breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

An unlimited "climate card" UK rail pass could be created with flat-fee train travel, bringing simplified fares for passengers. Campaigners are calling for flat-fee train travel which will bring "economic AND health benefits" to passengers up and down the UK.

Under a “climate card” system, passengers could pay a simple subscription to gain access to train travel across all services. This could be effective if set at £49 a month, according to research published on Thursday, September 19.

Greenpeace commissioned the study and found season ticket holders for Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester pay £379 a month. Season tickets between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly or Victoria cost £260 a month, the study also found.

READ MORE UK set for -4C snow blast with five parts of country 'worst hit'

Paul Morozzo, a senior transport campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said: “Our current rail fare system is far too complicated, confusing and expensive – it’s time to redesign it with passengers in mind. A monthly climate card would simplify the ticketing system, save commuters hundreds of pounds a month and cut emissions – a triple win.”

Jim Steer, the director of Greengauge 21, said: “We suggest it would be best to start in the English regions away from the south-east – which dominates the nation’s rail use currently. The next step could be for the newly fashioned Great British Railways to be given the task of looking into a climate card as a way of boosting regional economies within the timescale of this parliament.”

A DfT spokesperson said: “This government is committed to encouraging greener ways to travel and improving the state of public transport. That’s why we’re empowering local leaders to deliver better bus services, overhauling our railways to put passengers first and simplifying ticketing to deliver better value for money when taking the train.”

The study also found tickets between Leeds and York cost £278 a month.

Virgin Trains
Birmingham trains
Network Rail
West Midlands Railway
Severn Valley Railway
Chiltern Railways
Most Recent

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

Your privacy settings

We use cookies to help you with journey planning and relevant disruptions, remember your login and show you content you might be interested in. If you're happy with the use of cookies by West Midlands Combined Authority and our selected partners, click 'Accept all cookies'. Or click 'Manage cookies' to learn more.

Travel information

Read advice on using our public transport network.

Help for disabled people

You can use public transport in a wheelchair. We train drivers and conductors to help people with disabilities.

Personal safety advice

Our transport network is safe. We have a police team who patrol the network. Find out how to keep safe when you travel.

How to get to a Hospital

Hospitals in the West Midlands are easy to get to using public transport.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

Your privacy settings

Discounts for students

You can get student discounts on bus, train and tram tickets if you're:

18 or above and in full-time education
16 to 18 years old and not eligible for the 16-18 photocard

You can get student:

Direct Debit tickets
4-week tickets
term tickets

Use our ticket finder to find the right ticket for you. You’ll need to prove that you’re in full-time education to buy a student ticket. This has to be a letter from your university or college - you cannot use an NUS or other student union card.

If you do not need to travel often, you can use Swift Go .

Applying for a student pass

Use our ticket finder to find the pass suitable for your travel
Once selected the mode of transport, press the arrow button down to select traveller, click ‘Student 18+’.
Find the ticket you wish to purchase, then click ‘Buy on Swift’.
Select ‘Create Account’ under the ‘new customer’ section.
Enter you education details and upload supporting documents to prove you are in full time education.
Select the date you wish for your pass to start, the next available date is usually in 7days time, allowing enough time for you to receive the pass in the post.
enter your personal details, adding your photo and entering a valid email address and password Once completed press ‘Continue’.
Once everything is completed your student Swift card will be sent out to you via post, this can take up to 7 days.

How do I replace a lost card?

Lost Swift cards can be replaced so long as:

The card is registered
There is an existing product on the card with more than 7 days remaining
You can replace your card by calling 0345 303 6760 or if you are a direct debit customer you can online

Replacement cards can take up to 5 working days to arrive depending on the post. The fee for a replacement card is £7.50.

How do I replace a stolen card?

Stolen Swift cards can be replaced free of charge so long as:

You have a valid crime reference number
You can replace your card by calling 0345 303 6760

Replacement cards can take up to 5 working days to arrive depending on the post.

Save on travel with nNetwork

Get nNetwork by Direct Debit for students from the equivalent of only £2.20* a day.

For multi-modal travel get the nNetwork ticket today.

Stay up to date

Receive an email notification when this information changes.

Single trips & day tickets
Adult bus passes and travelcards

18 & under tickets

Student bus pass
Flexible ticket bundles
Paying on the bus
See all timetables
Use our interactive map
Latest service updates and diversions
Our operating area
Upcoming changes from 29th September
Upcoming bus stop changes in Birmingham City Centre
Broad Street, Birmingham closure
Places to go
Activity stop
Ways to pay for my ticket
National Express West Midlands appeals for 75 years of memories on the 50
Birmingham bus drivers to compete in UK driving final
National Express West Midlands achieves continued safety success with five star grading from British Safety Council
Single tickets just £2
16-18 photocard
Workwise travel scheme
Free older person's travel pass
Free disabled person's travel pass
Frequently asked questions
Lost property
Ways to pay
New online booking system
Tickets & prices

Plan your journey

Accessibility

All tickets & prices

All services & timetables

Inspiration & news

See all offers

All help & information

Under 18 & Term Plus

Unlimited bus travel to school or college

Unlimited travel for anyone aged from 5-18* on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses. 16-18 year olds will need to have a valid 16-18 photocard .

Unlimited travel for anyone aged from 5-18*

On all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses.

Monthly Direct Debit

Buy online only

Unlimited 18 & under travel paid for by Direct Debit each month from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses.

For anyone aged 5-18 years old.

16-18 year olds must be living within the West Midlands county and hold a valid 16-18 photocard .

This pass holds a minimum term of 12 months and payments will automatically be deducted on a monthly basis providing you with continuous travel.

The West Midlands county consists of Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Solihull and Coventry.

Children 4 years old and under travel for free when accompanied by a fare paying customer or pass holder.

*With a monthly ticket, you can get two months free, after 10 successful Direct Debit payments.

Buy online or from a Payzone agent

Unlimited adult travel for 7 days from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses.

Unlimited adult travel for 28 days from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses.

Unlimited 18 & under travel including weekends and holidays on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses.

NX Outer Zones

Outer Zone tickets for any National Express bus service that travels to, from or between locations outside the nBus zone. Click here for a map of the NX Outer Zones.

NX Outer Zone tickets are for any National Express bus service that travels to, from or between locations outside the nBus zone. These tickets are only valid on National Express bus services.

Bus & metro - travel on bus and Metro tram

Unlimited travel on all National Express buses and any other bus operator that is part of the nBus scheme, within the West Midlands nBus zone, and the West Midlands Metro tram.

Unlimited 18 & under travel paid for by Direct Debit each month from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses and the West Midlands Metro tram.

For anyone aged 5-18 years old. 16-18 year olds must be living within the West Midlands county and hold a valid 16-18 photocard .

1 week bus + Metro

Unlimited 18 & under travel for 7 days from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses and the West Midlands Metro tram zones 1-4. 16-18 year olds must be living within the West Midlands county. The West Midlands county consists of Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Solihull and Coventry. Children 4 years old and under travel for free when accompanied by a fare paying customer or ticket holder.

4 week bus + Metro

Unlimited adult travel for 28 days from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses and the West Midland Metro tram zones 1-4.

Unlimited 18 & under travel including weekends and holidays on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses and the West Midlands Metro tram.

For anyone aged 5-18 years old. 16-18 year olds must be living within the West Midlands county and hold a valid 16-18 photocard .

Unlimited travel on all National Express buses and the West Midlands Metro tram in the West Midlands area.

Unlimited 18 & under travel paid for by Direct Debit each month from your chosen date on all National Express buses and the West Midlands Metro tram.

1 week NX bus + Metro

£16.70

Unlimited travel for 7 days from your chosen date on National Express buses and the West Midlands Metro tram zones 1-4.

4 week NX bus + Metro

£59.40

Unlimited travel for 28 days from your chosen date on National Express buses and the West Midlands Metro tram zones 1-4.

£177.10

Unlimited travel for one term on National Express buses and the West Midlands Metro tram zones 1-4.

nNetwork - travel on bus, rail and Metro tram

Unlimited travel on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1 to 5 .

Zones 1 to 5

Unlimited 18 & under travel chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1 to 5.

Unlimited 18 & under travel for 7 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1 to 5.

£70.50

Unlimited 18 & under travel for 28 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1 to 5.

Unlimited 18 & under travel including weekends and holidays on all National Express buses and any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1 to 5.

16-18 photocards

If you are aged 16-18, you may be entitled to child rate travel with a valid 16-18 card.

16-18 photocards can be used to buy child rate tickets.

To qualify your household must pay Council Tax to one of the following boroughs - Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton or Coventry council.

Find out more and apply for a 16-18 photocard

Helpful information

If you are aged 16-18 when you buy a pass online, we will automatically send it to you loaded onto a 16-18 photocard.

Term dates: Term 1: 09/08/2024 - 31/12/2024 Term 2: 20/12/2024 - 18/04/2025 Term 3: 11/04/2025 - 08/08/2025

*You must be under 18 on the 1st September to be eligible for the 16-18 card

If you top up your Swift card at a Payzone agent you will need to have a 16-18* card first. Please apply for your 16-18 photocard here .

Term plus bus passes are valid on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses in the West Midlands zone .

For any other help please visit our FAQ's section .

See all tickets & prices