Quick answer
If you are 12 to 21 and have run away or are homeless, call the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) about Home Free. It provides a free Greyhound ticket home or to an alternative safe living arrangement, as long as the family or guardian agrees to receive you. It can be used up to twice, and a parent or guardian can also get a ticket if you are under 15. Adults over 21 can ask 211, their local coordinated entry or shelter, the Salvation Army, churches, and city family reunification programs, which often pay for a bus ticket when someone at the destination confirms they will provide housing. Veterans can call 877-424-3838.
Key facts
- Home Free: ages 12–21, free Greyhound ticket home or to a safe place, used up to two times.
- Agreement: the family or guardian must agree to receive the young person.
- Adults: family reunification programs, shelters, and charities buy tickets after confirming housing at the destination.
- Greyhound itself: does not run a general free ticket program for adults.
- Safety: crisis staff screen for abuse and trafficking before arranging travel.
Table of contents
- How the Home Free program works
- Who qualifies for Home Free?
- Requesting a ticket as a young person
- Are there Greyhound bus tickets for homeless adults?
- Before you travel
- After you arrive
- Staying safe
- Other free or low-cost travel help
- Numbers to save
- Key terms explained
- What to do today, step by step
- Related guides
- Frequently asked questions
How the Home Free program works
Home Free is a partnership between the National Runaway Safeline and Greyhound. A crisis services worker talks with the young person, contacts the family or guardian, and, if everyone agrees, arranges a free one-way Greyhound ticket. The worker can also hold a conference call between the young person and family to talk through problems before the trip. Calls, texts, and chats with the Safeline are free and confidential.
Who qualifies for Home Free?
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 12 to 21 years old |
| Situation | Has run away, been asked to leave, or is experiencing homelessness |
| Destination | Home, or an alternative safe living arrangement such as a relative |
| Family agreement | The parent, guardian, or adult at the destination must agree to receive them |
| Limit | Can be used up to two times |
| Under 15 | A free ticket may be provided for the parent or guardian to accompany them |
Requesting a ticket as a young person
- Call 1-800-786-2929 (1-800-RUNAWAY), or use the Safeline’s chat or text options.
- Talk with a crisis worker about where you want to go and whether it is safe.
- The worker contacts your family or the adult at the destination to confirm they agree.
- The ticket is arranged for pickup at a Greyhound station, with travel details.
- Bring ID if you have it; the worker will explain what you need for boarding.
Are there Greyhound bus tickets for homeless adults?
- City family reunification programs: many cities pay for bus tickets to reconnect homeless residents with family or friends who agree to house them. Ask 211 or your coordinated entry office.
- Shelters and case managers: often have travel funds for confirmed housing elsewhere.
- The Salvation Army and churches: sometimes buy tickets in emergencies; see our churches that help with Greyhound tickets guide.
- Veterans: VA homeless programs and Supportive Services for Veteran Families can help with travel tied to housing; call 877-424-3838.
- Domestic violence programs: can arrange safe travel for survivors; call 1-800-799-7233.
Most programs will call the person at your destination to confirm you have a place to stay. Have their name and phone number ready. Programs pay for a ticket when it ends homelessness, so a confirmed place to live matters more than the distance. If the person is unsure, ask the case manager to explain the plan to them, including how long you expect to stay and what support you will have once you arrive.
Before you travel
- Confirm the address and phone number of where you are staying.
- Bring ID, medications, phone and charger, and any documents you need.
- Ask the program about food for long trips and what to do if a bus is missed.
- If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, plan to update your address after you arrive.
After you arrive
Apply for help in your new state soon: SNAP (estimate it with our SNAP calculator), Medicaid, and job programs. Young people can connect with local youth services and schools; students have the right to enroll immediately under the McKinney-Vento Act even without records. If the arrangement does not work out, call 211 or the Safeline again.
Staying safe
Safety first: crisis workers screen for abuse and trafficking. If someone offers you a free ride or ticket in exchange for anything, or the place you are going is not safe, tell the Safeline or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. In danger, call 911.
Other free or low-cost travel help
- Travelers Aid and similar agencies: help stranded travelers in some cities.
- Medicaid transportation: covers trips to medical care, not relocation.
- Amtrak and bus discounts: some carriers offer reduced fares for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
- Churches: may help with tickets when a family member confirms housing.
- Court or probation travel permission: needed before you leave the state if you are on supervision.
Always confirm that someone at the destination expects you before you buy or accept a ticket.
Numbers to save
| Who | How to reach them | Ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Youth 12–21 | 1-800-786-2929 | Home Free ticket |
| 211 | Dial 211 | Family reunification programs |
| Veterans | 877-424-3838 | Housing and travel help |
| Domestic violence | 1-800-799-7233 | Safe travel |
| Trafficking | 1-888-373-7888 | Help if someone is pressuring you |
Key terms explained
- Home Free
- The National Runaway Safeline and Greyhound program for youth 12 to 21.
- Family reunification
- City or agency programs that pay travel to family who will house you.
- Coordinated entry
- Your area’s single intake process for homeless services.
What to do today, step by step
- Ages 12–21: call 1-800-786-2929 about Home Free.
- Over 21: dial 211 and ask about family reunification bus tickets.
- Have the destination contact’s name and number ready.
- Veterans and survivors: use the dedicated hotlines above.
- Plan benefits in your new location.
Help is free. The National Runaway Safeline, 211, shelters, and hotlines never charge.
For more specifics, see our guides on churches that help with bus tickets and immediate hotel vouchers for people who are homeless.
Related guides
- Government assistance for people who are homeless
- Salvation Army transportation assistance
- Transportation assistance programs
- Motel vouchers
Frequently asked questions
Are there free Greyhound bus tickets for homeless people?
Young people ages 12 to 21 can get free Greyhound bus tickets through the Home Free program by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY. Adults can ask shelters, 211, and city family reunification programs.
What is the Home Free program?
A National Runaway Safeline and Greyhound partnership that gives youth 12 to 21 a free ticket home or to a safe living arrangement when the family agrees.
How many times can I use Home Free?
Up to two times.
Does Greyhound have discounts for homeless adults?
Greyhound does not run a general free ticket program for adults. Shelters, charities, and city programs often buy tickets instead.
Do I need ID to ride Greyhound?
Adults usually need ID to pick up a ticket. Ask the program arranging your ticket what you need, especially for minors.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on October 25, 2026. If a source and this page ever disagree, follow the source.
This guide is general information. Program terms can change; confirm with the National Runaway Safeline. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with Greyhound. If you are in danger, call 911.
Before you apply: program rules, amounts, and deadlines change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program administrator. Applying for government benefits is free.
National Relief Program is an independent guide, not a government agency. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
