How to pay for bus fare in London?
Forget cash on London buses. A flat fare of £1.75 applies, payable only with contactless payment, Oyster card (Visitor or regular), or a Travelcard. Enjoy the ride, regardless of distance.
How to Pay for Bus Fare in London
Taking the bus in London is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. However, it’s important to know how to pay for your fare before you board, as cash is no longer accepted on London buses.
Contactless Payment
The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your bus fare is with a contactless payment card. This could be a debit card, credit card, or even a mobile phone with contactless payment enabled. Simply tap your card or device on the yellow card reader near the entrance of the bus, and the fare will be deducted automatically.
Oyster Card (Visitor or Regular)
An Oyster card is a reusable smartcard that can be used to pay for travel on all public transportation in London, including buses. You can purchase a Visitor Oyster card for a one-time fee of £5, or a regular Oyster card for free.
To use an Oyster card, simply top it up with credit at any Oyster ticket machine or at a participating retailer. Then, tap your card on the yellow card reader when you board the bus. The fare will be deducted automatically from your card balance.
Travelcard
A Travelcard is a season ticket that allows unlimited travel on all public transportation in London within a specified zone or zones. If you plan on using the bus frequently, a Travelcard may be a good option for you.
To purchase a Travelcard, visit a National Rail station or an Oyster ticket machine. The cost of a Travelcard will vary depending on the zones you need to travel in.
Important Notes
- The flat fare for a single bus ride in London is £1.75.
- You can only pay for a single bus ride at a time.
- If you’re using a contactless payment card, you may need to tap your card again if you’re transferring to a different bus route.
- If you’re using an Oyster card or Travelcard, you don’t need to tap your card when you transfer to a different bus route.
Feedback on answer:
Thank you for your feedback! Your feedback is important to help us improve our answers in the future.