Can you still pay cash on London buses?

London Buses Go Cashless: Say Goodbye to Coins, Hello to Contactless

London’s iconic red buses have officially entered the digital age. Forget fumbling for change – cash is no longer accepted on any London bus. This significant shift towards cashless payments marks a definitive end to an era for commuters and tourists alike.

The move to a fully contactless system aims to streamline the boarding process, reducing delays and improving efficiency for passengers. Gone are the days of struggling with exact fare or waiting for the driver to make change, particularly during peak hours. This change is intended to create a smoother, quicker journey for everyone.

So, how can you now pay your fare? The options are straightforward:

• Contactless Payment Cards: The most convenient method for many is using a contactless payment card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.). Simply tap your card on the reader as you board.

• Oyster card: London’s long-standing Oyster card remains a popular choice. This rechargeable card offers a simple and cost-effective way to travel. You can top up your Oyster card online or at various locations across the city.

• Visitor Oyster card: Specifically designed for tourists, the Visitor Oyster card provides a pre-loaded amount of credit, eliminating the need to worry about topping up during your stay. These are readily available at airports and major transport hubs.

• Travelcard: For frequent travellers, the Travelcard offers unlimited travel within a specific zone or zones for a set period. This is particularly beneficial for those planning extensive journeys across the city.

The flat fare remains at £1.75 regardless of the distance travelled, making budgeting for your journey simple and predictable.

While the shift to a cashless system might seem abrupt to some, particularly those less familiar with contactless payments, the benefits for the majority are undeniable. Faster boarding, reduced queues, and a more efficient transport network are all positive outcomes. For those who still prefer to use cash, alternative transport options remain available, such as the London Underground and some rail services. However, for the iconic red buses, the age of cash is definitively over. So, ensure you have a contactless payment method ready before your next London bus journey.