How Much Does a London Bus Cost?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a trip to London, you may be wondering how much it will cost to ride the famous red buses. Well, the answer is that it depends on a few factors.

Riding a London Bus
Firstly, it’s important to note that there are two types of London buses: those that operate in central London and those that operate in outer London. The cost of riding each type of bus is different.

Central London Buses
For central London buses, the fare is £1.50 per ride if you use an Oyster card or contactless payment method. If you pay with cash, however, the fare is higher at £2.50.

There’s also a daily cap on fares for central London buses. If you use an Oyster card or contactless payment method, the maximum amount you’ll pay for bus travel in one day is £4. This means that if you take multiple bus rides in one day, you won’t pay more than £4.50 total.

Outer London Buses
For outer London buses, the fare is a flat rate of £1.50 per ride regardless of your payment method. There’s also no daily cap on fares for outer London buses.

Getting the Best Deal
If you’re planning on using public transportation frequently during your time in London, it may be worth getting an Oyster card or using contactless payment methods as they offer the best value for money.

An Oyster card is a reusable smart card that can be loaded with credit and used to pay for public transportation throughout London. You can purchase an Oyster card at most train stations and some retail locations throughout the city.

Contactless payment methods are also accepted on all forms of public transportation in London including buses, trains, and the underground tube system.

In Conclusion
So there you have it, the cost of riding a London bus depends on whether you’re in central or outer London, and whether you use an Oyster card or contactless payment method. By using these payment methods, you can save money and make your travel around London more efficient. Don’t forget to check out the local sights while you’re on board one of these iconic red buses!

  • Central London buses fare: £1.50 with Oyster card/contactless, £2.50 with cash
  • Daily cap for central London buses: £4.50 with Oyster card/contactless
  • Outer London buses fare: £1.50 flat rate per ride
  • No daily cap for outer London buses
  • Use an Oyster card or contactless payment method for best value

FAQs

Can I use cash to pay for a bus ride in London?

Yes, but it’s more expensive than using an Oyster card or contactless payment method.

What’s the daily cap on fares for central London buses?

The daily cap is £4.50 if you use an Oyster card or contactless payment method.

Do I need to tap my Oyster card on and off when riding a bus?

Yes, make sure to tap your Oyster card on the reader when boarding and leaving the bus to ensure that you’re charged the correct fare.