If you’re planning a trip to London, one of the questions that’s likely on your mind is how much it costs to ride the bus. In this article, we’ll explore the current bus fares in London and give you some tips for saving money on your travels.
Basic Bus Fares
As of 2021, the basic bus fare in London is £1.50 per ride. This fare applies to all single journeys, regardless of how far you’re traveling within the city.
If you’re making multiple trips in a day, it may be worth considering a daily or weekly travel card instead. These options can save you money if you plan on using public transport frequently during your stay.
Contactless Payments
One convenient way to pay for your bus fare in London is by using contactless payments. Instead of buying a ticket or travel card, you can simply tap your debit or credit card on the reader when boarding the bus.
Contactless payments are charged at the same rate as Oyster cards, which are another popular payment option for public transport in London. However, if you’re visiting from outside the UK, it’s important to check with your bank beforehand to make sure your card will work with contactless payments abroad.
Oyster Cards
Oyster cards are reusable smart cards that allow you to pay for public transport in London. They can be purchased online or at various locations throughout the city.
With an Oyster card, you can enjoy discounted fares compared to paying with cash or contactless payments. For example, a single bus journey with an Oyster card costs just £1.50 – the same as contactless payments – but if you make multiple journeys in a day, there is also a daily cap that limits how much you’ll be charged.
Bus and Tram Passes
If you plan on using buses and trams frequently during your stay in London, you may want to consider purchasing a bus and tram pass. These passes offer unlimited rides on buses and trams within certain zones of the city.
Passes are available for 1 day, 7 days, or 1 month, with prices starting at £5 per day. If you’re staying in London for an extended period of time and plan on using public transport frequently, a bus and tram pass may be the most cost-effective option.
Conclusion
In summary, the basic bus fare in London is £1. However, there are several ways to save money on your travels, including contactless payments, Oyster cards, and bus and tram passes.
By taking advantage of these options, you can explore all that London has to offer without breaking the bank.