How do I pay to get on a London bus?

Riding the Red: A Guide to Paying for London Buses

London’s iconic red buses are a quintessential part of the city’s vibrant tapestry, whisking locals and tourists alike through its bustling streets. But gone are the days of fumbling for change. Embracing a modern, cashless system, London buses now offer a streamlined payment experience. So, how do you navigate this? It’s simpler than you might think.

Forget digging through your pockets for coins – London buses operate entirely on a card-only basis. This means you’ll need one of the following payment methods to hop aboard:

• Contactless Payment Cards: The most convenient option for many, simply tap your contactless debit or credit card (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) on the yellow reader when boarding. The fare is a flat £1.75, regardless of the length of your journey. Just remember to use the same card to tap in and out if transferring between buses within an hour – this ensures you’re only charged once.

• Oyster Card: A reusable travel card, the Oyster card offers pay-as-you-go functionality and can also be loaded with travelcards and bus passes. Top it up at stations, online, or via the TfL app, and tap in on the yellow reader. The Oyster card often provides slightly cheaper fares compared to contactless payments for frequent travellers.

• Visitor Oyster Card: Specifically designed for visitors, this card offers similar benefits to a regular Oyster card but can be pre-ordered online and delivered before your trip. It comes with a refundable deposit and can be topped up as needed. This is a great option for tourists looking for a hassle-free travel experience.

• Travelcard: Offering unlimited travel within specified zones for a set period (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly), a Travelcard is ideal for extensive travel across London’s transport network, including buses, the Tube, and trains. While more expensive than single fares, it provides value for those planning to use public transport frequently.

Whichever payment method you choose, the process remains the same: simply tap your card on the yellow reader located near the driver as you board. There’s no need to tap out when exiting a bus. Just remember to keep your chosen payment method handy and enjoy the ride! With this cashless system, navigating London’s bus network is now smoother and more efficient than ever before.