How do I pay for the bus in Birmingham, UK?

Paying for the bus in Birmingham, UK, is easy using contactless cards/devices, Swift smartcards, the NX Bus mTicket app, or cash. The most common method is tapping a contactless bank card or smartphone (Apple/Google Pay) on the reader when boarding. Single fares are up to £3, with day tickets around £5.20.

Can you pay with a card on UK buses?

No problem. Secure contactless payments are now available on all of our buses. Paying with contactless is a simple and secure way to pay for tickets without cash. One tap of your contactless card, Apple Pay or Google Pay and you're aboard and ready to go, no need to worry about having the right change.

Do Birmingham buses accept contactless?

Bus routes

The circular 11A and 11C routes also run nearby. National Express (NX) is the main service provider. It's easy to buy single tickets, passes, and excellent value group tickets through the mTicket app or via contactless on the bus – just tap and go.

Is it cheaper to buy a bus ticket online or on the bus?

It's almost always cheaper to buy your bus ticket online or via the operator's app before you board, with savings on single fares and significant discounts on multi-day or monthly passes, as onboard purchases often incur a premium or require exact change, making digital booking more convenient and economical. 

How do I buy a first bus ticket?

mTickets: One of the best ways to buy tickets is to use mTickets on the First Bus App, it's quick, easy and cash free. Download the app and follow the instructions, it's that simple.

How to pay for public transport in London (2025 UPDATE)

What happens if you don't tap off the bus?

If you don't tap off the bus, you'll typically be charged the single fare to the very end of the route, which is usually the highest possible fare for that bus, rather than the shorter distance you actually traveled, leading to overcharging. This often means you miss out on fare capping and pay more than intended, but you can usually contact the bus company's customer service to get a refund for the overcharge. 

Does a debit card work on a bus?

Yes, you can use your debit card on most buses for contactless payment, just tap it on the reader like you would in a shop; look for the contactless symbol on your card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), tap it on the reader when boarding ( telling the driver your destination if needed), and wait for the beep; ensure you use the same card or device for tapping in and out to avoid overpaying, and check your local transit provider's policy for specific details, as some (like American Express) might not be accepted. 

Do I have to tap off the bus?

On public buses

Take the card out from wallet/bag and tap it on the card reader when boarding and alighting. If you have tapped the card correctly, the card reader will emit light and a beep tone.

How do I tap on and off a bus?

Just tap your card once on the ticket machine when you board, and once on the tap-off reader when you depart the bus. The tap off reader is located to the left of the door as you exit. Every time you use contactless, we will calculate the best fare for your journey so that you don't have to worry.

What happens if you tap in but don't tap out?

If you don't touch in and out, we can't tell where you've travelled from or to. This means your journey will be incomplete and you will be charged the maximum fare.

Can I use a credit card for a bus?

American Express, Mastercard, NETS and Visa bank cards with the EMVCo Contactless Indicator, including foreign-issued cards*, and co-brand cards (contactless bank cards with EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay functionality) are accepted in public transit.

How much does a bus fare cost in Birmingham?

If you are making more than two bus journeys during the course of the day, it will be more cost effective to buy a day ticket. The nBus ticket allows unlimited bus travel on all bus operators' services within the West Midlands county all day for £5.20.

Can I pay my bus fare with my bank card?

If your bank card shows the contactless payment symbol, you can use it to pay as you go. Always use the same device or contactless card to touch in and out to pay the right fare.

What is the bus app for Birmingham?

Your Swift account, your tickets, your departure times and your transport service locator all on your phone in one smart app. The TfWM – Powered by Swift app is the smart way to travel around the West Midlands. Use your app for Birmingham travel, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Solihull.

Can I use my Visa debit card on the bus?

Payment methods accepted

We accept contactless enabled Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay or American Express debit or credit cards. We also accept these cards in the digital wallet of your smartphone, smart watch or other smart devices such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Do I tap my card again when I get off the bus?

To pay the right fare, always touch in on a yellow card reader at the start of your journey and touch out at the end. On a bus or tram, you only need to touch in. If you touch out at the end of your bus or tram journey, you may end up paying more than you need to.

Do you tap T money when you get off the bus?

Before you exit, tap your public transportation card on the card reader installed by the back door. Be reminded to tap your card as you enter and leave the bus for a transfer discount.

Where can I buy a Birmingham bus pass?

Purchasing a bus pass

You can purchase a bus pass online at the NX Bus website, or at your local TWM shop.

Why do buses cost 10p?

The 10p payment is to check that the card is valid and has some balance. The charge will get updated to the correct amount once the day has completed and TfL have been able to calculate where you went and how much they need to charge you.

Can I screenshot my first bus ticket?

You can't screen shot the ticket as the code that's on the screen changes every second or so. Its so the machine knows its a valid ticket and not just a screen shot that has been passed from phone to phone.