How much to pay for bus fare?

In England, single bus journeys are capped at a maximum of £3 until at least the end of 2025 under a national scheme. In London, a single "Hopper" fare allows for unlimited bus/tram journeys within one hour for £1.75. Regional daily caps exist, such as £5.20 in the West Midlands.

Is a single bus fare still 3?

We are participating in the £3 fare cap scheme from 1st January 2025. £3 capped fares will be available for the duration of our participation in the scheme. The scheme is available in England only, including any areas where you can get a Stagecoach bus, except London and Greater Manchester franchised services.

What happens if I forget to 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. 

Why am I seeing a $0.10 charge when paying for public transport?

When you tap your GXS FlexiCard on the fare gantry, a S$0.10 pre-authorisation charge is made to ensure your card is active and ready. Don't worry, this isn't your actual fare. It will be promptly returned once the final transaction details from SimplyGo are processed.

Why are bus fares 2?

The £2 bus fare cap was launched on 1 January 2023. The scheme supported bus operators to implement a £2 cap on eligible single tickets for adults. The aims of the fare cap were to save passengers money and encourage more people back on the bus.

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

How much does it cost to go from zone 1 to 2?

A Zone 1 to 2 fare in London on Oyster or contactless is typically around £3.50 peak and £2.90 off-peak, with daily caps around £8.90 and weekly caps around £44.70 as of late 2025/early 2026, though fares change annually. Cash fares are much higher, around £7.00 for a single journey.
 

Is zone 2 expensive?

The Cost of Living in Zone 2

While Zone 2 is cheaper than Zone 1, don't expect it to be a bargain. Here's a quick breakdown: Rent Prices – You'll likely pay between £1,500 – £3,000 per month for a one-bed flat, depending on the area and quality of the apartment.

What is the 2 pound fare?

The £2 bus fare cap ran from 1 January 2023 until the end of 2024 to help passengers save on their regular travel costs. It was replaced by a new £3 bus fare cap on single bus fares in England outside London from 1 January 2025 through to 31 December 2025.

What happens if I tap on but not off?

If you do not tap on and tap off correctly

you will be charged the default fare for an incomplete trip which is the maximum possible fare for that service, based on your Opal card type. You will never be charged over the Daily Travel Cap. you will miss out on Opal benefits.

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 to get a free travel pass?

To apply for a free travel pass (concessionary bus/travel card), you typically apply through your local council or a national transport body (like Transport for Wales/Scotland) by proving your age (e.g., 60+) or disability, residency, and identity with documents (passport, council tax bill, photo) online or in person, but specific requirements vary by region (UK, Ireland, etc.). Check your local authority's website or a national portal like GOV.UK for eligibility and application links. 

Is bus fare correct?

Bus fare is fine, assuming the fare got her on a bus.

Why do buses have two levels?

A double-decker bus is a two-level bus designed to carry more passengers than a single-deck vehicle without taking up extra road space. These buses are widely used for city transportation, sightseeing tours, and long-distance travel.

How to pay for first bus tickets?

Contactless payments, Apple pay, Google pay and cash are accepted on our buses.

What is the Penalty Fare?

A Penalty Fare is an on-the-spot fare issued to anyone who does not have a valid ticket for their journey when they have had the opportunity to purchase one.