What can I use to pay bus fare?

Bus fares can typically be paid using contactless-enabled bank cards (Visa/Mastercard), mobile devices with Apple Pay or Google Pay, and exact cash. For, Stagecoach and First Bus services, you can simply tap your card or phone on the reader. Other options include pre-paid smartcards, mobile tickets via bus company apps, or concessionary passes.

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.

How do I use my debit card for bus fare?

If your credit or debit card is 'contactless-enabled', you will see this logo on the front of your card. This means your credit or debit card is enabled for fare payment on transit. Just tap your contactless credit or debit card at the MRT fare gate or card reader on buses.

How to pay for a bus ride?

Paying for Your Ride

1. Contactless Bank Cards (credit/debit cards) and Mobile Wallets.
2. SimplyGo EZ-Link Cards.
3. NETS Prepaid Cards.
4. EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay Cards.

Can I tap my debit card to get on the bus?

Easy. Simply tap your card or smart device at the start and end of your trip just like you would with your go card. Learn more about how to use contactless payments.

How to pay contactless on bus

Do I tap off with a debit card on a Go bus?

You can now tap on and off with your credit or debit card on a PRESTO device, including those cards on your phone or watch to pay for your GO adult fare discount!

How to pay for a bus in Scotland?

How do I buy a ticket?

1. ticket machines on the platforms: pay by coins or card.
2. mobile app: pre-purchase your tickets and activate before you board.
3. website: pre-purchase your tickets and display your ticket on your phone.
4. Tap On, Tap Off: use your contactless-enabled card or device to pay for an Adult single fare.

What if I forget to tap off?

You'll be charged the Single fare to the end of the journey of the bus you were travelling on - so please remember to 'Tap off'! We all make mistakes, so if you need any assistance let us know. Is this page useful?

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 use a debit card on the bus?

Look for the contactless symbol on your credit or debit card to see if your card is contactless enabled. Then, board a bus with the contactless symbol and instead of paying with cash, simply tap your card or contactless-enabled device onto the reader and wait for the beep.

How do I use my phone to tap and pay?

You have 2 ways to tap to pay in a store: Unlock your phone and hold it near the reader: You can tap the terminal when your phone is unlocked, even when the Google Wallet app is not open. If prompted, use your Android screen lock to verify the payment.

Can we pay with a credit card on a bus?

Introducing contactless payments on public transport

There are now more ways to pay for AT buses, trains and most ferries. You can now tag on and off using your AT HOP card, contactless debit or credit card, smartphone or smart device.

Why won't my bank card work on the bus?

Your card issuer has declined payment

This may be because your bank account doesn't have enough money to pay for your journey. If this happens you'll need to get your card reauthorised. You can do this in two ways: Contact your card issuer.

Is the 2 pound bus fare extended?

The UK's £2 bus fare cap, originally ending in 2023, was extended multiple times and eventually transitioned to a £3 cap in England (outside London) from January 2025 to December 2025, funded by the government to help with living costs. However, some regions, like Liverpool City Region and Telford, have stepped in with local funding to keep their specific £2 caps running longer, with Liverpool aiming for 2026, while the national scheme shifted focus to the £3 cap to support bus services long-term. 

How do you pay for a bus in the UK?

You can pay for buses in the UK primarily with contactless payments (card, phone, watch), mobile apps (Apple Pay/Google Pay), or sometimes cash, but contactless is easiest as it automatically caps fares and works nationwide on most operators like Stagecoach, First Bus, and TfL (London). Just tap your contactless card/device on the reader when boarding, and for London buses, you only tap in; in other areas, you often tap both on and off for the best fare, using the same device to ensure capping. 

Do you tap off with a debit card on a Go bus?

You can tap a credit or debit card on and off a PRESTO device to pay your GO adult fare. You can also tap your phone or watch if you have a credit or debit card stored in your mobile wallet.

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. 

How to pay for first bus tickets?

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

Does more bus take cash?

London buses are card only, so you cannot buy a ticket with cash.

How do you pay for bus fare in Scotland?

You can now use one smartcard for journeys across multiple modes of transport and multiple transport operators and, where available, download your operator's mobile app or use contactless payment on board.