© Mike Bird・Pexels License

United Kingdom

London

Home of the world's oldest Underground and the red double-decker. Tap the card you already carry and ride.

Bus

The red double-deckers are fully cashless - just tap on with contactless, and transfers within an hour are free (Hopper fare).

Updated on July 15, 2026

How to ride

  1. 1
    Check the destination at the stop
    Check the route maps at the stop and the destination blind on the bus. Raise a hand as your bus approaches.
  2. 2
    Board at the front and tap
    Tap your contactless card or phone on the reader by the front door. Cash is not accepted.
  3. 3
    Press the bell and exit by the middle door
    Press the red bell before your stop. No need to tap out.

Fares

Single fares1

Single ride (flat fare with Hopper)
Free transfers between buses and trams within one hour, on the same card
1.75 GBP ≈ $2

Fare caps1

Bus daily cap
Cap for bus and tram travel only; the weekly cap is £24.70 (Mon-Sun)
5.25 GBP ≈ $7

Estimates use exchange rates as of November 3, 2026

Payment

Tap to ride Unverified
Maestro
Card payment on board
VISAMastercardAmexDiscoverDinersJCB銀聯
Some US, Canadian and Dutch cards and older Visa cards don't work
IC card
Cash
Fully cashless since 2014

Quick facts

Fares from
1.75 GBP+

Heads-up

  • No cash - pay by contactless card or Oyster

    Cash is not accepted at all (fully cashless since 2014). You need a contactless card or Oyster.

  • Same card as the Tube means one shared daily cap

    Use the same card as the Tube and the daily cap applies to your combined total automatically.

Timetable

Typical duration Slower in traffic, but you see the city. In a hurry? Take the Tube
Check the official site for the latest times and service status Official site
Editor Naotaka