The £3 bus fare cap, explained
Updated 26 August 2026 · Sources: GOV.UK
From 1 January 2027: the cap falls to £2.
How it works
Wherever the cap applies, you pay at most £3 for a single journey — whether it's two stops or a 40-mile cross-country route. You don't need a special card or app: just pay on the bus as normal (contactless, cash or ticket app) and the capped price is applied automatically.
What's included — and what isn't
- ✅ Most local bus services in England, run by national groups (Stagecoach, First, Arriva, Go-Ahead) and most independents
- ❌ London — has its own £1.75 Hopper fare (unlimited changes within an hour)
- ❌ Coach services, school-only services and some airport expresses
- ❌ Scotland and Wales — England-only scheme (Scotland has free travel for under-22s and over-60s)
- ⚠️ Participation is voluntary — a small number of operators have opted out, so check before you board
When a day ticket beats the cap
The cap applies per single journey. If you're making a return trip plus one more journey — or hopping between buses all day — an operator day ticket is usually cheaper. A rough rule:
- 1–2 journeys a day: pay singles (capped at £3 each)
- 3+ journeys a day: check the operator's day ticket
- Commuting 5 days a week: weekly or monthly tickets almost always win
Every operator page on this site links to the operator's own site for their current ticket prices.
What changes in January 2027
The government has confirmed the cap will drop from £3 to £2 on 1 January 2027, restoring the original £2 cap that ran from 2023 to 2024. If you're budgeting for regular travel next year, singles get roughly a third cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a single bus fare in England right now?
Most single fares on local bus services in England are capped at £3 until 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027 the cap drops to £2.
Is London included in the £3 fare cap?
No. London has its own fares system: a single bus or tram journey is £1.75 with the Hopper fare, which gives unlimited bus and tram changes within one hour.
Are all buses included in the cap?
No — participation is voluntary for operators, and coach services, school-only services and some airport express services are excluded. Routes not in the national scheme may still offer local discounted fares.
Do children pay the capped fare?
Children usually pay reduced fares set by each operator. In August 2026, children aged 5 to 15 could travel free on eligible services in England as a summer initiative.
Is a day ticket cheaper than the cap?
If you make three or more single journeys in a day, an operator day ticket is often cheaper than paying multiple capped singles. Check your operator page for ticket options.
What about Scotland and Wales?
The cap is England-only. Scotland offers free bus travel for under-22s and over-60s via the National Entitlement Card. Wales has its own fare initiatives — check with your operator.
This guide summarises official GOV.UK guidance and operator announcements. Fares policy can change — always confirm with your operator.