London Bus Fares 2026: New Prices from 1 November

London Bus and Tram Fares Increase in November 2026: New Prices, Hopper Fare and Daily Cap

London bus passengers will pay more for their journeys from 1 November 2026, as Transport for London (TfL) introduces new bus and tram fares. The change ends a fare freeze that has kept the standard adult single fare at £1.75 since March 2023.

Under the revised pricing, the standard adult pay-as-you-go fare will increase by 10p to £1.85. The daily bus and tram fare cap will also rise, meaning regular commuters and visitors should review their travel budgets before using London’s public transport network.

The good news is that the Hopper fare will continue, allowing eligible passengers to make unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour of their first paid journey for the cost of a single fare.

Here is a complete guide to the new London bus fares, tram ticket prices, daily caps, weekly passes and what passengers need to know before travelling.

London Bus Fare Increase 2026

How Much Will a London Bus Journey Cost?

From 1 November, an adult paying for a single bus or tram journey using an eligible pay-as-you-go method will pay £1.85 instead of £1.75.

For someone making two separate paid journeys a day, the cost would increase from £3.50 to £3.70. Over 20 commuting days, that represents an additional £4, assuming the passenger makes two paid journeys each day and does not benefit from other concessions or fare arrangements.

Passengers who make several journeys in a day should also consider the daily cap, which limits the amount charged for eligible bus and tram travel.

What is the London Hopper Fare?

The Hopper fare allows passengers to make unlimited eligible bus and tram journeys within one hour of the first paid journey for the price of one fare.

👉 From 1 November 2026, the single fare covered by the Hopper system will be £1.85.

How the Hopper Fare Works?

1. Tap your contactless payment card, eligible device or Oyster card when boarding.
2. Pay the applicable single bus or tram fare.
3. Board another eligible bus or tram within one hour of the first paid journey.
4. Continue making eligible transfers within the one-hour period without paying another single fare for each transfer.

Passengers should use the same payment method for their journeys and follow TfL’s ticketing rules to ensure the correct fare is charged.

The Hopper fare can be useful for commuters who need to change buses to reach work, school or other destinations.

London Daily Bus and Tram Cap Increases to £5.55

The daily bus and tram cap will rise from £5.25 to £5.55 on 1 November 2026.

This cap limits the amount passengers pay for eligible bus and tram journeys within the relevant daily capping period when they use an eligible pay-as-you-go payment method.

For frequent travellers, the cap can be more economical than paying separately for every journey.

For example, three adult single fares at the new price would total £5.55. Passengers making additional eligible journeys within the applicable capping period would not pay more than the daily cap for those journeys.

Will London Concessionary Bus Fares Increase?

Yes. The published fare changes also affect some discounted and concessionary pay-as-you-go fares.

Eligible passengers using concession cards, including certain 16+ Zip Oyster and Jobcentre Plus card arrangements, will see increases of 5p in the relevant fares.

The approved changes also set half-adult and child bus and tram fares at 90p from 1 November 2026.

However, not every concession is changing. Existing concessionary travel arrangements remain in place, including qualifying free travel schemes for older and disabled Londoners. Eligibility and time restrictions may apply, so passengers should check the relevant TfL guidance.

Are London Tube Fares Increasing in November 2026?

The November change covered here applies to bus and tram fares.

According to the published announcement, Tube fares are not changing as part of this November bus and tram increase. Separate Tube and rail fare arrangements should be checked through TfL before travelling, as they may have different prices, caps and effective dates.

Passengers who use buses alongside the Underground should check the relevant ticket and capping rules for their complete journey.

How to Pay for London Bus Journeys?

Passengers can use eligible contactless payment cards, compatible mobile devices or Oyster cards for London bus travel.

Before boarding, make sure you have an accepted payment method and use it consistently for eligible transfers and daily capping.

Cash is not accepted on London buses, so passengers should arrange a suitable payment option before travelling.

For current payment rules, visit the official TfL fares and ticketing website.

Why London Bus and Tram Fares Increasing?

The fare increase follows an extension of the bus and tram fare freeze until 1 November 2026.

The Mayor of London had extended the freeze to help manage transport costs, particularly for residents on lower incomes. The revised fares introduce an overall increase of approximately 5.7% across the affected bus and tram fares, although individual ticket changes vary.

TfL says fare revenue supports the operation and improvement of London’s transport services.

The increase is the first rise in London bus and tram fares since March 2023.

Tips for Saving Money on London Bus Travel

Passengers can take a few practical steps to manage their travel expenses after the new fares take effect.

Use the Hopper fare: Make eligible transfers within one hour to avoid paying a separate single fare for each journey.

Check the daily cap: Frequent bus users may benefit from the £5.55 daily cap.

Compare passes: If you travel regularly, compare the 1-day and 7-day Bus & Tram Pass prices with your expected journey costs.

Check concessions: See whether you qualify for discounted or free travel.

Use one payment method consistently: This helps eligible journeys qualify for the relevant fare calculations and caps.

FAQ

1. When will London bus fares increase in 2026?

• London bus and tram fares will increase from 1 November 2026.

2. How much is a London bus ticket from November 2026?

• The standard adult single pay-as-you-go bus fare will be £1.85, up from £1.75.

3. What is the new London bus daily cap?

• The daily bus and tram cap will increase from £5.25 to £5.55.

4. How much is a 7-day London Bus & Tram Pass?

• The 7-day Bus & Tram Pass will cost £26.10 from 1 November 2026, compared with £24.70 previously.

5. Will the London Hopper fare continue?

• Yes. Eligible passengers can continue to make unlimited bus and tram transfers within one hour of their first paid journey under the Hopper fare rules.

6. Will children’s bus fares increase?

• The published fare changes set the relevant half-adult and child bus and tram fares at 90p from 1 November 2026. Check TfL’s official guidance for the applicable age and ticketing conditions.

7. Are Tube fares increasing on 1 November 2026?

• The November announcement concerns bus and tram fares. Tube fares are not changing as part of this particular increase.

8. Where can I check the latest London bus fares?

• Visit the official Transport for London fares page for current ticket prices, concessions, payment methods and travel information.

Final Thoughts

The London bus fare increase from 1 November 2026 will raise the adult single fare to £1.85 and the daily bus and tram cap to £5.55. Weekly and daily Bus & Tram Pass prices will also increase.

Although the changes are relatively small for an individual journey, regular commuters may notice the difference over a month. Understanding the Hopper fare, daily cap and available concessions can help passengers plan their journeys more economically.