Buying your ticket

Bus

Most buses let you buy your ticket from the driver as you board the bus. However, cash fares aren't accepted onboard buses in the 'Pay Before You Board' area in central London, on bendy buses, and on the W7 route.

Bus stops in the Pay Before You Board area have ticket machines at the bus stop where you can use cash to buy single adult and child bus tickets, and one-day bus passes. You won't be allowed on a bus without a ticket. Pay Before You Board tickets are valid for 1 hour 30 minutes from the time you buy them.

There is a £10 penalty fare for fare evasion on buses, and inspectors board buses regularly to check tickets. On bus routes outside of central London, you can pay the driver in cash when you board the bus.  

Train

If you're travelling by train, you can buy your train ticket in cash at the station you're travelling from. You can use a ticket machine or go to the ticket office, where there is a station attendant. You can't get on a train without a ticket, and there is a £20 penalty for fare evasion.

Trams

You can buy a tram ticket from the ticket machine at all tram stops. You mustn't travel on the tram without a ticket. Tram tickets are valid for 1 hour 30 minutes from the time you buy them. There is a £10 penalty fare for fare evasion on buses, and inspectors board trams regularly to check tickets.