The Mayor of London‘s new Weekend Hopper scheme launches this weekend, giving Londoners and visitors the chance to explore more of the capital without paying extra to get around.
Landing just in time for the summer holidays, the scheme means you can hop on and off buses and trams as much as you like over the weekend, all for the price of a single fare.
It comes as Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) previously announced that single bus and tram fares would remain frozen at £1.75 until November 1.
Earlier this month, TfL confirmed the freeze would be extended for four months, after it had been due to end on July 5.
The move is designed to make travel more affordable and encourage more people to use public transport.
Whether you’re planning a sightseeing trip, heading to a festival or simply making the most of a sunny weekend, here’s everything you need to know about the Weekend Hopper scheme and how to make the most of it.
TfL’s Weekend Hopper scheme launches this weekend
TfL
What is the Weekend Hopper scheme?
For the first time, anyone travelling by bus or tram on a Saturday or Sunday during the summer holidays will be able to make unlimited journeys across London for the price of a single fare.
Passengers can make unlimited journeys within an hour of the first journey on a bus or tram.
The scheme is intended to make travel cheaper and simpler for both Londoners and visitors looking to make the most of the city’s attractions.
For example, TfL says a family of two adults and two children under 16 could travel all day on a Saturday or Sunday for a total of £3.50.
This would save a family up to £7 a day — or £14 over the course of a weekend — if they make three or more bus journeys.
Passengers can tap in with an Oyster card, contactless bank card, or mobile device on their first bus or tram of the day. They will be charged £1.75.
Every subsequent touch-in on a bus or tram for the rest of that day is completely free, meaning travel is capped at £1.75 for the whole Saturday or Sunday.
The journey is calculated automatically, providing that you touch in and out using the exact same card or device for every journey.
When will the scheme run?
The offer will run over weekends from July 25 to August 31.
This includes the August bank holiday Monday, when millions travel across the capital to enjoy Notting Hill Carnival, which marks its 60th anniversary this year.
Does it apply to all transport?
No, the offer only applies to TfL trams and buses.
The Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and River Bus services are not part of the Weekend Hopper scheme and will cost a standard fare.
Bus and Tram fares remain £1.75 after fare freeze extended until 1 November 2026
TfL
What other schemes are there?
TfL is also supporting the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme, which will allow anyone under 16 to travel free by bus during August.
Children, teenagers and Londoners aged 16 to 18 can already travel for free on buses and trams with a valid Zip Oyster photocard.
But, from August 1 to 31, children under 16 visiting the capital without a Zip Card will also be able to travel on buses for free.
The nationwide government scheme aims to make days out more affordable, helping families explore everything from national parks to some of Britain’s top museums.
What has the Mayor of London said?
The Mayor said the scheme would help families save money during the summer holidays while making it easier for Londoners and visitors to explore the city.
“During 10 years as Mayor, I’ve been committed to keeping public transport as affordable as possible – including a record seven freezes on bus and tram fares, which I recently extended until November to further support Londoners with the cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
“Buses and trams are a lifeline for many Londoners, and I’m determined to keep them the most accessible and affordable mode of transport in the capital.
“I’m pleased that my Hopper fare has enabled millions of people to enjoy cheaper bus travel over the past decade, and this new Weekend Hopper will help open up our great city even more, as we continue building a fairer and better London for everyone.”
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