Transport for London’s (TfL) new prices are set to take effect on Sunday, March 2nd 2025, in a new bid to use the collected funds to improve “key transport projects in the future” – but commuters are not happy at all.
London has once again proven to have the most expensive public transport in the world, as a price increase is set to take effect this Sunday.
In December 2024, Transport for London (TfL) announced that Tube and rail fares in London would be rising by 4.6%. The increase will come into effect on 2nd March 2025, with daily caps rising by between 40p and 70p, depending on the zones travelled through.
However, bus and tram fares have been frozen once again, marking the sixth freeze since 2016. This means that customers will continue to make unlimited journeys within an hour for £1.75. This move supports lower-income and disabled Londoners, making their journeys more accessible.
Nevertheless, the price increase has not been well received by commuters and students, who have expressed their frustration on social media platforms such as Reddit. Many highlighted that travelling from the outermost zones to the city centre is already expensive, and the news will significantly impact their finances in the long term.
One commuter commented: “Annoying. Even though transport costs can be higher outside of London (e.g., you live in the countryside, but commute to the city), someone who works a 9-5 in Zone 1, but lives in Zone 5 is already spending £10.20/day. Can’t believe it’s gonna be more now.”
A second user wrote: “Absolutely nothing good about public transport. It gets worse every single year,” while a third added: “And they wonder why people don’t wanna go central for work, shopping and pleasure!!!!”
A graduate shared their experience: “When I used to go to uni in Zone 1, I would pray for my lectures to finish earlier, before the peak. I’d always run to the Tube station just to make sure I didn’t go beyond the grace period. The fare system is not really fit for purpose anymore.”
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said that the money raised from the fare increases would be invested in Transport for London (TfL) services. He said: “Londoners know from my record that wherever possible I’ve made TfL fares more affordable and fairer for Londoners – whether through the introduction of the Hopper bus fare or freezing TfL fares for five years as Mayor.
“I’m really pleased to announce that I’ll be freezing bus and tram fares yet again next year, making it the sixth time since 2016. More Londoners use the bus than any other form of public transport, and it will particularly benefit those on the lowest incomes.
He continued: “Following the Government’s budget, ministers made clear that to secure national funding for key transport projects in the future, TfL Tube and rail fares would need to increase in line with national rail fares. Vital national government funding will allow us to progress exciting future projects, such as Superloop 2 and more upgrades to the Tube network, as we continue building a fairer, safer and greener London for everyone.”
Which fares are changing?
- Daily and weekly caps
- Daily, weekly, and longer-period Travelcards
- Cash fares where National Rail fares apply
- Fares on River Bus services
- IFS Cloud Cable Car prices
Current pay as you go caps:
| Zone(s) | One Day Anytime | One Day Off-peak | Monday to Sunday |
| Zone 1 only | £8.50 | £8.50 | £42.70 |
| Zone 1 and 2 | £8.50 | £8.50 | £42.70 |
| Zone 1, 2 and 3 | £10.00 | £10.00 | £50.50 |
| Zone 1, 2, 3, and 4 | £12.30 | £12.30 | £61.40 |
| Zone 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 | £14.60 | £14.60 | £73.00 |
| Zone 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 | £15.60 | £15.60 | £78.00 |
New pay as you go caps (from March 2nd 2025):
| Zone(s) | One Day Anytime | One Day Off-peak | Monday to Sunday |
| Zone 1 only | £8.90 | £8.90 | £44.70 |
| Zone 1 and 2 | £8.90 | £8.90 | £44.70 |
| Zone 1, 2 and 3 | £10.50 | £10.50 | £52.50 |
| Zone 1, 2, 3, and 4 | £12.80 | £12.80 | £64.20 |
| Zone 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 | £15.30 | £15.30 | £76.40 |
| Zone 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 | £16.30 | £16.30 | £81.60 |
Click here for more information about the new fares starting March 2nd 2025.
