Unfortunately, not all bus operators in the United Kingdom offer online ticketing.
However, there are a few that do, including many of the biggest bus companies.
You can buy a bus ticket online with the following companies: Atlas Roadlink, Centrebus, Unilink and several smaller independent operators.
Some services require you to register for an online account before you can purchase tickets.
If you’re travelling with a group of friends or family, some of these operators also provide a family and friends discount when you buy tickets from them directly rather than from a third party.
For the majority of services listed below, your ticket should be emailed to you within minutes. When looking for bus tickets online in the UK keep these things in mind:
Centrebus
This is one of the biggest bus operators in the UK, operating mainly in the South and West of England.
Its online booking system operates in a similar way to EasyBus in that you are shown the various departure times and can select the one that suits you best.
Website: www.centrebus.co.uk
EasyBus
This is a bus service that operates mainly between London and other major UK cities, including Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
You can purchase tickets from their website or from the app.
You are shown the available departure times and can then select the one that suits you best.
Website: www.easybus.co.uk
Go By Bus
This company operates between London and several other major cities in the UK, including Edinburgh and Glasgow.
You can purchase tickets from their website or from the app.
You are shown the available departure times and can then select the one that suits you best.
Website: www.gobybus.co.uk
Green Line
This is a Leeds-based bus operator that operates mainly between Leeds and London.
You can purchase tickets from their website or from the app. You are shown the available departure times and can then select the one that suits you best.
Website: www.greendot.co.uk
Megabus
This long-distance carrier operates between London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Liverpool and some other cities.
You can purchase tickets from their website or from the app.
You are shown the available departure times and can then select the one that suits you best.
Website: www.megabus.com
National Express
This is one of the biggest bus operators in the UK, operating mainly in the South and West of England.
You can purchase tickets from their website or from the app. You are shown the available departure times and can then select the one that suits you best.
Website: www.nationalexpress.com
If you’re looking to travel between cities in the United Kingdom by bus, you can now do so online.
With a few clicks, you can compare bus companies and departure times and book your ticket in a matter of minutes.
Many bus operators offer online booking. Be sure to check what the cancellation policy is and what kind of seat you are allocated.
You might end up travelling in a more comfortable seat than the one you booked!
If you’re travelling with a group of friends or family, some of these operators also provide a family and friends discount when you buy tickets from them directly rather than from a third party.