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Do buses in Glasgow take credit card?

Glasgow has so much to offer and we know you'll be keen to see it all. That's why we make it simple and convenient to get around. We accept contactless payments from UK debit and credit cards on all buses, and you can even buy tickets in advance from the First Bus App.



Yes, buses in Glasgow have fully transitioned to a high-fidelity "Contactless" payment ecosystem as of 2026. Major operators like First Glasgow and Stagecoach allow passengers to pay for their fares using a contactless-enabled credit or debit card, as well as mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. The system is designed for speed; you simply "tap" your card or device on the reader upon boarding. For those using First Glasgow, the "Tap & Cap" system automatically calculates the best fare for you, ensuring you never pay more than the price of a day ticket regardless of how many trips you take. It is important to note that most buses are now "exact change only" if you choose to pay with physical cash, making the high-fidelity digital payment method the most convenient and cost-effective way to navigate the city's extensive bus network without the hassle of carrying coins.

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Single fares are available to purchase on board from £1.70 (up to 5 stops). Travelling with First Bus has never been easier. We have tickets to suit your travel needs - available to buy onboard from the driver, via contactless payment, or via the First Bus App.

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Scottish ITSO Smartcards Depending on the operator, tickets can be loaded onto your chosen ITSO smartcard at ticket offices, ticket vending machines, on board or in advance online and can be paid for with cash, card or contactless.

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You can buy single, FirstDay and FirstWeek (one week only) tickets from the driver. If you're a regular traveller you could save time and money with one of our multi-journey tickets which offer good value for money. We are now accepting Contactless Payments on all our Greater Glasgow services.

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Scottish ITSO Smartcards Depending on the operator, tickets can be loaded onto your chosen ITSO smartcard at ticket offices, ticket vending machines, on board or in advance online and can be paid for with cash, card or contactless. There are many ITSO smartcard options available to you.

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Glasgow Airport Express Ticket Range Buy tickets on board from your driver. Please note we do accept cash at this time, but encourage contactless payment where possible. We also accept Express Mode for Apple Pay.

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Your card may be or is due to expire and has been replaced by your card issuer. Your card may have recently been replaced by your card issuer but not yet activated. Your card may have been reported as lost or stolen and been cancelled by your card issuer.

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How it works...
  1. Ask your driver for the ticket of your choice when you board the bus.
  2. Tell the driver that you'd like to pay with contactless.
  3. Place your card or device on the card reader on the ticket machine - it's shown with a bright blue sticker.


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How can I pay for my ticket? Go Buses accepts payment via credit and debit cards. The quickest and easiest way to purchase tickets is through our website or mobile app. Dispatchers at Newton, MA, Manhattan, NYC, and our call center can assist with credit card processing.

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Why have I been charged 10p/£1? If you use a Mastercard, your bank statement may show a “pending” 10p or £1 charge for your first tap (10p for UK Mastercards, £1 for International Mastercards). This is just a temporary charge to check the card is valid – we do not collect the payment.

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Pay for transit at a fare gate Make sure your device is turned on (it doesn't need to be connected to the internet). As you approach a fare gate or board a bus, do one of the following: On an iPhone with Face ID: Double-click the side button, then glance at iPhone to authenticate with Face ID, or enter your passcode.

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The adult single fare between Buchanan Bus Station and Glasgow Airport is £4.95. Watch out as service 77 is exact-fare only, and the driver cannot provide change.

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The two cities are 47 miles apart and traveling between the two takes as fast as 1 hour 10 minutes. You can get bus tickets to travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh for as little as $3.99 if you book in advance and/or outside of busy travel times, like weekends and holidays.

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