Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that Tube and rail fares will increase from 1 March 2026, while bus and tram fares will remain frozen until July.

The changes follow the Government's £2.2bn multi-year funding deal for TfL agreed in July 2025, which included an expectation that fares would rise by inflation plus one per cent (RPI+1).

However, as part of what has been described as an emergency cost-of-living measure, the Mayor of London has used City Hall funding to freeze bus and tram fares until 5 July 2026.

Under the freeze, Londoners will continue to benefit from the Hopper Fare, allowing unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour for £1.75.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I remain committed to keeping TfL fares as affordable as possible because I know how the cost-of-living crisis is still hitting many Londoners hard.

"That's why I've frozen bus and tram fares. This is the seventh time I've frozen bus and tram fares, which will particularly benefit those on the lowest incomes in our city.

"I'm also pleased to announce we've extended free bus travel on the SL4, 108 and 129 for a further seven weeks, supporting cross-river travel in east London.

"The record number of TfL fares freezes I've put in place since 2016 mean that Londoners are continuing to save on travel, and I'll continue to do all I can to support Londoners as we build a fairer, greener London for everyone."  

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TfL said that had bus fares increased in line with inflation since 2016, they would now stand at £2.35. Instead, a series of freezes over the past decade means passengers are paying around 60p less per journey than they otherwise would have.

The price of Travelcards will also be frozen until March 2027, meaning weekly and daily caps will not change.

TfL said regular pay-as-you-go users will therefore reach their caps sooner, limiting the overall impact of the March fare rises.

From 1 March, no single pay-as-you-go Tube fare within Zones 1–6 will increase by more than 20p, with many rising by 10p.

On the Elizabeth line, the fare from Zone 1 to Heathrow will rise from £13.90 to £15.50.

TfL noted this remains significantly cheaper than the Heathrow Express and mainly affects single journeys, typically used by tourists.

Daily caps will continue to protect regular commuters travelling to and from Heathrow.

Alex Williams, TfL's Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said the organisation is committed to keeping public transport affordable, with fare revenue reinvested into improving services.

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More information on fares is available via the TfL website here.