Families looking for a festive day out this winter are being urged to leave the car at home and hop on the bus, as the government’s £3 fare cap continues to help ease cost-of-living pressures.
The nationwide cap — now extended until March 2027 — means passengers from Southend to Sunderland can travel to Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve firework displays without worrying about parking, traffic or high transport costs. Ministers say the initiative is not only helping households save money but is part of a wider push to revive Britain’s bus network.
Thousands are expected to descend on Christmas markets over the coming weeks, and the Department for Transport says buses offer a simple, stress-free way to join in the seasonal celebrations. In some areas, local councils are going even further: Southampton’s Park & Ride is offering fares of just £3 for groups of up to five people until 4 January.
The fare cap also makes it easier for families to ring in the New Year at firework displays across the country, including Sunderland’s popular Keel Square celebration and Southend’s seafront show.
‘There’s never been a better time to get on board’
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said the festive season was “the perfect opportunity” for passengers to make the most of the capped fares.
«Christmas is the time of year for seeing friends and family, making it the perfect opportunity to take advantage of our £3 bus fares, leave the car at home and save money.
The UK has so many exciting events during this festive period for people to enjoy, whether it be cosy markets or exciting New Year’s Eve firework displays. We’re putting passengers first, investing £3 billion into bus services, there has never been a chance to get on board than this Christmas”, - he said.
The investment, announced last week, gives local authorities multi-year funding to improve services, whether by reducing fares, opening new routes or upgrading infrastructure with zero-emission vehicles. It comes as the government presses ahead with reforms under the Bus Services Act, which hands councils greater control over how local services are run, lifting restrictions on publicly owned bus companies and making it easier to introduce franchising models similar to those in Greater Manchester.
VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes welcomed the fare cap, calling it a boost for both travellers and tourism businesses.
“From buzzing Christmas markets to magical light trails to cosy pub lunches, there is always so much going on in England during the festive season. The capped bus fare makes it even easier for more of us to explore our brilliant destinations and enjoy the exciting events on offer, all in a relaxing and environmentally friendly way. Whether planning a trip out with family and friends, discovering a new visitor attraction or attending a New Year’s event, I know you will have a fantastic time, and our tourism and hospitality businesses will be very pleased to welcome you” – he said.
Festive events you can reach for £3 or less
Below is a selection of Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve fireworks displays served by routes included in the fare cap.
North West
Manchester Christmas Market: 24-hour services including V1 and 36, plus numerous city-centre routes
Chester Christmas Market: 1, X1, 2, 84, 7, 16
Liverpool Fireworks: 10a, 12, 13, 14, 17
North East
Newcastle Christmas Market: X1, X10, X21, Angel 21
Sunderland NYE Fireworks (Keel Square): 9, 20, 56, 62, E1
South West
Bath Christmas Market: 39, X39, 172, 173
Bristol Christmas Market: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 72
St Ives Fireworks: T1, T2, 17
South East
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market: 411, S3, S7
Southampton Christmas Market: Park & Ride, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8
Winchester Christmas Market: 1, 64, 66, 69, 75
East Midlands
Chesterfield Christmas Market: 43, 44, 50, X17
Nottingham Fireworks: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
West Midlands
Birmingham Christmas Market: 9, 16, 50, 82, 87
Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market: X18, 15, 16
Yorkshire & Humber
York Christmas Festival: 840/843, 12/14, 18, X45, X46, X47
East of England
Southend Fireworks: 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 21, 25
Photo by Alan Heardman, Wikimedia commons.