So, what is the Weekend Hopper?
If you study in London, you already know that getting around can add up quickly. Good news: Mayor Sadiq Khan has just announced the Weekend Hopper fare, running every Saturday and Sunday from 25 July to 31 August 2025.
The idea is simple. You tap in once and pay one single bus or tram fare, which is £1.75. After that, you can jump on and off buses and trams as many times as you like for the rest of that day, all across London. No extra charges, no complicated zones, just one flat fare for the whole day.
Good to know: The Bank Holiday Monday on 25 August is also included, so you can use the Weekend Hopper during Notting Hill Carnival weekend too.
The quick facts
Why this is great if you are a student
As an international student, you are probably already stretching your budget. Transport is one of those costs that quietly eats into your money week after week. The Weekend Hopper means your Saturday and Sunday trips around the city cost the same as one journey, no matter how many stops you make.
Even if you are travelling solo, the savings stack up fast when you are doing a full day out, visiting a museum in the morning, grabbing lunch in a different area, then heading to an evening event.
How to actually use it
There is nothing special you need to set up. Just use your Oyster card or contactless bank card or phone as normal when you get on a bus or tram. The system automatically applies the Hopper discount after your first journey.
- Use Oyster, contactless card, or Apple/Google Pay
- Tap in as usual on your first journey and pay £1.75
- All journeys after that on Saturday or Sunday that day are free
- Works on all London buses and trams, including the Superloop network
Watch out for this: The Weekend Hopper only covers buses and trams, not the Tube, Overground, or Elizabeth line. So if you need to mix rail and bus travel, you will still pay separately for those other modes.
What to do with a free weekend in London
With the Weekend Hopper in your pocket, here are some ideas for days out that will not break the bank. Many of these are free to enter:
Museums and galleries
Free entry to the V&A, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, British Museum, and National Portrait Gallery. Take bus routes 23 or 49 to reach many of these in one day.
South Bank
Walk along the Thames, visit the BFI Southbank, or catch free outdoor events as South Bank celebrates 75 years of the Festival of Britain this summer.
Kew Gardens
Over 30 outdoor sculptures by Henry Moore are on display this summer. It is a great place to slow down and enjoy nature.
London Museum in Docklands
Free entry, 400 years of London port history, and family events over the holidays including a Caribbean Culture festival and a Big Dig experience.
South Kensington Culture Quarter
22 institutions, including the Science Museum, V&A, and Natural History Museum, all within walking distance of each other.
Spot the frog buses
As a fun extra, TfL has wrapped three buses on routes 23, 49, and 295 to look like hopping frogs. If you are out and about this summer, keep an eye out for them. These three routes pass through some of the best parts of the city, including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Royal Albert Hall, and world-class museums. Consider it a little city scavenger hunt on top of your day out.
One last thing
96 per cent of London households are within 400 metres of a bus stop. That means wherever you are living in London as a student, you are almost certainly close to a bus that can take you somewhere brilliant this summer. Make the most of it.
The Weekend Hopper runs from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 31 August. Mark those weekends in your calendar and start planning your adventures.
Note: Information sourced from the official Mayor of London announcement, May 2026. Always check TfL.gov.uk for the latest fare and route details before you travel.
Make the Most of Your London Student Life with Inforens
Studying abroad is not just about lectures and assignments. It is also about learning how to navigate your new city smartly, save money, and make the most of every opportunity around you.
For international students in London, initiatives like the Weekend Hopper can make city exploration far more affordable, helping you experience more while spending less.
At Inforens, we help students go beyond university admissions by supporting the full study abroad experience, including:
- Student-friendly financial guidance
- Accommodation support
- Personalized mentor advice
- International student community access
- Practical lifestyle tips to help you manage everyday costs abroad
Whether it is finding the right housing, budgeting smarter, or discovering ways to maximize student life in cities like London, Inforens helps students settle in faster and thrive with confidence.
Because studying abroad should not just be about reaching your destination. It should also be about making the most of every experience once you get there.