How Much Do Bus Drivers Make?

How Much Do Bus Drivers Make? Role, Salary and Career Overview

Bus drivers are essential to the UK’s transport system, safely moving millions of passengers each day. Whether operating a city route or long-distance coach, the job requires focus, patience, and responsibility. But how much do bus drivers actually earn, and what does it take to get behind the wheel?

This guide covers the job description, training path, skills needed, salary breakdown, tax, pros and cons, and top employers in the UK.

Job Description: What Do Bus Drivers Do?

Bus drivers operate public or private buses along scheduled routes or on contract-based services. They ensure passengers are transported safely and on time while following strict traffic and safety regulations.

Core responsibilities include:

• Driving buses along assigned routes

• Picking up and dropping off passengers at stops

• Checking or issuing tickets

• Ensuring the safety of all passengers on board

• Dealing calmly and professionally with the public

• Reporting incidents, faults or delays

• Carrying out pre-trip vehicle checks

Depending on the role, you may be operating local services, school buses, shuttle services, or long-distance coaches.

How Hard Is It to Become a Bus Driver?

Becoming a bus driver is relatively accessible but involves several key steps:

• Passing a medical exam

• Earning a PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence, also known as a Category D licence

• Completing a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

The process can take 6–12 weeks, depending on the training provider and test availability. Most large bus companies provide paid training, which makes entry into the field even more achievable.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

To thrive as a bus driver, you should be:

• Patient and calm, especially in traffic and with passengers

• Reliable, with strong timekeeping and awareness of schedules

• Good at communication, able to handle public-facing interactions

• Safety-conscious, putting passenger wellbeing first

• Focused and alert, especially during long or repetitive routes

• Physically fit enough to sit and operate controls for long periods

Do You Need to Study?

Formal academic study isn’t required, but you must complete training and pass exams to qualify.

Requirements:

• At least 18 years old (some exceptions at 21 for certain services)

• Hold a full UK driving licence (Category B)

• Pass a PCV theory and practical test

• Complete 35 hours of Driver CPC training every 5 years

Many operators offer in-house, fully funded training schemes that guide you through this process.

What Are the Different Levels and Specialisations?

Bus drivers can develop into a variety of roles:

• Service Bus Driver – Local and regional routes

• Coach Driver – Long-distance and tour work (often higher paid)

• Shuttle or Airport Transfer Driver – Fixed-route, short-range work

• School Bus Driver – Term-time hours only

• Relief Driver – Fill-in across routes and shifts

• Driver Trainer or Assessor – Training new recruits

• Supervisor / Inspector / Depot Manager – Progression into logistics and team management

What Experience Do You Need?

• No prior bus experience is required—just a full car licence and clean record

• Having customer service experience is helpful

• Most companies prefer 1+ year of general driving experience

• Additional experience in logistics, security, or transport can help your application

Benefits of Being a Bus Driver

• Steady income with overtime and shift premiums

• Paid training and licence costs (with many employers)

• Pension, sick pay, and travel discounts

• No degree required

• High demand across the UK

• Clear job structure and union support in most roles

Drawbacks and Negatives

• Long and irregular hours, including weekends and early mornings

• High responsibility, especially for safety

• Stressful situations—traffic, delays, difficult passengers

• Repetitive routes and physical fatigue

• Shift work can disrupt family or social life

Bus Driver Salary Levels in the UK

Bus driver pay varies by region, company, experience and shift structure.

• Trainee / New Driver: £21,000 – £26,000

• Qualified Driver: £27,000 – £32,000

• Experienced / Coach: £33,000 – £40,000

• Shift Premiums: £2,000 – £4,000 (Varies by contract)

Tax Example:

A driver earning £30,000/year would pay:

• Income Tax: approx. £3,486

• National Insurance: approx. £2,648

• Take-home pay: approx. £23,866/year or £459/week

Overtime and weekend shifts can significantly boost earnings.

What’s the Future for This Role?

Bus drivers are still in strong demand across the UK, especially in:

• Urban public transport networks

• Airport and hotel shuttles

• Private hire and coach services

• School and SEND transport services

With ongoing focus on public transport, green mobility, and reducing traffic congestion, bus networks are expanding—not shrinking.

However, automation (driverless buses) could impact long-term demand, although full autonomy is still years away for complex urban routes.

Best Bus Companies to Work For in the UK

Top employers known for good pay, benefits, and training include:

• Stagecoach – One of the UK’s biggest operators

• Arriva – Strong benefits and union coverage

• Go-Ahead Group – London and regional roles

• National Express – Long-distance coach work

• FirstGroup – Runs bus services across the UK

• TfL (Transport for London) – Higher rates, especially in London

• Megabus – Intercity driving for experienced coach drivers

Many operators offer pension schemes, travel benefits for family members, overtime pay, and strong union protections.

Final Thought

Becoming a bus driver is a solid, reliable career with clear entry routes and growing demand. It offers a respectable salary, strong job security, and opportunities for advancement without requiring formal education. While it comes with its share of pressure and early mornings, for those who enjoy structure, public service, and driving—it’s a role worth considering.