Arriva Bus (UK) Reviews 3,954

TrustScore 1 out of 5

1.2

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Most reviewers were let down by their experience overall. Many people were dissatisfied with the service, frequently reporting that buses often do not arrive or are significantly delayed, leading to missed appointments and increased costs for alternative transport. Customers also found the staff to be consistently rude and unhelpful, with some drivers exhibiting unprofessional behavior. Furthermore, there is widespread dissatisfaction with the rising prices, which many feel are disproportionate to the unreliable service provided. However, some customers also noted positive experiences with certain drivers, describing them as friendly, attentive, and helpful. A few other people also felt that some journeys were pleasant and quick, with buses arriving on time.

What people talk about most

Service

Consumers find service to be negative, with many reporting buses running late, not showing up, or even... See more

Staff

Reviewers mention negative feedback about staff. Many customers report that drivers are rude, unprofessional,... See more

Location

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of location. Many customers express frustration with bus routes and... See more

Delivery service

People report negative experiences with delivery service. Many customers express frustration with buses being... See more

Price

Customers had negative experiences with price. Many reviewers found the prices to be extortionate, with some... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Whoever is currently in charge of Arriva has done an amazing job at making Starmer look competent. The nuclear reactors at Chernobyl had better management than this s**t show they call a bus service.... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

​"I was shocked by the treatment I received on the 9:21 AM 5a bus to Syston today. I asked for a ticket politely, yet the driver forced me to repeat myself multiple times and looked at me with genuine... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I have complained so many times about the 313 service from Chingford to Potters Bar. Every evening so far this year buses are being cut out and if you complain to TFL you just get an AI generated resp... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolutely some of the worst experiences! Bus is always late, never shows up when it’s supposed to, bus fair keeps going up and up which is really annoying as me and my sister need student day ticket... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Vehicles & Transportation

Written by the company

Arriva Bus run in most UK towns and regions. We operate in the North West, North East, Yorkshire, Wales, the Midlands, Beds and Bucks, Herts and Essex and Kent and Surrey.


Contact info

1.2

Bad

TrustScore 1 out of 5

4K reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

Replied to 96% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

29 bus driver lovely man

December 5, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Stephen,

Thank you for your review.

Thank you for your kind words. Please feel free to leave a commendation for the driver at www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/complaints-or-commendations.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Late every time, fee changes every month and cancellations

Absolutely some of the worst experiences! Bus is always late, never shows up when it’s supposed to, bus fair keeps going up and up which is really annoying as me and my sister need student day tickets! They’ll be £10 by 2026 instead of £5 >:(
Was in Middlesbrough bus station late at night and the bus way 45 minutes late, when he arrived he started vaping and f’d off! No one took his place so we had to wait another 1 hour 25 minutes!! Absolutely disgusting

October 27, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Bethany,

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear about the delays, fare concerns, and the experience you had at Middlesbrough bus station.

Waiting such a long time and then encountering unprofessional behaviour from a driver is unacceptable, and we completely understand your frustration.

To help us look into this thoroughly, we kindly ask you to provide any additional details (such as the date, time) through our official complaints page:
👉 https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us

Kind Regards,
EC

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

absaloute rubbish service yet again…

absaloute rubbish service yet again 18.34 bus camcelled not told anyone, got 20 people stood waiting no cancellation on board nobody come to tell anyone, found out as asked driver to find out why late and guess what it cancelled once again, thats 3 times this week what a absaloute joke of a company

December 5, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Daz,

Thank you for sharing your comments with us.

We’re very sorry to hear about this and the disruption this caused.

We understand how frustrating this must have been and appreciate you bringing it to our attention.

To help us investigate further and address this properly, we kindly ask you to provide any additional details (such as the route, time, and location) through our official complaints page:
👉 https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us

Kind Regards,
EC

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Just waited 40 minutes for a bus

Just waited 40 minutes for a bus. 2 of the supposed arrivals didnt arrive. And then had to wait 10 minutes when one did arrive as the bus driver wanted to go on his phone.

December 5, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Chloe,

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear about the long wait and the delay caused when the bus finally arrived. We understand how frustrating this must have been and appreciate you bringing it to our attention.

To help us investigate further and address this properly, we kindly ask you to provide any additional details (such as the route, time, and location) through our official complaints page:
👉 https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us

Your feedback is important to us, and we’re committed to improving our service.

Kind Regards,
EC

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Don’t think I’ve ever gotten an Arriva…

Don’t think I’ve ever gotten an Arriva service that’s actually came on time and every single driver I’ve ever encountered that work for this company seem to be the most miserable, unhappy and rude individuals I’ve ever met

December 2, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello Callum,

Thank you for your review.

We're really sorry to hear about the issue with you have experience with your bus service. If you could log this along with your journey details and contact info, to Customerservice@arriva.co.uk. we’ll make sure the right team looks into it for you.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

127 from Leicester

No bus for ages at peak time. Rude drivers.

December 2, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello

Thank you for your review.

We're really sorry to hear about the issue with you have experience with your bus service. If you could log this along with your journey details and contact info, to Customerservice@arriva.co.uk. we’ll make sure the right team looks into it for you.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

WHY IS THE DERBY TO OAKWOOD SERVICE SO…

WHY IS THE DERBY TO OAKWOOD SERVICE SO POOR - EVERY NIGHT THE 4.50PM FROM DERBY IS ALWAYS LATE OFTEN AS MUCH AS 50 MINS. SINCE YOU CUT THE SERVICE TO EVERY 30 MINS AND TOOK THE FULL CIRCUIT OF SPRINGWOOD DRIVE OAKWOOD OUT OF THE ROUTE PEOPLE HAVE TO WALK FOR AROUND 10 MINS TO REACH PORPERTIES ON SPRINGWOOD DRIVE WHICH FOR THE ELDERLY IS NOT PLEASANT.. I CAN UNDERTAND YOU CHANGING THE TIMETABLE ON SUNDAYS BUT ON WEEKDAYS WITH WORKERS AND SCHOOL CHILDREN CATCHING THE SERVICE IT IS VERY UNFAIR

November 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Ann,

Thank you for contacting us.

Thank you for getting in touch, and I’m really sorry to hear about the inconvenience you’ve experienced with our service from Derby to Oakwood.

We understand how frustrating it must be when a scheduled service doesn’t arrive as expected, especially when it leads to disruption to your plans. We genuinely want to look into this further and ensure it’s properly addressed.

To help us investigate and resolve this, please could you log your complaint with our dedicated team via the following link:

www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/complaints-or-commendations

Once submitted, our team will be able to review the service issue and get back to you with more information.

Thank you again for bringing this to our attention, and we’re truly sorry for the inconvenience caused. ^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

This is the worst bus service ever

This is the worst bus service ever! The 414 buses always never show up. The app as well also shows very inaccurate information. When it says delayed, the bus never shows up. I have had to spend more on uber as a result of the bus never showing up.
Such an irregular bus which charges very expensive fees,

December 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Aanu,

Thank you for getting in touch, and I’m really sorry to hear about the inconvenience you’ve experienced with our 414 bus service.

We understand how frustrating it must be when a scheduled service doesn’t arrive as expected, especially when it leads to disruption to your plans. We genuinely want to look into this further and ensure it’s properly addressed.

To help us investigate and resolve this, please could you log your complaint with our dedicated team via the following link:

www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/complaints-or-commendations

Once submitted, our team will be able to review the service issue and get back to you with more information.

Thank you
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Phantom 47 Arriva buses and Stagecoach buses Sunday 30th November from Cambridge road Southport.

Tried to catch 47 from Cambridge road into Southport town centre tonight. I track buses using bus times.org and google maps. Bus into town ran 5 minutes early so i missed it. Bus back at 22 16 semmingly dissapeared into space somewhere around Ainsdale. Google maps said i missed it 1 minute ago but i was at Leicester street stop 5 minutes early and i didn't. Met another couple waiting for 44 who had same problem. Stage coach buses (x2 and 2) on Sunday 30th November at 8pm same problem, phantom buses that don't exist.

November 30, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi


Thank you for your review.

I am sorry to hear about the service shortfall you have experienced with the 47 bus.

Your time is valuable and that it’s never ideal when you’re kept waiting.

We would appreciate the opportunity to get these reliability issues looked into for you. Please can you provide all details via the contact form on the link: www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us A member of Customer Services will be in contact in regards to this.

Kind Regards

^AM

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Patrick drove the Arriva 38 from Crewe…

Patrick drove the Arriva 38 from Crewe to Macc, tonight (28/11/25). What a Gent. Friendly, attentive and professional. Great bloke.

November 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Paul,

Thank you for your kind words. Please feel free to leave a commendation for Patrick at www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/complaints-or-commendations

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Service has always been terrible...

But now the buses are full of people vaping.

Otherwise the worst buses in general.

November 27, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Adam,

Thank you for contacting us.

Sorry you’ve had trouble with people smoking during your journey and our services.

I can imagine how upsetting this must have been for you and we’d like to look in to this, please confirm all details here: https://bit.ly/2RxNvL2.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I’ve been significantly late to work…

I’ve been significantly late to work every day this week because multiple buses don’t show up. This company is ruining peoples lives with its bad service and the company leaders don’t care as we have no other choice but to use their substandard service.

November 27, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello, thank you for sharing your feedback.

We’re truly sorry to hear about the delays you’ve experienced and the impact this has had on your work.

To help us investigate and address the issue properly, could you please log the details using our Arriva Contact Form here: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us

This will allow us to review the specific routes and times affected and take steps to improve reliability.

We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and hope we can restore your confidence in our service.

Kind Regards,
Ellie

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Appalling 321 bus service

Appalling 321 bus service

November 6, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello Kevin,

Thank you for getting in touch, and I’m really sorry to hear about the inconvenience you’ve experienced with our 321 services.

We understand how frustrating it must be when a scheduled service doesn’t arrive as expected, especially when it leads to disruption to your plans. We genuinely want to look into this further and ensure it’s properly addressed.

To help us investigate and resolve this, please could you log your complaint with our dedicated team via the following link:

www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/complaints-or-commendations

Once submitted, our team will be able to review the service issue and get back to you with more information.

Kind regards
^AM


Thank you again for bringing this to our attention, and we’re truly sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Awful bus schedule.

Awful bus.. Never ontime.. Please improve your schedule and discipline..

November 20, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello Rizka,

Thank you for getting in touch, and I’m really sorry to hear about the inconvenience you’ve experienced with our bus services.

We understand how frustrating it must be when a scheduled service doesn’t arrive as expected, especially when it leads to disruption to your plans. We genuinely want to look into this further and ensure it’s properly addressed.

To help us investigate and resolve this, please could you log your complaint with our dedicated team via the following link:

www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/complaints-or-commendations

Once submitted, our team will be able to review the service issue and get back to you with more information.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I got on the bus and I asked for two…

I got on the bus and I asked for two child singles to Blyth, she started shouting at me saying “an under 22, £1 or all day, I’m autistic and I don’t appreciate the way she was talking towards me. It was a number two double decker her number tag was 3908 please get her sorted and fix her attitude towards people

November 26, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Charley

Thank you for your review.

I am sorry to hear about the issues you have experienced with our service and driver.

This is not something we expect from our drivers.

We would appreciate it if you can get this officially logged. Please let us know all the information via the contact form on the link:

www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us A member of Customer Services will be in contact with you.

Kind Regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Not the first time 110 services never…

Not the first time 110 services never shows up on time or at all. Today it did but the driver didn't let people in instead went to the back of the bus and sitting on his phone. I'm sure everyone really enjoyed watching him

November 26, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi David,

Thank you for your reivew.

I am sorry to hear about the issues you have experienced with our service and the driver on the 110 bus. This is not something we expect from our drivers.

We would appreciate it if you can get this officially logged.

Please let us know all the information via the contact form on the link:

www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us A member of Customer Services will be in contact with you.

Kind Regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

If I could put -1 star I would

If I could put -1 star I would. Yesterday went to half 8 bus no turn up although was on the app that it was 5 mins away. Never turned up. Tonight waited again for said same bus never turned up and neither did the one 1 hour later.
Wrong they change to one hour intervals then still on trot 2 don’t turn up. Older people don’t have app and wait for hours it’s discusting. but then again I have the app and still shows coming but mysteriously disappeared into Bermuda Triangle. Tonight for my £2.50 bus journey I had to pay £12.38 to get home

November 25, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Jacqueline,

Thank you for your review.

Thank you for getting in touch, and I’m really sorry to hear about the inconvenience you’ve experienced with our bus services.

We understand how frustrating it must be when a scheduled service doesn’t arrive as expected, especially when it leads to disruption to your plans. We genuinely want to look into this further and ensure it’s properly addressed.

To help us investigate and resolve this, please could you log your complaint with our dedicated team via the following link:

www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/complaints-or-commendations

Once submitted, our team will be able to review the service issues experienced and get back to you with more information and a response.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Wish I could rate in negative numbers

Wish I could rate in negative numbers. Absolutely terrible and unreliable service. Buses are rarely on time. You could easily wait over an hour every single time.

November 25, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Ibrahim,

Thank you for your review.

Thank you for getting in touch, and I’m really sorry to hear about the inconvenience you’ve experienced with our bus services.

We understand how frustrating it must be when a scheduled service doesn’t arrive as expected, especially when it leads to disruption to your plans. We genuinely want to look into this further and ensure it’s properly addressed.

To help us investigate and resolve this, please could you log your complaint with our dedicated team via the following link:

www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/complaints-or-commendations

Once submitted, our team will be able to review the service issues experienced and get back to you with more information and a full response.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Disgrace of a service

Disgrace of a service. Medway 166 is terrible and rarely on time. App is useless as never accurate.
Also Chatham Waterfront station has had 166 temporarily in a different pick up location and this week it reverted back to it's normal location with no warning or information notifying anyone. Left many passengers waiting in the wrong place for the bus.

November 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Paul

Thank you for your review.

I am sorry to hear about the issues you have experienced with our service.

We would appreciate it if you can get this officially logged. Please let us know all the information via the contact form on the link:
www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us A member of Customer Services will be in contact with you.

Kind Regards,

^KW

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Bus inquiry

My dad was on the bus 123 yesterday at about 2.00 pm he is not very well and going through a tough time and the bus was supposed to stop at Westbury avenue Baptist church and it stopped all the way in tpl and he had now had to walk all the way for 15min and as he has had heart surgery a few weeks ago this is UNACCEPTABLE I am here to write this review to let others know that these buses cause inconvenience to some people when they don't stop where they are supposed to ...Thanks for reading i hope this helps other people

November 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello,

Thank you for your review.

I am sorry to hear about the issues you have experienced with our service. This is not something we expect from our drivers.

We would appreciate it if you can get this officially logged. Please let us know all the information via the contact form on the link: www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us A member of Customer Services will be in contact with you.

Kind Regards,
^KH

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