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
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2-star
1-star

Replied to 96% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

7 days in a row number 7 bus late or…

7 days in a row number 7 bus late or didn't turn up ... useless bunch of morons

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 service shortfall you have experienced.

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,
^KH

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolute sh*t

Absolute sh*t. I was literally just about to board the bus and the driver closed the doors on me and didn’t open them when he saw me. I was on time. The bus was 13:30 I was there at 13:30. And this company has consistent issues. Shitty ignorant drivers, dirty busses and it’s almost never on time.

November 20, 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

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Arriva bus 248 cranham to Romford an…

Arriva bus 248 cranham to Romford an awful service never on time rude drivers today 18/11/2025 7.30 pm waited 20 minutes for a bus nothing after 20 minutes of walking empty 248 went past so all the people at Upminster station must have still been there awful service queue 30 deep said 20 minutes no show had to walk

November 18, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi,

Thank you for your contact and review regarding the 248 bus.

Unfortunately, this department does not cover the London region as it is under TFL. If you would like a follow up on the matter, please contact Arriva London via this phone no. 0208 271 0101

You can also contact TFL via the link below

https://tfl.gov.uk/help-and-contact/contact-us-about-buses

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

absolutely disgusting company there…

absolutely disgusting company there buses are like there managers absolutely clueless piss poor company

November 16, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Good Afternoon Anthony,

Thanks for letting us know about the issue regarding our bus service. Please all your journey details to Customerservice@arriva.co.uk with your contact information so we can pass it to the relevant team.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

508 failure

508 failure . Arriva app clearly states when and where to expect the bus . No mention of cancellations . The bus stop electronic info panel even shows the bus as having arrived when it hasn’t and was never going to. Time and time again this happens. As I have said in the past Arriva just be honest and say cancelled bus , so people can then make other arrangements should they wish to do so. It’s time tenders were invited to bid on running these services because Arriva have proven just how inefficient and divorced they are from understanding the needs of reliable services . You fully deserve your appalling reviews.

November 13, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Luke,

Thank you for getting in touch, and I’m really sorry to hear about the inconvenience you’ve experienced with the 508 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 again for bringing this to our attention, and we’re truly sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolutely rubbish service on the…

Absolutely rubbish service on the X21/X22 buses as usual, frequent cancellations and 20+ minutes delays. Arriva app displays the bus as arriving in several minutes and then just disappears from the list, missed a different bus expecting to get this one. Thank you arriva for continuing to be unreliable and making the day longer than it needs to be

November 12, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Liam,

Thank you for getting in touch, and I’m really sorry to hear about the inconvenience you’ve experienced with the X21/X22 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.

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

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Oakwood 26 bus late again and standing…

Oakwood 26 bus late again and standing room only when is Arriva going to do something we need more buses on this route disgraceful service

November 12, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Lynn,

Thank you for getting in touch, and I’m really sorry to hear about the inconvenience you’ve experienced with the late running of the 26 Oakwood bus.

We understand how frustrating it must be when a scheduled service doesn’t arrive on time and is then very busy as a result, 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

Ignorant bus driver

I was waiting to catch the bus for college and the X4 ignores me and Drives straight past me

November 11, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Brooklyn,

Thank you for contacting us.

We’re sorry that happened. To help us look into the issue with the driver of the X4 not stopping for you.

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

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

This company is so bad drivers don’t…

This company is so bad drivers don’t care about the passengers at all going out of service because he’s 30 minutes late and I’m left in dark with my 2 year old daughter

November 10, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Brian,

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

We understand how frustrating it must be when a scheduled service doesn’t arrive on time, 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 to yourself and your Daughter

Kind regards

^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Are you going to make it ?

Overall staff members especially bus drivers really lack compasion to people , if you did not make it and the door in front of your face is closed the bus driver will not open it and you will have to wait 30 to 1 hour for the next bus.
Arriva bus app also lacks reliability , it may show that your bus is cancelled whereas it is actually not. Also applies to morning and evening buses , the app may show the buses will be on time but in reality they are actually cancelled.

November 10, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Anna,

Thank you for your review.

We're really sorry to hear about the issue with our bus service and staff that you have experienced.

To help us investigate and resolve this, please could you log your complaint with our dedicated team via the following link, so we can look into the matters raised for you.

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

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Today I got the 166 8.40am bus from…

Today I got the 166 8.40am bus from Princes Park to Lordswood revenge road with my two year old Todler. I was collecting my car from somewhere.

The bus driver's name was Sally and they were extremely knowledgeable about the bus route. I have not got a bus for many years and had no idea where to get off.

The driver knew exactly what stop I needed to get off at and stopped the bus there to tell me it was my stop.

The driver was extremely helpful and friendly and I am thankful for their help today especially as it was raining and I had my two year old with me.

Thank you for your assistance.

November 10, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Sadie,

Thank you for your great 5 star review.

Thank you for your kind words for Sally.

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

I would rate in negative numbers if i could

I would rate in negative numbers if I could. Absolutely awful. Got this bus atleast 5 days a week for the past 2 years and not once can I recall it being anywhere near on time. It’s the most inconvenient awful way of travelling and I would never wish having to use Arriva bus as a mode of transport on anyone

November 6, 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 service shortfall you have experienced.

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,
^KH

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Worst bus ive ever taken ive never ever…

Worst bus ive ever taken ive never ever seen it be on time ever. Waited hour for 3 buses and they all never came horrendous service especially if im paying in advance can't ever rely on it.

And this isn't the first time either.

November 4, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Muhammad,

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

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 with a response.

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

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Biggest headache ever

Biggest headache ever. Can’t remember the last time one of my daily busses was on time. Never a week where one doesn’t show up. Disgusting.

November 3, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Jim,

Thank you for your review.

I’m really sorry to hear about the inconvenience you’ve experienced with our 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.

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

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I was recently boarding the arriva bus…

I was recently boarding the arriva bus and I entered the bus and said hi to the driver and asked for a single ticket then the driver said i am mannerless and asked if he can get the magic word which he wanted me to say please I found it wierd cos why do I have to say please as if I'm begging for a ticket while it's my money and I didn't feel like saying please so I didn't go forward to boarding the bus. Happened in luton to Dunstable. Sometimes this drivers if you have less money no matter how many please you tell them they won't let you board the bus. I guess you should train them on customer service cos they don't have to harass customers just because they want the customers to be polite.

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

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Jowi,

Thank you for your review.

We are sorry to hear that you were not happy with our Driver and your experiences when buying a ticket on our bus.

It’s really important that this is officially logged, please let us know all info here so we can begin looking into this: https://bit.ly/2RxNvL2.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolute joke of a service as always

Absolute joke of a service as always.

2nd October, X9 service from Haymarket to Blyth at 17:38 never shows up.

20th October, X9 service from Haymarket to Blyth at 17:38 never shows up.

29th October, X9 service from Haymarket to Blyth at 17:38 never shows up.

Some of us want to get home after work...

October 29, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello,

Thank you for getting in touch, and I’m really sorry to hear about the inconvenience you’ve experienced with our X9 services.

We understand how frustrating it must be when scheduled services do not 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.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

You do not deserve even a one star,as…

You do not deserve even a one star,as your Blacon bus drivers dont even give out change to passengers who want a return to chester from blacon,as the ticket cost £2:90 and i gave the driver £3 and wanted 10p change,he just looked at me and said "i dont have any change at the moment"
But he expects me to sit down with out my change and carry on with his driving,discusting service from Arriva as its not the first time,money at the moment is tough for most people, so expecting change is expected but customers are not exoected to be moved on instead, its not good service from your company and you need to sort it out as i feel it is being done to most custoners and they arnt saying anything

October 29, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Paul,

Thank you for your reivew.

We are sorry to learn that our driver did not have change when you travelled on our bus.

Our Drivers do not hold floats for health and safety reasons.

Please can you provide your joumey details so this matter can be looked into

here: https://bit.ly/2RxNvL2

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Disgusting attitude from driver.

Oh, fantastic! Just what I needed today – a bus driver with magical powers! I mean, where does she get this incredible ability to see through vehicles and around corners? Clearly, I missed the memo on those special classes.

This female driver of the Arriva bus in Kippax this afternoon must be a wizard! Sitting there on a bend with her hazard lights glowing like a beacon, and somehow, in her mystical world, everyone else should just *know* there’s been an accident ahead. I thought she was broken down and waiting for assistance or that the guy in the van behind her had hit her. I waited, thinking maybe he was just being polite or trying to figure out what to do.

But no, as I made my move to indicate and went cautiously around, she starts screaming at me, calling me names and accusing me of being “impatient.” Excuse me, how am I supposed to read her mind? Maybe I need to sign up for her magic course so I can suddenly understand the situation without actually seeing it!

A simple “there’s been a crash” would have sufficed instead of the rude tirade. Your drivers really need to learn some basic respect and communication skills. If I had supernatural powers like her, I wouldn't have needed to sit there confused! Unbelievable.

October 29, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Sarah,

Thank you for contacting us,and we are sorry to learn of the experience described.

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 as this is not something we expect from our drivers.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I rely in the 153 bus to get from…

I rely in the 153 bus to get from newbold verdon to leicester i only started 3 months ago and the bus has broke down 3 times without refunds busses also always late and most of the time doesn't update the times on the app

October 29, 2025
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Kaleb,

Thank you for your review and comments regarding the 153 bus breaking down.
We understand how frustrating it must be when a scheduled service doesn’t run or operate 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

I wish I could give them lower than zero.

I would love to give them naught and in West Yorkshire they probably deserve lower than zero. They are totally unreliable with services failing to turn up on a regular basis, including last services of the day. They have cut services leaving cities cut of from nearby towns, nearby towns cut off from each other, towns cut off from near by villages and even some villages cut off altogether. This in an urban area. People need to get School, Collage, University, Work, Health Appointments and Visiting people in care homes. Don't try and complain though. My god is it your fault for wanting to go where they do not want you to go. Far worse than pathetic. At a public meeting their representatives could only shout out the name of a town where there depot is. They stop running very early as well.

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

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi John,

Thank you for your review regarding our services in West Yorkshire.

I am sorry to hear about the experience you had with our services. We appreciate the inconvenience this may have caused.

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

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