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 95% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Here we go again! Useless arriva!!

Here we go again!! 😡 Useless arriva buses in Whitby!! My 86yrs old partner waited ages for a number 4x bus from bus station in Whitby then she rang the bell ( which was illuminated) 3 times for her stop at Harrison's garage Whitby to no avail!! so she had to walk back two stops away with two shopping bags this was around 5 o,clock ISH ! Friday!! I hope this driver gets reprimanded for not doing his job properly!! It's disgusting behaviour get a grip!!

27 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello

Thank you for your review.

This is not something we expect from our drivers please let us know more details by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/2RxNvL2

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Disgusting bus

The bus in question was dirty, shabby with old, dusty seats that looked at least 20-30 years old. Not to mention the driver I experienced was extremely unfriendly. I have complained to the bus company in question.

26 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Mrs Gibson,

Thank you for your reveiw.

This is not something we expect from our services and drivers please let us know more details by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/2RxNvL2.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

worst company to contact

This is the first time I have had to write a report about a company, and unfortunately my experience has been very disappointing.

I applied for a job with Arriva Bus in Leicester and have found their communication to be extremely poor. In particular, I tried to contact Hannah Parkes regarding the status of my application. However, despite sending 15 emails asking for an update, I have not received any response.

It is frustrating not knowing whether I have been successful or unsuccessful, especially after making repeated attempts to follow up. At the very least, applicants should receive clear communication about the outcome of their application.

Based on my experience, I feel that the recruitment process lacked professionalism and basic courtesy. Clear and timely communication is important in any organisation, and unfortunately this was not demonstrated in this case.

26 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

The bus driver pretended not to see me.

The bus driver pretended not to see me. Painfully bad service. 1 star is a compliment. Pathetic.

Your days are numbered, and I hope everyone you’ve given a bad service to dances on the grave of your ridiculous company. Lol.

24 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello,

Thank you for your review.

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

Worst Sevice never on time

Worst Sevice never on time

23 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Adil

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

We understand how frustrating it must be when a scheduled service doesn’t arrive as expectef, 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

Disgraceful service in North Yorkshire

Absolutely disgraceful service in and around Catterick Garrison. Bus didn’t turn up and when complained got told they had issues with bus and didn’t have a replacement. Forked out for a taxi and they won’t refund as they say it’s not their issue as per the carriage of goods
Try to use arriva as less as possible disgusting service, poor management
But yet that does not fall on all drivers that try to keep the buses running

18 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi

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

We understand how frustrating it must be when a scheduled service doesn’t arrive as expectef, 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 3 out of 5 stars

The X46 to and from Durham never comes…

The X46 to and from Durham never comes on time I am so disappointed with this

23 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Linda,

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 X46 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. ^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Never on time

Never on time, rude drivers, prices ridiculous, worst company

23 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Susie,

Thank you for your review.

This is not something we expect from our services and drivers please let us know more details by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/2RxNvL2.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Diabolical

Diabolical. Left me and two 70 year old parents stranded at Tamworth when the last bus departed 10 minutes early.

22 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

H Mark,

Thank you for your review.

This is not something we expect from our service please let us know more details by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/2RxNvL2.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Worst transport company in the world.

Worst transport company in the world.
I would give minus 1000 Stars if I could.
No respect for the customers whatever.
Buses cancelled every day, leaving people waiting for hours in the cold weather.
My journey home that supposed to last between 30 to 40 minutes, last for 2 to 3 hours.

19 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Leonardo,

Thank you for getting in touch, and 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 always try to catch stage coach…

Rarely on time and in the winter months are absolutely freezing

2 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello Keith,

Thank you for your review.

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,
^KH

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

The worst bus service in the UK there…

The worst bus service in the UK there buses are old freezing inside always late and let you down consistently

17 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello Majko,

Thank you for your review regarding our services.

We’re concerned to hear this, we’ll need to look into this further, please fill in all fields of this form so we can start our investigation: https://bit.ly/2RxNvL2

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Since I complained about a bus driving…

Since I complained about a bus driving straight past me and another young girl I have read a lot of reviews stating that buses arnt stopping just deliberately driving past leaving people stranded, I was told by arriva that they had viewed cctv and no one signalled to stop the bus. Absolute joke the young girl in front of me signalled the road was clear the bus was going that slow I could see it was a female driver she definitely knew we needed to be on that bus! I knew the driver would get away with the shameful behaviour..The email i got started addressing me as Martin..my name is Sue which is stated in my complaints..

16 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello Susan,

Thank you for contacting us.

We’re concerned to hear the matters you have raised and we’ll need to look into these further, please fill in all fields of this form so we can start our investigation: https://bit.ly/2RxNvL2.

Please can you confirm the reference number of your previous case and we will arrange to amend your name.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Shocking when the driver could see I…

Shocking when the driver could see I was getting bus pass out and closed the doors before I could board and drove away

16 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hi Linda,

Thank you for your review.

We're really sorry to hear about the issue with our driver not stopping. If you could send us all the details and contact info, we’ll make sure the right team looks into it for you.

Please confirm all details here: https://bit.ly/2RxNvL2.

Kind regards
^AM

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

X6 Bus service and drivers

The X6 bus service is terrible, I was waiting for the 7:37 bus from Coventry (Walsgrave), I quite obviously signalled at the bus to stop and the bus drove past me and I had to chase it until it stopped. When I got on the driver was having a go at me. Once I sat down he kept on sounding his horn at cars that were not in the way (I was sat in the front seat) and started calling them wan***s and making inappropriate hand gestures. It was honestly an appalling bus ride. I have had multiple instances with this specific driver being rude and inappropriate, shouting at passengers, just driving past when you have signalled for a stop and telling you off when you have to chase them.

13 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello

Thank you for your review.

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

Bad behaviour

Dear Customer Services,

I would like to raise a complaint regarding a driver on Route 4 at around 10:20.
When I boarded the bus, I politely greeted the driver, but he did not respond. Instead, he immediately told me in an angry tone to turn off my phone call. I was on a call due to my mother had emergency and hospitalised, but it was not on loudspeaker and was not loud. I was fully focused on the driver while boarding and speaking to him respectfully. Even after I lowered the volume, he continued repeating himself in an irritated manner.

As I was walking to my seat, he again said, “You should have headphones,” which felt unnecessary and embarrassing.
I understand passengers should be considerate, but my call was not disturbing anyone. The situation could have been handled politely.

14 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello,

Thank you for your review.

I am sorry to hear about the experience you had with our service. We expect all of drivers to work with the upmost professionalism.

We would like to address all of your comments and look into how we can improve the services for you. Please can you provide all information via the contact form on the link:
www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us.

Kind Regards,
^KH

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Joke of a service.

The one thing they are ment to do and they can't even do it. Bus time for the 127 says 6.46 in the morning is the first Saturday bus. Moment the time comes they chenge to due in 15 minutes and this is not the first time. Disgraceful servive arriva has become.

14 February 2026
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

Hdksufnx

Bus just goes right past every time even put my hand out an it didn’t stop

13 February 2026
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

If I could give a a zero i would

If I could give a a
Zero I would. Absolutely ridiculous. Constantly cancelling or my favourite YOU JUST DISPPEAR off the app like how do you get to a certain stop and you're one stop away from my stop and then just gone? Bloody magic. 🙃

16 January 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello,

Thank you for your review.

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,
^KH

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

In relation to the 446 service between…

In relation to the 446 service between Leeds and Wakefield, not only is this service unreliable but why does it only go to and from the bus station in Leeds? It would be very difficult for a mum, dad, 2 children and an elderly wheelchair bound relative lugging several suitcases to get to the railway station to catch the Manchester Airport train. Clearly Whoever came up with this idea hasn't tried it!!

2 February 2026
Unprompted review
Arriva Bus (UK) logo

Reply from Arriva Bus (UK)

Hello Barry,

Thank you for your review.

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,
^KH

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