Public transport is where most everyday items go missing: phones slipping between seats, bags left in the luggage rack, umbrellas, keys, wallets. Vehicles keep moving, so the first hour matters most. Here is what to do, depending on how you travelled.
Taxi, Uber, Bolt or other ride-hailing app
This is the easiest case, because the trip is recorded.
- Use the app's lost item option: open your trip history, select the ride, and look for "lost item" or "find a lost item" in the help section. Most apps let you contact the driver or send a message through the app without sharing your number.
- Street taxi: call the taxi company if you know it. Your receipt, card statement or a payment app usually shows the company and sometimes the vehicle number.
- Be ready to arrange pickup or delivery; some apps charge a return fee that goes to the driver.
Bus, tram or coach
- Note the route number, direction, time and stop where you got off. If you can, tell the operator immediately — the vehicle may still be on the same route and the driver can check at the end of the line.
- Contact the operator's lost property office (search "[operator name] lost property"). Larger networks collect items centrally after a day or two, so an item may not show in their system immediately.
Train or metro
- Tell staff at the next station or use a help point. Staff can sometimes radio ahead so the train is checked at its terminus.
- Give the train time, departure and destination, carriage or coach number, and seat if you had one (it is on your ticket or in your booking).
- For metro systems, items found in stations and trains usually go to a central lost property office. Many have an online search or report form.
- Long-distance and international trains often have their own lost property service, separate from the stations along the route — check the operator, not just the station.
What details make your item findable
Lost property offices match reports against what they have in storage. Vague reports ("black bag") rarely match. Include:
- Brand, model, colour and size
- Unique marks: stickers, scratches, a key ring, a phone case design
- Contents of a bag or wallet (without sharing full card numbers)
- Serial numbers or IMEI for electronics
- Photos, if you have any
If it has not turned up after a few days
- Follow up with your reference number — items are often logged several days after they were found.
- Check device tracking — Apple Find My or Google Find Hub — for phones, laptops, tablets and earbuds, and share the location with the operator or police.
- Protect yourself: block cards, change passwords if a phone or laptop is missing, and report lost ID documents. Our lost wallet guide and lost phone checklist cover this in detail.
- Report it on DokiFinder. Passengers who pick up an item often take it with them instead of handing it in. A free report on DokiFinder, with an escrow-secured reward, gives them a simple and safe way to return it. Report your lost item.
Flying as well? Items left on a plane or at security follow different rules — see airport lost and found: who has your item. Lost your keys on the way? Read what to do when you lose your keys.
FAQ: Lost on public transport
How quickly do items reach the lost property office?
Often within one to three days, depending on the network. Report immediately anyway, then check again.
Is there a fee to collect lost property?
Some operators charge a small handling fee, especially for valuable items. Ask when they confirm they have it.
I do not know which bus or train it was. Can I still report it?
Yes. Give the approximate time, route and stops. Operators can often narrow it down from your journey.
Can someone else collect my item for me?
Usually, with written permission and ID. Ask the lost property office what they require.