London buses

For a reliable and speedy way to get around London, why not take a famous London Double Decker Bus?

It is also the cheapest way to get around the capital and might even give you a chance to do a bit of sightseeing on your journey.

The city of London is covered by its round-the-clock bus network.

Keep reading below for details of how to get around using London Buses.

How to Pay for your Bus Journey

Important information: It is impossible to pay for a London Bus journey with cash.

A standard single fare will cost you £1.65, but it needs to be paid using an Oyster card, Visitor Oyster card, contactless debit card or Travelcard.

An exciting and helpful feature when using a bus is the ‘hopper’ service, which allows you to make a second journey on another bus, so long as it is taken within 1 hour of first touching in with your card of choice.

To take full advantage of this offer, the second journey must be made using the same card with which you made the first one.

For more details, please check www.tfl.gov.uk.

If you use the same card for each journey, the amount you’ll pay will be capped at £4.95 if you only travel within London’s boundaries.

If you are travelling from outside the UK, then you need to check with your bank for any charges that could be incurred or transaction fees that may apply.

When entering the bus, you must show the driver your paper Travel card or tap your Oyster card, Visitor Oyster card or contactless card on the yellow reader.

It is important to remember to keep your payment card away from all of your other cards to minimise the chances of tapping in with the wrong or multiple cards.

With both an Oyster card and a Visitor Oyster card, it is possible to make one more bus journey after you run out of credit.

It will then become necessary to top it up before you can use it to travel again.

If you want more details about bus fares in London, please refer to Transport For London’s website, www.tfl.gov.uk.

Bus and Tram Passes in London

A valid Bus and Tram Pass can be used on the TFL tram and bus network in the capital, which does not have fares governed by ‘zones’.

With a 1 Day Bus & Tram Pass, its bearer can be used unlimitedly on the entire TFL tram and bus network.

The cost is £5.20, which can be used for the whole day and up until 4.29 am the next day.

2022 London bus and tram pass prices (standard adult fares)

Seven days: £23.30
One month: £89.50
One year: £932

Keep reading for more information on Bus Fares.

London bus fare concessions

There is no charge for London buses and trams for children under 11 years of age.

A Freedom Pass is an excellent way for wheelchair users, the elderly and the disabled to enjoy free travel in the capital.

Even if you aren’t from London and have been issued a pass by a different council body, you can still use it to travel for free on London buses that bear the Red Roundel symbol.

Stopping a London Bus

It is only possible to depart a London bus at designated stops; this is the only place a driver will stop.

They will not do so between stops, even when asked.

When you are approaching your stop, you must make the driver aware that you must get off.

This can be done by pressing one of the big red buttons on many upright posts dotted around the bus.

Pressing the button will generally make a bell sound, accompanied by the ‘Bus Stopping’ sign lighting up at the front by the driver.

Timetables and Maps for London Buses

Visit our ‘Free Maps‘ page to download your copy of Central London’s bus routes.

Alternatively, you can pick up a hard copy or paper version at the TFL Visitor Centres. For access to timetables for all of London’s bus routes, please visit www.tfl.gov.uk.

Night Bus Services in the Capital

Many bus companies in London operate 24 hours per day, which means that part of their services is referred to as the Night Bus.

This covers the period after which the underground closes for the night and when day buses start operating again.

If you need to be more conversant with London bus routes, we recommend heading to Trafalgar Square, as this is the official centre for night buses.

If that’s too far away, this information can also be found on the information board of any bus stop.

Services will be less regular during this time, and the etiquette of stopping one is slightly different.

During the night, you will need to physically signal to the driver that you want them to stop, or they’ll drive on by.

Bus Tours in London

A bus tour around London is the ideal way to get to know the City of London in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

Without the stress and aggravation of finding your way around, you’re free to fully appreciate the magnificent architecture, statues and monuments that can be found in the capital.

Guides on these buses provide commentary on sights and landmarks seen on the journey and can be enjoyed in several different languages.

If you’d like to take a slightly cheaper tour without a guide, there are some incredible sights on routes 9, 14, 15, 22, 24, 38, 148 & 390.

Information on Accessibility

Every bus in London (except Heritage Routemaster vehicles) is a low-floor vehicle that those with limited mobility can easily access.

That’s 8,500 buses, all usable by everyone! In addition to this, bus travel in London is free for users of wheelchairs.

These buses’ innovative low floor design allows wheelchairs, prams, the visually impaired with guide dogs and those with other mobility issues to board and alight quickly and easily.

In addition, each bus has a retractable ramp that is always kept operational.

There is room for one wheelchair user on all buses, which can be up 28 inches wide and 47 inches long.

Others can use this area, but those in wheelchairs take priority.

As long as there is enough space on the bus, no maximum number of guide dogs are allowed on the bus at one time.

For more detailed information, please see TFL’s guide to accessibility.