
London Bus Routes
Explore London affordably on iconic red buses. Use the £1.75 hopper fare for unlimited journeys within an hour and enjoy city views from the top deck.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See London sparkle!

London Bus Routes
Best Time
See London sparkle!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore London affordably on iconic red buses. Use the £1.75 hopper fare for unlimited journeys within an hour and enjoy city views from the top deck.
"The £1.75 hopper fare makes it the best value sightseeing tour in London!"

🎯 Hopper Fare Magic
Use the £1.75 hopper fare to hop between buses within an hour for maximum sightseeing!
💺 Top Deck Views
Secure a front or back seat on the top deck for the best panoramic city views.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Red Double-Decker
Various routes across London
Experience London from above on a classic red double-decker bus. It's a budget-friendly way to see famous sights.

Christmas Lights Routes
Routes like 139, 453, 94
See London's dazzling Christmas lights without the hefty tour bus price tag. Many routes offer a festive sparkle tour.

Longest Bus Route Adventure
SL7 Route
Embark on London's longest bus route, the SL7, for an extensive journey through diverse city landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hopper Fare
Strategic Seating for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Hopper Fare Magic
Use the £1.75 hopper fare to hop between buses within an hour for maximum sightseeing!
💺 Top Deck Views
Secure a front or back seat on the top deck for the best panoramic city views.
🗺️ Route Planning
Check bus routes online before you go, especially for specific sights or Christmas lights.
📱 Payment Options
Use contactless payment or an Oyster card for easy boarding.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Hopper Fare Magic
Use the £1.75 hopper fare to hop between buses within an hour for maximum sightseeing!
💺 Top Deck Views
Secure a front or back seat on the top deck for the best panoramic city views.
🗺️ Route Planning
Check bus routes online before you go, especially for specific sights or Christmas lights.
📱 Payment Options
Use contactless payment or an Oyster card for easy boarding.
⚠️ Safety on Route 29
Be aware that Route 29 has been cited for higher crime rates; stay vigilant.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
While London's bus network is extensive and affordable, some central bus stations lack essential amenities like electronic timetables and reliable internet reception, leading to frustrating wait times. However, the hopper fare and the iconic double-decker experience are widely praised as excellent value for sightseeing.
"Probably one of the worst bus stations.
To say this is a main bus station catering to central London is actually horrifying/shocking.
There's no electronic timetables/schedules - so you have no idea how long you have to wait for the next bus.
I'm not sure why they haven't bothered with the electronic screened schedules... as they have these everywhere else centrally - like Oxford street/Camden down to Tottenham Court Road. And I'm sure there is more than enough funding for this in this area.
This would probably be somewhat tolerable... but then you have to account for the fact there's no internet reception either - so it's not like you can even look on your phone.
Not sure why no one else seems to be saying anything - as a lot of people seem to be using this bus station for getting to/and from work - when it may actually be quicker to walk than wait here for an hour."
SL Exe
"Absolute God damn awful! Today my bus (388) was delayed and it arrived at the last minute before my train departed! So bad I had to go to Sevenoaks and my mum had to pick me up there! I'm not happy with this service."
Henry Streatfeild
"Not as busy as u may think but plenty good enough"
George Downs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting Around
The most budget-friendly way is to use the £1.75 hopper fare, allowing unlimited bus journeys within an hour. Routes like the 139 and 453 are great for sightseeing, especially during the holidays for Christmas lights.
You can pay using a contactless credit/debit card, a mobile device with contactless payment, or an Oyster card. Cash is generally not accepted on board.
While many iconic red buses are double-deckers, not all are. You can often find them on popular tourist routes, offering great views from the top deck.
The SL7 bus route is considered London's longest, running from Heathrow Airport Central Bus Station to West Croydon, covering a significant distance.
Absolutely! Many bus routes serve major attractions like Trafalgar Square, Tower Hill, Oxford Street, and Piccadilly Circus. For example, the 12 bus goes to Oxford Circus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A single bus fare is £1.75. With the hopper fare, you can make unlimited bus journeys within one hour for the same £1.75.
No, you don't need to buy tickets in advance. Payment is made directly on the bus using contactless methods or an Oyster card.
The hopper fare allows you to make unlimited bus journeys within one hour of your first journey for a flat rate of £1.75. This is ideal for multi-stop trips.
Yes, there are dedicated hop-on hop-off tour buses, but many public bus routes offer similar sightseeing opportunities for a fraction of the cost.
Yes, if your phone has contactless payment capabilities (like Apple Pay or Google Pay), you can use it to tap and pay for your bus fare.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Routes like the 139 (past Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square), 12 (to Oxford Circus), and 453 are excellent for seeing key landmarks.
Always try to get a seat on the top deck, preferably at the front or back, for the most unobstructed views of the city.
The 29 bus route has been mentioned in some discussions as having a higher incidence of crime. It's advisable to remain aware of your surroundings on any bus.
Most London bus routes operate from early morning until late at night. Some routes also offer 24-hour service, especially on weekends. Check TfL's website for specific route times.
While delays can happen, it's best to check live bus times using apps like Citymapper or TfL Go. If a delay causes you to miss a connection, contact TfL customer service.
📸 📸 Photography
Routes that pass through central London, like the 139, 11, or 159, offer great opportunities to photograph iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul's Cathedral.
Sit on the top deck for the best vantage point. Use a camera with image stabilization or a phone with a good camera. Shooting during daylight hours will provide the best lighting.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful lighting for bus photography. During holidays, evening routes are perfect for capturing Christmas lights.
Focus on the iconic red double-decker buses against London's famous backdrops. Look for classic street scenes or landmarks that complement the bus's color.
Yes, passengers are generally allowed to take photos on public buses. Be mindful of other passengers and avoid flash photography if it might disturb them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Hopper Fare
To make the most of the hopper fare, it's wise to plan your route in advance. Consider which attractions are geographically close and can be linked within that hour. For instance, you could start at Trafalgar Square, take a bus towards the Houses of Parliament, and then switch to another bus heading towards the Tower of London, all within your hour. Remember that the hour starts from your first tap-in, so time your journeys strategically to maximize your travel.
Sightseeing by Public Bus: A Local's Secret
Several routes are particularly recommended for their scenic value. Route 139, for example, glides past Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square, offering a dazzling display, especially during the Christmas season. Route 11 is another popular choice, taking you past landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament. For those seeking an extensive journey, the SL7 route covers a significant portion of London, offering a diverse range of urban landscapes. By choosing these public routes, you not only save money but also get a more authentic feel for the city, mingling with locals and experiencing London at its own pace.
Navigating London Bus Payments and Etiquette
It's important to note that cash is not accepted on London buses, so ensure you have a valid contactless payment method before boarding. When it comes to etiquette, allow passengers to exit the bus before you board. If you're sitting on the top deck, try to secure a seat at the front or back for the best views. Be mindful of other passengers, especially those who may need a seat more than you, such as the elderly or pregnant individuals. While most routes are safe, some, like the 29, have been noted for higher crime rates, so it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit