Bus Travel in London

Bus Travel

Red Transport for London (TfL) buses travel all over town, whereas buses in other colors cover the suburbs. Although London is famous for its double-decker buses, change is underway. The city has embraced long articulated buses (locally known as "bendy buses"), which have fully replaced the oldest buses -- the beloved rattletrap "routemasters," which had the jump-on/off back platforms. Two routemaster "heritage" routes keep the old familiar rattletrap buses working, however. The No. 9 travels through Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square, and Knightsbridge, and the No. 15 rattles its way through Trafalgar Square down Fleet Street and on to St. Paul's Cathedral.

Bus stops are clearly indicated; the main stops have a red TfL symbol on a plain white background. When the word request is written across the sign, you must flag the bus down. When the sign simply says "bus stop," the bus must stop whether or not it's flagged. Each numbered route is listed on the main stop, and buses have a large number on the front with their end destination. Not all buses run the full route at all times; check with the driver or conductor. If you want to decipher the numbers, pick up a free bus guide at a TfL Travel Information Centre (at Euston, Liverpool Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Victoria Tube stations; at West Croydon bus station; and at Heathrow Airport).

Buses are a good way of seeing the town, particularly if you plan to hop on and off to cover many sights, but don't take a bus if you're in a hurry. To get off, pull the cord running above the windows on old buses, or press the button by the exit. Expect to get a little squashed during rush hour, from 8 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Night buses, denoted by an n before their route numbers, run from midnight to 5 AM on a more restricted route than day buses. All night buses run by request stop, so flag them down if you're waiting or push the button or pull the cord if you want to alight.

Fares & Schedules

All journeys cost £1.50. If you plan to make a number of journeys in one day, consider buying a bus pass (£3) or a Travelcard, good for both Tube and bus travel. Traveling without a valid ticket makes you liable for a fine (£10-£20). Buses are supposed to swing by most stops every five or six minutes, but, in reality, you can often expect to wait a bit longer, although those in the center of town are quite reliable.

Bus Information

Transport for London (020/7222-1234. www.tfl.gov.uk).

Paying

In central London you must pay before you board the bus. Automated ticket kiosks are set up at these bus stops, which are clearly marked with a yellow sign buy tickets before boarding. Otherwise, you can buy tickets at most central London Tube stations as well as at newsagents, and shops that display the sign buy your travelcards & bus passes here. Outside the central zone, payment may be made to the driver as you enter (exact change is best so as to avoid incurring the driver's wrath). On some of the old buses, a conductor issues you a ticket.