Travel Information for London  

London Buses Travel Information Guide

Travelling around in London can be daunting for the first time visitor.

There are a range of public transport options in the city, with good, well established rail, bus, taxi and underground connections. Services are frequent and affordable.

The Bus routes in London are managed by London Buses who licence a number of independent operating companies.

A Central London Bus Map can be viewed here showing route numbers and stops

The buses range from large double deck buses to small 30 seaters. In Central London you have to pre-purchase tickets, you cannot pay on board.

Tickets are available in a number of places such as local newsagents (convenience stores) and online via facilities such as the Oyster card. ( a system that enables you to pre pay and use a variety of bus and underground routes)

Most buses run from around 5 a.m. to about midnight. At other times there is a night bus service on many routes in the centre of London

Peak and Off Peak Travel Times

Londons Buses run on a peak and off peak system. Some ticket types are not valid during peak hours.

Peak hours are before 9 30.a.m. Monday to Friday. Off peak travel is generally cheaper.

London Bus Pass
The London Bus Pass costs £2.50 per day and gives unlimited access to London's buses. It can be purchased widely throughout London, including tourist offices, bus stop ticket machines and many newsagents and convenience stores which usually display a sign indicating so.

London Bus Fares - Flat Fare Per Journey (from 4 Jan 2004 )

Children aged between 5-10 travel free if they possess a '5-10' photocard.

Children aged 14-15 must prove their age by production of a '14/15 Citizen Card or a '11-15' photocard.

Photocards are available from London Underground Stations with a passport size photo and proof of age.

The Day (Off Peak) and Family cards do not allow travel before 9.30 a.m. Mon-Fri

A 7 day card can start on any day. A photocard is required for 7 day tickets other than zones 1-2. The issuing ticket office will provide a Photocard on provision of a passport sized photo. The ID of the photocard is marked on the Travelcard and both must be shown on demand.

Children accompanied by an adult with a 7 day Travelcard can purchase their own Off Peak Day Travelcard for £1

Anyone with a valid Student Photocard can obtain a 30% discount on the 7 day Travelcard .

For further details, see: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/fares-tickets/2004

Where To Purchase Your Ticket

In most of Central London you cannot pay on the bus, you have to pre-purchase your ticket. Outside Central London it is still possible to pay the driver.
You simply show your ticket to the driver as you board. The whole idea is to make boarding of passengers faster and journey times quicker.
You can pre-purchase your tickets from:

A ticket machine by the bus stop (Takes coins only up to £2 and doesn't give change) Not all machines dispense Day Bus Pass tickets
Underground / Tube stations and London Travel Information Centres
Over 3,000 ticket outlets including newsagents with a prominent sign displayed
Using a travel pass like London Day Bus Pass, Travelcard or Oystercard Smartcard, the preferred option

The London bus network is divided into zones.

For adult single cash fares, the London bus network is divided into two separate areas: Central London (Zone 1) and the rest of London. For child single cash fares, a flat fare applies.

For Bus Passes, the London bus network is divided into four zones - 1, 2, 3 and 4. The Bus Pass you hold must be valid for all the zones you travel in, as shown on the ticket.

Any Travelcard or LT Card is valid for travel across the entire London bus network.

Passengers should ensure they always have a valid ticket when travelling on London buses. On-the-spot £10 penalty fares are payable by anyone caught travelling without a valid ticket, Saver Ticket stub, Bus Pass or Travelcard. When you want to get off ring the bell just once as the bus approaches the bus stop you require. Never get on or off a Routemaster bus unless it is standing at a bus stop. If you are not sure what stop you want ask the driver or conductor.