London Bus Routes

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. +2

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. +1

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. +1

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. +1

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. +1

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.

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. +2

Always try to get a seat on the top deck, preferably at the front or back, for the most unobstructed views of the city. +1

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.

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. +1

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. +1

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.