Various London Bus Routes - Image 1
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London Bus Routes

3.1
·8 reviews·, United Kingdom

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings (especially during holidays)

See London sparkle!

CrowdMedium
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Various London Bus Routes - Image 1

London Bus Routes

Best Time

Evenings (especially during holidays)

See London sparkle!

CrowdMedium

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.

3.1
(8 reviews)

"The £1.75 hopper fare makes it the best value sightseeing tour in London!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Red Double-Decker

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

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

Longest Bus Route Adventure

SL7 Route

Embark on London's longest bus route, the SL7, for an extensive journey through diverse city landscapes.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Hopper Fare

Maximize your travel with London's £1.75 hopper fare. Ride as many buses as you want within an hour, making it an incredibly budget-friendly way to see the city. Plan your routes to connect multiple sights within that hour for the best value. TikTok

Strategic Seating for Views

For the best sightseeing experience, aim for a seat on the top deck, especially at the front or back. This offers unobstructed views of London's iconic landmarks and festive lights. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Evenings (especially during holidays)
Why
See London sparkle!
Crowd
Medium
When
Daytime, off-peak hours
Why
Less crowded, better views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Take the 87 bus toward Wandsworth or in the other direction it’s toward Aldwych! Get on at either Aldwych/Drury Lane to go south or Horseferry Road if you’re going in the other direction! #londontravel #londontips #londonbus #doubledeckerbus #londonlife #londontiktok #londontour #hoponhopoff #londonhotspots
@travelwithlolo
5.5K likes • 82K views

🎯 Hopper Fare Magic

Use the £1.75 hopper fare to hop between buses within an hour for maximum sightseeing! TikTok+1

💺 Top Deck Views

Secure a front or back seat on the top deck for the best panoramic city views. TikTok+1

Best £1.75 Tour in London 🚌👀 Original Video Credits:🎥 @londoncheapo via Instagram . . . We love London buses and with the £1.75 hopper fare, you can ride as many buses as you want within an hour ! But it’s not just cheap travel, it’s also one of the best ways to sightsee. Hop on at Victoria Station Stop J, grab a window seat, and enjoy views of London’s most iconic landmarks ! 🏰🌆 . . . 📍 Victoria ...
@exploringuk24
17.7K likes • 609.6K views
Riding the 29 bus route!! #bus #london #woodgreen #camden #trafalgarsquare
@newcome50
6.6K likes • 196.9K views

🗺️ Route Planning

Check bus routes online before you go, especially for specific sights or Christmas lights. TikTok+1

📱 Payment Options

Use contactless payment or an Oyster card for easy boarding. Reddit

See London’s Christmas lights without the festive price tag!🎄✨ 🚌 The 139 glides past Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square for just £1.75, following almost the same sparkle route as the pricey sightseeing buses. 🎟️ Hop on outside Selfridges or John Lewis in Oxford Street, head upstairs for the best glow and enjoy the city dressed in full festive glamour. 🌟 It can g...
@bigworldsmallpockets
68 likes • 2.7K views

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! TikTok+1

💺 Top Deck Views

Secure a front or back seat on the top deck for the best panoramic city views. TikTok+1

🗺️ Route Planning

Check bus routes online before you go, especially for specific sights or Christmas lights. TikTok+1

📱 Payment Options

Use contactless payment or an Oyster card for easy boarding. Reddit

⚠️ Safety on Route 29

Be aware that Route 29 has been cited for higher crime rates; stay vigilant. TikTok

What Travellers Say

3.1
(8 reviews)

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

Affordable hopper fare
Iconic double-decker experience
Great sightseeing views

What People Dislike

Lack of electronic timetables
Poor internet reception at stations
Bus delays impacting schedules

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. TikTok+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. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

The SL7 bus route is considered London's longest, running from Heathrow Airport Central Bus Station to West Croydon, covering a significant distance. TikTok

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. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok+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. Reddit

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. TikTok+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. TikTok+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. Reddit

🎫 📍 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. TikTok+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. TikTok+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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok+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. TikTok

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. TikTok+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. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Riding a London double-decker bus is often a highlight for children! Reddit The £1.75 hopper fare makes it an affordable way to entertain the whole family for an hour, allowing you to hop between routes. TikTok+1 Encourage kids to grab a seat on the top deck for the best views of iconic sights like Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London. TikTok+1 Consider routes that pass through areas with lots of visual interest, such as parks or busy shopping streets. Remember to have contactless payment ready, as cash isn't accepted. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The London bus system is your best friend for budget travel. The £1.75 hopper fare is unbeatable for exploring the city. TikTok+1 Instead of expensive hop-on hop-off tours, use public bus routes like the 11 or 139 to see major landmarks for a fraction of the cost. TikTok+1 Plan your routes to cover multiple attractions within the one-hour hopper window to maximize your savings. TikTok Always use contactless payment or an Oyster card, as cash is not accepted. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For unique photo opportunities, hop on a London bus! The top deck offers elevated perspectives of the city's architecture and street life. TikTok+1 Routes like the 139 during Christmas are perfect for capturing festive lights, while routes passing through Westminster offer iconic shots of the Houses of Parliament. TikTok+1 Experiment with capturing the classic red bus against famous backdrops for that quintessential London shot. TikTok Remember to use a stable camera or phone and shoot during daylight or the magical 'golden hour' for the best results. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of the Hopper Fare

London's public bus system offers an incredible value with its £1.75 hopper fare. This allows you to make unlimited bus journeys within a one-hour period after your first tap-in. This is a game-changer for budget travelers and anyone wanting to explore the city efficiently without constantly buying new tickets. TikTok+1 It means you can hop from one bus to another, covering significant ground and seeing multiple sights, all for the price of a single fare. This system encourages a more fluid and spontaneous way to experience London's diverse neighborhoods and attractions. TikTok

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. TikTok Remember that the hour starts from your first tap-in, so time your journeys strategically to maximize your travel. TikTok

Sightseeing by Public Bus: A Local's Secret

Forget expensive hop-on hop-off tours; London's regular bus routes offer a fantastic and affordable way to see the city's highlights. Many routes traverse iconic streets and pass by major landmarks, providing a genuine local experience. TikTok+1 The classic red double-decker buses, with their elevated seating, offer superb panoramic views, making them ideal for sightseeing. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok+2 Route 11 is another popular choice, taking you past landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament. TikTok For those seeking an extensive journey, the SL7 route covers a significant portion of London, offering a diverse range of urban landscapes. TikTok 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. TikTok

Navigating London Bus Payments and Etiquette

Paying for your London bus journey is straightforward and cashless. You'll need a contactless payment method – either a contactless debit or credit card, a smartphone or wearable device with mobile payment enabled, or a pre-paid Oyster card. Reddit Simply tap your card or device on the reader at the entrance when you board. There's no need to tap off when exiting a bus. Reddit

It's important to note that cash is not accepted on London buses, so ensure you have a valid contactless payment method before boarding. Reddit 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. TikTok+1 Be mindful of other passengers, especially those who may need a seat more than you, such as the elderly or pregnant individuals. Reddit 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. TikTok