London Buses
Iconic red double-decker buses serving all areas of London. Routes 9, 11, and 15 pass major tourist attractions.
About
Six million daily passengers board 9,000 red buses across 700 routes—democracy on wheels since 1829. Double-deckers maximize capacity carrying 87 passengers in two car lengths. Front seats upstairs offer unbeatable free sightseeing as moving observation platforms reveal London's true geography beyond the Tube's distortions.
Bus Basics
Contactless payment and Oyster work on all buses—cash isn't accepted. Hopper fare allows unlimited transfers within one hour. Night buses (prefixed 'N') run all night, replacing trains. The 24-hour routes transformed London into round-the-clock city.
Real-time arrivals via apps or stop displays reduce waiting uncertainty. New Routemasters on heritage routes 9 and 15 maintain hop-on tradition. Wheelchair spaces, audio announcements, and level access ensure accessibility. Red bus lanes speed journeys during rush hours.
Route Intelligence
Key routes reveal London: 11 (Victoria-Liverpool Street) crosses the center; 73 (Victoria-Stoke Newington) shows gentrification; 15 (Tower Hill-Paddington) spans centuries. The RV1 riverside route closed but alternatives connect South Bank attractions.
Download Citymapper for route planning. Sit upstairs front for views. Night buses converge at Trafalgar Square. Some routes run 24/7 including 88, 139, and N9. This democratic transport binds communities affordably—London's true circulatory system painted distinctive red.