Be Informed And In Control Using London’s Famous Red Buses
Official Web Site of London Buses
London’s famous red buses form a big part of getting around in London. Although the London Underground is the fastest and for newcomers the simplest way of getting around London, the buses play their part and are an experience you should try at least once on your visit. Unlike the London Underground, perched up on the top deck of the bus you get a great sightseeing experience of London as well.
Key points about London’s buses are:
Although there are separate bus operating companies, the regulation, fares and ticketing for buses, Underground, DLR and London suburban trains are managed by a central government body called Transport For London chaired by the mayor of London. The transport passes that nearly everyone uses, Oyster and Travelcard, allow you to travel seamlessly across all modes of transport, bus, Underground, train and DLR using the same ticket/pass.
You are unable to use cash on London’s buses to buy tickets on the bus.
Children under 11 travel free on red London buses (and the Underground) at all times. Child fares are available for those under 16 and it is possible to get discounted fares if you are under 18 or studying in London with an ID card.
There are no seniors fares for visitors. If you reside in London and are over 60 you can get a pass that makes free bus travel available and anyone with an English National Concessionary bus pass can use that on London’s buses too.
Many of London’s bus routes run 24×7. When the Underground closes between about midnight and about 5 a.m. extra night buses are put on. In the centre of London you only wait a few minutes for a bus whatever time of day or night.