Why go
Buses also have a flat rate fare which stays the same no matter how far you travel (you will need to pay the fare again if you board a different bus). Using the bus Over 5 million bus trips are made each weekday; with over 700 different bus routes you are never far from a bus.
What to look for
- If you realise you have been pickpocketed after you've left the bus, call 101 (the police non-emergency number).
- Fares The adult bus fare is £1.50.
- Concessions Children aged 10 and under travel for free on the bus when accompanied by an adult.
The full story
London's iconic red buses are recognized the world over, even if the traditional Routemaster buses, with an open rear platform and on-board conductor to collect fares, have mostly been phased out. Most buses in London are very frequent (at least every ten minutes.) Buses are usually accessible for buggies and wheelchairs. Each bus stop has a sign listing the routes that stop there. Bus routes are identified by numbers and sometimes letters. For example, route 8 runs between Oxford Circus and Bow Church, via Liverpool Street and Bethnal Green. Alternatively, tickets may be purchased from most newsagents in London, or from ticket machines at certain central London stops. Buses have very clear blinds on the front, with their route number and their destination.