Travelling on London Buses - Information, Transport

Travelling on London Buses

London Transport buses are a famous sight in London. While you enjoy the view of London's attractions, London's buses will take you all over the capital. Most London buses are still red, but some are painted in different colours.

You will know the bus is part of the London Transport Buses network, where you see this sign on the front of the bus. With 17,000 bus stops all over London, you are never more than a 5 minute walk from one. When you board a bus, take a seat if one is available or hold on tight.

The Bus network is divided into two fare zones. Central London tickets are £1 and outer London tickets are 70p. You either pay the bus driver (or conductor) or show your Travelcard. You must have the correct ticket for your journey or you will be liable to a £5 Penalty Fare.

When you want to get off the bus ring the bell once, and well in advance to let the driver know. If someone else has already rung the bell you don't need to. Buses offer a friendly, personal and safe service, and for your security many of our buses have video cameras on board. All buses have two-way radio.

Smoking is not allowed on any bus.

Some buses have an open platform, not doors. NEVER try to get on or off an open platform bus except at a bus stop and always wait until the bus has stopped. Please be careful when you cross the road. Buses sometimes travel in special road lanes against the traffic flow.

Travelling at Night Nearly all Night Buses pass through Trafalgar Square and serve theatres, cinemas and entertainment areas. Night buses treat all stops as a request stop. This means that you always have to ring the bell to get off a Night Bus at any bus stop.

Handy credit card size timetables and a Night Bus booklet are available from travel information centres, selected newsagents and major Underground stations. Fares are slightly higher than on day buses. You cannot use any one day ticket or Family Travelcard on Night Buses and children must pay adult fares after 22.00 on all buses.