Bus Transport in London
London Buses are a popular form of public transportation in London. A London Bus route runs along almost every main road in central London. Each route is marked by a number on the front and back of the Bus. In addition, the destination of the Bus will be displayed on the front, often with a brief list of the areas of London that the route travels through.
Bus stops are marked by a London Transport 'BUS STOP' circular sign with a line through the middle which has either a white or Red background. On most bus stops the number(s) of route(s) of the bus that stops there will be displayed.
White background bus stops denote that the Bus will stop to pick up passengers, and let passengers get off the bus. Bus stops which have a red background are 'Request' stops. This means that if you are waiting for that particular bus, and, you want the bus to stop at that stop, you must hold out your arm as the bus approaches; or, if you are a passenger within the bus, you must ring the bell on the bus as it approaches the stop, otherwise it will not stop.
For short journeys within central London, and when you are not in a hurry, using the bus can be a pleasant way to get around. The buses carry very limited amounts of change and so it is advisable to have some change (ie £1 coins or smaller) in order to pay your fare. Note that underground tickets are valid on all city buses as well for the same zones.
For longer distance journies, buses (or "coaches," as the British tend to call them) are not as quick as trains, they are usually less expensive and quite comfortable.
London Transport information: +44 (0)20 7222 1234.
Click here to visit the London Transport Website
Click here for London Street Map
Travel from London by Coach
National Express operate coach routes from London to almost every city and large town in the UK (there are also European destinations). It's advisable to reserve your seat were possible. Coaches leave and terminate in or near to Victoria Coach Station (on Buckingham Palace Road) which is 250 yards (228 metres) from Victoria, British Rail and Underground stations. The fares can be less than travelling by train, however the journey is likely to take longer.
Phone: +44 (0)171 730 0203, (0)990 898989 and (0)990 808080 for travel information.
Phone: +44 (0)171 730 3499 for credit card sales by phone.
They can either post the ticket to you, in which case you need to book three working days before you travel. Alternatively, you can collect the ticket at Victoria bus station 2 hours after booking.
Open-top Bus Tours in London
A good introduction to the sights of London are the hop on hop off tours on double-decker buses with English-speaking guides or a taped commentary in various languages. You don't have to book in advance - just turn up at the most convenient departure point. Tours cost from £12 for adults and £6 for children.
The Original London Sightseeing Tour
Enquiries: +44 (0)20 8877 1722
Harrods Luxury Sightseeing
Enquiries: +44 (0)20 7225 6596
The Big Bus Company
Enquiries: +44 (0)20 7233 9533
Nightclub Tour of London
Enquiries: +44 (0)20 7233 0022
Evan Evans Tours
Enquiries: +44 (0)20 7950 1777
