The Length Of London's Iconic Red Buses Explained

London's red double-decker buses have become an iconic symbol of the city, offering a convenient and affordable way to travel around and explore its landmarks. With over 8,500 buses serving 675 routes, London has one of the largest bus fleets in Europe, and getting around the city by bus is easy, with 95% of Londoners living within 400 meters of a bus stop. But how long are these buses?

History of London's buses

London's iconic red double-decker buses have been a mode of public transport since 1829 when George Shillibeer started a horse-drawn omnibus service from Paddington to the City of London. Shillibeer's service was the first of its kind, allowing passengers to hail the vehicle at any point on the route without booking in advance. He called his service 'Omnibus' (meaning 'for all' in Latin), and it gave us the abbreviation 'bus', now a term recognised internationally.

The idea caught on quickly, and by 1832, there were 400 horse buses operating in London. These vehicles were crafted from wood and painted by hand in a variety of colours. In 1855, the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC) was formed to manage all horse-drawn bus services in London. The LGOC began using motor omnibuses in 1902 and, in 1909, started manufacturing them. The first 'horseless' buses had crafted wooden bodies, now attached to factory-built chassis with motors.

In the early 1900s, London went its own way, designing its own vehicles specifically for London's unique conditions. The LGOC developed its own motor bus designs and spawned the Associated Equipment Company (AEC), which built buses, lorries, and vans for London and other cities. This in-house capability led to standardised bus designs, manufacture, and maintenance, resulting in a large and reliable bus fleet.

Over time, controls on vehicle size were relaxed, and rapid innovation produced successive standard types, from the B-type of 1910 to the Routemaster (RM) of 1954. The Routemaster, built between 1956 and 1968, was the last bus designed specifically for London. Since then, buses built for London's local services have been variants of models built for general use.

In the late 1960s and 1970s, as bus ridership declined, London Transport opted for cheaper off-the-peg buses and introduced driver-only operation on some routes to cut costs. While these new buses were intended to replace the Routemaster, they were not always successful, and one-person-operated (OPO) buses became the norm by the 1980s.

Today, London's bus fleet continues to evolve, incorporating new technologies and design features. The city's bus network covers the entire city with over 675 routes served by more than 8,700 buses, almost all operated by private companies under contract to London Buses, part of the publicly-owned Transport for London.

How to ride a London bus

London's iconic double-decker buses are a convenient, cheap, and easy way to travel around the city. With plenty of sightseeing opportunities, over 675 bus routes, and more than 8,700 buses to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to ride a London bus:

Planning Your Journey:

Before you head out, it's a good idea to plan your trip. You can use the TfL Go app, which has interactive maps and live bus times. Alternatively, use the online Journey Planner tool or download specific bus maps (also known as spider maps) to find your way around. Remember, not all buses run 24 hours, so check the timetables and look for an "N" on routes with night buses.

At the Bus Stop:

All London bus stops have a sign displaying the stop name, route numbers, and destination information. Some even have digital countdown signs showing live arrival times. Make yourself visible near the stop and signal to the driver to indicate that you want to board. Remember to allow others to disembark before you get on. If the bus is full, the driver may ask you to wait for the next one.

Boarding the Bus:

Get on the bus through the front entrance. You'll see a yellow card reader—tap your Visitor Oyster card, Oyster card, or contactless payment card on it. If you have a paper Travelcard, show it to the driver. Remember to only touch one card to avoid card clash and keep your cards separate.

Finding a Seat:

Once you're on the bus, quickly find a seat. If you're sightseeing, the seats at the front of the upper deck offer the best views. If you're using a wheelchair or mobility scooter, low-level buses are equipped with ramps and dedicated wheelchair spaces. All buses also have clearly marked priority seats for those who need them.

Requesting a Stop:

To request a stop, press one of the red buttons on the upright metal posts. You'll hear a bell, and a sign will light up at the front of the bus, indicating "bus stopping." On ""hail and ride" sections in outer London, remember to press the button and signal to the driver, as there may not be physical stops.

Alighting the Bus:

When you reach your stop, press the bell to give the driver enough notice. Take care when stepping off the bus, and always look out for pedestrians and cyclists.

Bonus Tips:

• You can transfer to other buses or trams for free within one hour of touching in for your first journey with the Hopper fare.
• London buses are cashless, so you must use a valid ticket, Oyster card, or contactless payment.
• If you're under 11, you can travel for free!
• If you plan to use the bus for multiple days, consider purchasing a weekly pass, as there is a daily cap on fares.
• If you're standing at a "request stop," wave down the bus to indicate that you want to board.
• Always look at both the route number and destination before boarding to ensure you're getting on the right bus.
• Remember to tap your card only once when boarding and not when alighting.

Now you're ready to explore London like a local!

London bus tours

London's iconic red double-decker buses are a common sight across the city and have been used as a mode of public transport since 1829. The bus network covers the entire city with a 24-hour service, providing plenty of sightseeing opportunities.

There are also night bus tours that showcase London's illuminated attractions, such as Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. Tourists can also opt for themed tours, such as afternoon tea or ghost tours.

London's bus network is extensive, with over 675 routes served by more than 8,700 buses. The buses are all cashless, and a single journey costs £1.75, with a daily cap of £5.25. The buses are also accessible, with low-floor vehicles and retractable ramps to accommodate wheelchair users and those with mobility requirements.

London bus fares

The iconic red London bus has been a symbol of the city since its introduction in 1829. At that time, buses were horse-drawn, but today, London's buses are all low-floor vehicles, accessible to everyone, including those using wheelchairs, with baby buggies, assistance dogs, or other mobility requirements. Every bus also has a retractable ramp.

London's bus network covers the entire city with a 24-hour service. The standard bus fare is £1.75, and a day of bus-only travel will cost a maximum of £5.25. You can transfer to other buses or trams for free an unlimited number of times within one hour of touching in for your first journey. London buses are cashless, so you need an Oyster card, Travelcard, or contactless payment card to ride.

There are also several ways to save on bus and tram travel in London. For instance, children under 11 travel for free, and discounts are available for students and concessions. Freedom Passes provide free travel for wheelchair users, older people, and travellers with disabilities. If you have a bus pass issued by an English council outside of London, you can use it to travel free on buses displaying the red roundel.

Additionally, if you have a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard and live in London, you get free travel on buses and trams. If you live outside London, you get 50% off adult fares. With an 18+ Student Oyster photocard, you get 30% off 7-Day, Monthly, and longer-period Bus & Tram Passes. Similar discounts are available for apprentices.

London bus routes

London's iconic double-decker red buses have been used as a mode of public transport since 1829, when George Shillibeer started operating a horse-drawn omnibus service from Paddington to the City of London. Since then, the red London bus has become a symbol of the city.

As of 2023, London has 675 bus routes served by over 8,700 buses, with a few examples being routes 9, 15, 17, 35, and 212. The routes are operated by private companies under contract to and regulated by London Buses, which is part of the publicly-owned Transport for London. The buses cover the entire city with a 24-hour service and provide plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way.

London's bus routes are classified based on the type of service, such as local day routes, school services, and regional and national coach services. Most local day routes include 24-hour services, and school services typically operate only one return journey per day. Regional and national coach services include the Green Line, which provides express bus routes that circle the entire capital.

London's bus network offers convenient and cheap travel options, with a single bus journey costing £1.75 regardless of the distance travelled. Passengers can also take advantage of the Hopper fare, which allows for multiple bus journeys within an hour at no extra charge. Additionally, London's buses are all cashless, accepting payments through Oyster cards, Travelcards, or contactless payment cards.

To request a stop on a London bus, passengers need to press one of the red buttons found on the upright metal posts. This will signal to the driver to stop at the next designated bus stop. In some outer London areas, buses may operate on a "hail and ride" basis, where passengers can get off at any safe point along the route by pressing the red button to signal to the driver.

London also offers bus tour routes that provide a perfect introduction to the city and its landmarks. These tours are typically hop-on, hop-off, allowing passengers to explore the city at their own pace. Tour routes cover Central London's iconic landmarks and operate at a frequency of 20-30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions