Mind the Gap: Getting Around London Part 2: Red Bus.

In the first article of our series, we wrote about the Underground. In this, the second part, we’ll cover another way to travel in London, the red bus, also known as the double-decker bus. The red bus is an icon of London, and has earned iconic status by navigating the streets of London (and other cities in the UK) all hours of the day and night. The first omnibus service was started in 1829 with horses providing the power. Motor omnibuses were introduced in 1902. The last horse-drawn bus was retired from service in 1914.

Using the lessons learned from the Tube map, Transport for London (TfL) has created bus maps following the same design features, but with a small center section on each map that shows actual road layouts nearby so that you can know exactly where the bus stop is on the street. Because bus routes are so much more plentiful than the Tube, TfL has many maps available online that you can download. This one pictures stops near Piccadilly Circus.

Map courtesy Transport for London, 2019. Bus map for Piccadilly Circus.

There is also an app from the same company who made the Tube map called “Bus Times London” that will help you navigate the bus routes. Note please that we have no financial interest in Mapway or anyone associated with Mapway. We just happen to like their products and use them when we travel.

If you use the Tube or busses, by all means consider an Oyster card from TfL This pre-paid card can be tapped to enter/exit the bus. Most buses also accept smart “tap and pay” credit/debit cards.