London buses

Advice overview

London buses are all accessible. 

This includes the use of low-floor vehicles, ramps, display screens and audio-visual ‘next stop’ announcements.

For details regarding bus travel in London, visit the Transport for London (TFL) website.

Key tips

If you have reduced mobility, or a disability, where possible plan your journey in advance so that you know:

• If the destination stop is accessible, and any arrangements you may need to make for onward travel
• Which mobility aids you will be travelling with. (Contact the bus provider if you are unsure whether you can travel with your scooter/wheelchair.)

London buses do not accept cash. You must use an Oyster card, contactless payment, or a pre-paid ticket/travelcard. 

Information on using an Oyster card can be found on the Transport for London (TfL) website.

Operators

London buses are administered by Transport for London (TfL). Services are provided by various operators including Arriva, Metrobus, London Central Bus Company Ltd and Abellio.

For the full list of operators and contact details, visit the TfL website. 

Help with cost 

Freedom Pass

If London is your permanent residence and you are over state pension age or have a statutory disability, you may be eligible for a Freedom Pass. 

The Older Persons Freedom Pass entitles you to free weekday travel after 9:00am on the Transport for London (TfL) network, and any time during weekends and bank holidays. 

Disabled Persons Freedom Pass holders can travel at any time.

For information, including how to apply for a Freedom Pass and the eligibility criteria, visit the TfL website below or contact 0300 330 1433.

60+ London Oyster photocard

If you live in a London Borough and are over 60, you can apply for a London Oyster photocard which entitles you to free travel on the bus in the London area, from 9:00am weekdays, and any time during weekends and bank holidays. There is an annual fee.

For information, including how to apply for a London Oyster photocard and the eligibility criteria, visit the TfL website below.

Additional help with cost

If you claim certain benefits and are aged between 18–60, you may be able to get discounted travel via the Bus & Tram Photo Discount Card. 

If you are unemployed and looking for work, you can also apply for the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount, for use on buses and trams.

Special assistance

Travel Support Cards can be shown to bus drivers on the London transport network to indicate you may need extra support. You can print a card at home, and complete any requirements you may have. 

For further information, visit the TfL website.

If you struggle to stand while using public transport, a free badge and card are available to help you alert fellow customers that you need a seat.

Travelling with mobility equipment 

All Transport for London (TfL) bus routes are served by low-floor vehicles, with a dedicated space for one wheelchair user and an access ramp. Buses can also be lowered to reduce the step-up from the pavement

Wheelchair users have priority and drivers will ask passengers to make space for wheelchair users, unless it is unreasonable for them to do so.

Mobility scooters can be taken on London buses if they are no wider than 600mm, longer than 1000mm or have a turning circle of more that 1200mm. They must be Class 2 and not exceeding a speed above 4mph.

Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters, when combined with the weight of the person using them, must not exceed a weight of 300kg to access an automatic or manual ramp.

If you live in a London Borough, you can apply for a Mobility Aid Recognition Card, which lets bus drivers know your vehicle has been approved to access transport.

To apply for a card, contact: 020 3054 4361 or travelmentor@tfl.gov.uk

The TfL travel mentor scheme

TfL offer a free travel mentoring service for Londoners using a mobility aid on buses for the first time.  

This can involve phone and email support, or a mentor can accompany you on your first few journeys to help you learn how to travel the bus network with mobility equipment and gain confidence.

For full information, list the TfL website.

Contact: 020 3054 4361 or travelmentor@tfl.gov.uk

Routes and timetables

Transport for London (TfL)

Plan your journey and search timetables, or receive live bus arrivals on the Transport for London website. You can also text TfL on 87287 with your bus stop code, to find the time for the next bus arrival. (Note, text charges apply.)

The TfL Go app can be added to your smartphone and provides maps, routes and journey planning.

Bus spider maps are available to help you find routes in your area.  

BusTimes

The BusTimes.org website provides bus information (under the heading ‘Map’, select Track buses and find bus stops). From here, you can track buses across the UK, access timetables and next departure information, view maps, bus stop details and more.

The London Live Bus Countdown app can help you find bus stops close to your location.

Alternatively, if you text 87287 with your bus stop code, TfL will text time of next bus arrival. Note charges do apply. 

Timetables – Transport for London