London City Bus Guide: Everything You Need to Know About the Hopper Fare

By : Christina / GlobeVista | Updated: February 2026

London is a city of layers, stories, and breathtaking views, but you miss half the magic when you travel underground. While the Tube is famous for its speed, the iconic red double-decker bus is the true heartbeat of the capital. For tourists and locals alike, mastering the London bus network is the secret to unlocking the city’s charm without breaking the bank.

Whether you are a first-time visitor trying to spot Big Ben or a commuter navigating the 2026 fare changes, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know. From the legendary "Hopper Fare" to the most scenic routes that rival expensive tour buses, welcome to your essential London City Bus Guide.

Why Choose the Bus Over the Tube?

Before diving into the logistics, it is worth understanding why you should prioritize the bus. The London Underground is an engineering marvel, but it is often hot, crowded, and devoid of scenery.

1. Unbeatable Views

London is an architectural tapestry. Riding on the top deck—specifically the front row—offers a panoramic window into the city’s life. You can glide past the Houses of Parliament, cross Tower Bridge, and weave through the bustling streets of Piccadilly Circus, all for less than the price of a coffee.

2. Cost-Effective Travel

As of early 2026, London bus fares remain one of the best value propositions in Europe. While train and Tube fares fluctuate with zones and peak times, the bus network operates on a flat fare system. It doesn’t matter if you travel two stops or to the end of the line; the price is the same.

3. Night Travel

The Tube doesn't run everywhere 24/7, but the London bus network never sleeps. The extensive "Night Bus" (N-routes) network ensures you can get back to your hotel safely and cheaply, no matter how late you stay out in Soho or Shoreditch.

Payment and Fares: The 2026 Update

One of the most common questions we get at Globeu is about payment. Important Rule: London buses are entirely cashless. You cannot pay the driver with cash.

How to Pay

You have three primary options, all of which use the yellow card readers located near the driver’s cabin:

* Contactless Bank Card or Mobile Pay: This is the preferred method for most travelers. Simply tap your Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, or Google Pay on the yellow reader.

* Oyster Card: The classic blue smartcard. You must top this up with credit ("Pay As You Go") at stations or newsagents before boarding.

* Travelcard: A paper or digital pass that allows unlimited travel for a set period (1 day, 7 days, etc.).

The 2026 Fare Structure

Great news for travelers in 2026: while other transport costs have risen, the Mayor of London has frozen bus fares until at least July 2026.

* Single Adult Fare: £1.75

* Daily Cap: ~£5.25 (This means once you have taken 3 buses in a day, the rest are essentially free).

* Children: Children under 11 travel free on London buses when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

The "Hopper Fare" Explained

This is the single most valuable tip for budget travelers. The Hopper Fare allows you to make unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour of touching in on your first bus, all for the price of a single fare (£1.75).

* Example: You board a bus at 10:00 AM at Victoria Station (£1.75 charged). You hop off at Hyde Park, take some photos, and board another bus at 10:45 AM. Cost: £0.00. You can switch buses as many times as you like within that 60-minute window.

How to Ride: A Step-by-Step Guide

Riding a bus in London is slightly different from other major cities. Follow this protocol to look like a local.

1. Hailing the Bus

Bus stops in London are marked with a red circle logo (the Roundel). Stops are often lettered (e.g., "Stop K"). Check the destination on the front of the approaching bus.

* Crucial Step: You must signal the bus to stop. Raise your arm clearly as the bus approaches. If you don't wave, the driver may assume you are waiting for a different bus and drive past.

2. Boarding

* Always board through the front doors.

* Tap your card on the yellow reader immediately. You will hear a beep and see a green light.

* Note: If you are using a rear-platform "New Routemaster" bus (the ones with three doors), you can theoretically board at any door, but front boarding is standard practice to ensure payment validation.

3. Finding a Seat

* Downstairs: Priority seats for the elderly, pregnant women, and disabled passengers are located near the front. There is also a dedicated wheelchair space.

* Upstairs: The "fun" section. The stairs are usually behind the driver. Use the handrails—London drivers can be surprisingly aggressive with acceleration!

4. Alighting (Getting Off)

* Buses have screens and audio announcements announcing the next stop.

* When your stop is announced, press one of the red "STOP" buttons found on the poles throughout the bus. A "Bus Stopping" light will illuminate.

* Exit through the middle or rear doors. Do not exit through the front door unless it is a single-door bus (rare in central London).

Top 5 Scenic Bus Routes for Tourists (The "£1.75 Tour")

Why pay £40 for a "Hop-on Hop-off" tour when these public routes cover the same landmarks for £1.75?

1. Route 11: The Royal Route

* Start: Fulham Broadway

* End: Liverpool Street

* What you’ll see: This is arguably the best sightseeing route in London. It takes you through the upscale streets of Chelsea, past Victoria Station, and right by Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. It continues along Whitehall (past 10 Downing Street), through Trafalgar Square, and down the Strand to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

2. Route 9: The Historic Glamour Route

* Start: Kensington High Street

* End: Aldwych

* What you’ll see: Perfect for museum lovers and shoppers. It passes the Design Museum and runs along the edge of Hyde Park. You’ll see the Royal Albert Hall (from a distance), the ultra-luxury Harrods department store in Knightsbridge, and the Ritz Hotel near Green Park. It terminates near the theater district, making it great for an evening ride.

3. Route 15: The Heritage Trail

* Start: Trafalgar Square

* End: Tower of London (Tower Hill)

* What you’ll see: This route cuts through the "City of London" (the financial district). You will see the Royal Courts of Justice, the ancient Fleet Street (home of British journalism), and the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral. It ends at the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

* Bonus: Occasionally, heritage "Routemaster" buses (the vintage 1960s style) run on parts of this route for free or standard fares.

4. Route 24: The Rock 'n' Roll Route

* Start: Pimlico

* End: Hampstead Heath

* What you’ll see: The oldest route in London that hasn't changed its path. It connects the political hub of Westminster with the punk-rock heritage of Camden Town. It’s a study in contrasts: from the suits of Parliament Square to the tattoos and street food of Camden Market.

5. Route RV1 (or 381): The River View

* Start: Covent Garden / Waterloo

* End: Tower Gateway

* What you’ll see: If you want to see the Thames, look for routes that cross the bridges. Routes crossing Waterloo Bridge offer the single best view of the London skyline, capturing the London Eye on one side and the City skyscrapers on the other.

Navigating Night Buses

London nightlife is legendary, but taxis are expensive. Enter the Night Bus.

Routes with an "N" before the number (e.g., N55) run during the night, usually from midnight until 5:00 AM. However, many standard 24-hour routes (like the 12, 24, 88, and 159) keep their regular numbers.

Safety Tips for Night Travel:

* Sit downstairs near the driver if you are traveling alone.

* Night buses can be rowdy on weekends. It is generally safe, but stay alert.

* CCTV is in operation on every London bus.

Bus Etiquette: Don't Be That Tourist

Londoners value efficiency and personal space. To ensure a smooth ride, keep these etiquette tips in mind:

* Have Your Card Ready: Do not wait until you are standing in front of the card reader to start digging for your wallet. This causes queues and annoys the driver.

* Move Down the Bus: If the bus is crowded, move toward the back or go upstairs. Blocking the aisle near the entrance is a cardinal sin in London.

* No Luggage on Seats: Even if the bus is empty, keep your bags on your lap or in the luggage rack. Feet on seats are also strictly prohibited and can result in a fine.

* Quiet Please: Loud phone conversations or music without headphones will earn you disapproving stares (the British "tut").

* Let People Off First: Never try to board until all passengers have exited the bus.

Accessibility and Traveling with Kids

London has made massive strides in making its transport accessible.

* Wheelchairs: All London buses are low-floor and equipped with retractable ramps. There is a dedicated wheelchair space on every bus. Wheelchair users have legal priority over buggies/strollers in this space. If the space is occupied by a buggy, the driver will ask the buggy owner to fold it or move.

* Buggies/Strollers: You can bring buggies on board, but you may need to fold them during peak hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM).

* Audio/Visual: All buses have visual displays of the next stop and audio announcements, making them accessible for the visually or hearing impaired.

Conclusion: The Best Way to See London

In 2026, the London bus remains the unsung hero of the capital’s transport network. It is cheaper than the Tube, more scenic than a taxi, and offers a slice of authentic London life that you simply cannot get anywhere else. Whether you are using the Hopper fare to zip between museums or sitting on the top deck of the Number 11 watching the sunset over Big Ben, the bus is your key to the city.

So, grab your Oyster card or phone, head to the nearest stop, and don’t forget to wave the driver down. London is waiting to be explored—one stop at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I pay with cash on London buses in 2026?

A: No, London buses have been cashless for many years. You must use an Oyster card, a Contactless bank card, or a mobile payment method (Apple Pay/Google Pay).

Q2: How much is a bus fare in London?

A: As of early 2026, the standard single adult fare is £1.75. This fare is currently frozen until July 2026.

Q3: Do I need to "tap out" when I get off the bus?

A: No! This is a common mistake. You only touch your card on the yellow reader when you board the bus. If you tap out when leaving, you might be charged a penalty fare or confuse the system.

Q4: What is the "Hopper Fare"?

A: The Hopper Fare allows you to take unlimited bus or tram journeys within one hour of first touching in, for the price of a single ticket (£1.75). It applies automatically when you use the same card.

Q5: Are London buses safe at night?

A: Yes, generally. All buses have CCTV and the driver is in radio contact with control. However, as with any major city, stay aware of your surroundings, sit near the driver if you are anxious, and avoid empty top decks late at night.

Q6: Can I use my specific country's bank card (e.g., from USA/India/Europe)?

A: Yes, almost all contactless-enabled Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards from overseas work on London buses. However, check with your bank regarding foreign transaction fees.

Q7: How do I know which bus to take?

A: Use apps like Citymapper or TfL Go. Google Maps is also reliable. These apps will tell you exactly where the bus stop is, when the bus is coming, and which stop to get off at.

Q8: Can I take luggage on the bus?

A: Yes, you can take luggage, but there is limited space. Avoid traveling with large suitcases during rush hour (8-9 AM and 5-6 PM) as the buses get incredibly crowded, and you may not be able to board.

Q9: What happens if I miss the last bus?

A: London has an extensive Night Bus network (routes starting with 'N') that runs 24 hours. If you miss a day bus, check a transport app—there is almost always a night bus alternative or a route that runs 24/7.

Q10: Is the London Pass valid on buses?

A: The standard "London Pass" for attractions does not cover public transport unless you bought a specific package that includes a Travelcard. Always check the details of your specific pass. Standard contactless payment is usually the easiest option.