How do London buses work?

[jo3]

Anyone know how to use London buses? Obviously the tube is great, and simple to use, but when we visit London we find the buses less crowded (we have 2 kids) and better for taking in the sights.
However, we just don't understand how to work out where to catch them. Not sure what the bus numbers or bus stop designation (A, N, E etc) mean. I'm sure it's simple, as millions of people use them, and we're just stupid but we really can't grasp it.
Also, I thought we'd find an idiots guide online but no luck.

 

[brian_c]

Hi Jo! I've not really got a good answer for you because I am also unfamiliar with the transport within London. However I have got an App on my IPhone that combines both the busses and the underground.
You can enter the location you are at along with your destination and it comes up with the route number and bus number that you need to catch it also gives the journey time.
I do believe the app also locates where you actually are and somehow senses the nearest bus stop or tube station.
I got the app after my daughter said how useful and easy to use it was when she spent a while in London about a year ago.
Obviously if you don't use a smart phone my post won't be much use.
I'm sure some other members will improve on my advice.
Good luck and enjoy your time in London.
Best regards Brian

 

[Gozza]

If you're getting the "stop letter" from a posted timetable, you should find a map showing where the stop is somewhere nearby. I'm sure you've worked out that popular locations in London (e.g. rail stations) have far too many bus routes running past them for one stop per location to be able to cope, from memory Waterloo station has about 20 different stops and if you find queue at the wrong one you'll never get the right bus!

Bus numbers work the same as they do anywhere else and aren't related to stop designations so don't be misled by that! Some bus routes have letters rather than route numbers, where the 999 route numbers available weren't enough for the number of routes, but again the route designation doesn't relate to the stop identification so don't expect that to make sense! Also on some routes there will be a route number, and the same route number with an "N" - e.g. 56N - that's a night bus and follows a slightly different route to the 56, but will serve the same major places.

If all else fails, find someone who looks like a commuter and ask them...we spend hours staring at tube maps and bus routes on our morning and evening trips, I know some who've learned by heart the various maps and routes as a way of passing the time on their journeys and would be delighted to be asked!

If I can be any more help, let me know, I spent six years commuting by London bus before I escaped to the countryside so I know a fair bit about the Capital's transport systems!

If you look at the little signs on top of the bus stops, as well as the route numbers and stop ID letters, they normally say "Busses towards London Zoo and Madam Tussauds", for example, or things like that, so there's another check.

 

[SwingLowJim]

In threes !!

 

[Thingy]

Not sure about the buses, but I can give you a heads up for taxis, avoid the black cabs. If you are in need without the buses, google a company called Addison lee and download their app. Works a treat, fraction of the cost and a reputable company.
We are going down in October for a show, taking the van to Crystal Palace, the hotels were way too expensive and most have no parking. I riced up a black cab who quoted between £70 to £110 dependant on traffic. Addison Lee, £33 regardless of time or traffic.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

We are going down in October for a show, taking the van to Crystal Palace, the hotels were way too expensive and most have no parking. I riced up a black cab who quoted between £70 to £110 dependant on traffic. Addison Lee, £33 regardless of time or traffic.

We stayed at Crystal Palace a couple of years ago in order to attend a reception at St. James' Palace. We walked through the park and caught a train into the centre of London. Train fare was only about £6 using an Oyster card. If you don't want to walk through the park then take a taxi to the station for a few pounds.

 

[Thingy]

Ah, we will be coming back to CP about around 3-4 in the morning. After the show we are going into Chinatown and then perhaps on somewhere else.

Perhaps we will take the train in though, save a few quid, thanks for the heads up on that. Wont be a walk over the park though, I have smashed my knee and Im on crutches. Done both my cruciate ligament and meniscus.

 

[jo3]

Thanks for the replies.
I think I'll give an iPhone app a go, I hadn't thought of that.
I will persevere with mastering it without technology as well.