Each year, London attracts a large number of tourists and travelers who want to get to know the British capital. A London bus tour is one of the best ways to explore the city. This option is also recognized as budget: with the help of OysterCard you will spend only 1.50 £ on such a trip.
SMAPSE experts represent you three bus routes that are ideal for visiting the main attractions and cultural places of London.
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Route 24: Pimlico - Hampstead Heath
The route begins near Victoria Train Station, then the bus goes past Westminster Cathedral and Abbey. Further the route goes down Whitehall down Downing Street, passing the House of the Prime Minister of Britain. Next visit: Trafalgar Square with Nelson's Column and famous lion statues. On route 24 you will see the most famous sights of London.
Further, bus number 24 continues on its way through the theater district and Denmark Street, which is also called Tin Pan Alley - there are many music stores. Immediately further on is the Camden Town area with numerous music venues and various markets. In this quarter, city guests can find and purchase souvenirs, street food, books, vintage and fashion items.
The route to Hampstead Heath ends: almost the entire territory here is occupied by a green park, and from a high hill there is a beautiful view of the British capital. Great end to a great tour, agree?
2. Route 11: Fulham - Liverpool Street
The trip begins with the magnificent King Road in Chelsea, passes through the streets of Belgravia, after the bus turns to Westminster Cathedral and the eponymous abbey, and then passes through the most famous sights of London - Big Ben and the British Parliament.
The trip continues by turning to the White Hall in the direction of Trafalgar Square through the historic Strend Street, on the way the passengers of the bus come across the Royal Courtyard. Then along the route there is a turn to Fleet Street, leading to the financial district of City or Square Mile, where you will find several key attractions:
- St Paul's Cathedral
- Royal Exchange
- Famous Bank of England (second world senior bank)
- The residence of the London mayor of Mansion House.
Along the way, tourists will also be able to see the Strand metro station, which was closed in 1994. There were filming a lot of famous British films, such as Sherlock, Atonement, and 28 Days Later.
The route of the 11th bus ends at Liverpool Street station - in London it is secretly called the gateway to the eastern part of the city, the main transport and tourist hub. Not far from the station you can find several other cultural objects: the Spitalfields market, the famous Brick Lane road, the Shorditch fashion district, where there are many cafes. You can try street food, admire the creations of street artists.
3. Route 9: Oldwich - Hammersmith Station
This is one of the oldest city routes and at the same time the most “rich”, as it passes through the best and most luxurious areas. The journey begins at Oldwich Station, located near the Somerset House Cultural Center. Then, the already familiar road to Trafalgar Square through Strand Street. Driving down Piccadilly Circus, participants will see the famous Green Park and the world-famous Ritz Hotel.
The route of the 11th bus continues through Knightsbridge - here is the elite Harrods store, which is definitely worth a visit to connoisseurs of designer clothes. After that, the bus will go past the Royal Albert Hall and the excellent Gardens of Kensington: passing through them, you will see the palace of the same name, which was one of the residences of Princess Diana.
Further, the route lies through Kensington High Street, the most fashionable street in London - the most famous shopping street in the British capital, it is also called the quiet version of Oxford Street. Before arriving at the final point, Route 11 passes through the beautiful Holland Park, which hides a lot of interesting things: the Japanese garden is considered to be the hallmark of this place. Also, you can find here peacocks and tennis courts.
Lifehacks for traveling around London by bus
Here are some more tips for those who plan to try out the three popular London bus routes that will greatly facilitate navigation:
- London’s public transport infrastructure includes hundreds of different routes that stop displays can help you understand.
- The bus starts passengers only at strictly designated stopping points. They only stop at the routes indicated on the stop display.
- On the official London transport website, you can download maps of all bus routes to your smartphone - you can easily find the nearest bus stop or metro station on them.
A small table on the features of payment for travel in London public transport:
| Fare | Only non-cash way |
| Map Visitor Oyster Card | Allows non-cash payment of travel in London buses: the card is attached to the terminal near the driver. The fare is 1.50 £. |
| Card Limit | Traveling only by bus, in one day you can spend up to 4.50 £ on your Visitor Oyster Card. |
| Underground | If on this day you decide to use underground transport, where you can also pay by card, then the limit will be greater. |
| Map Travel card | Such a card is simply shown to the driver at the entrance to the bus - this payment method is not tied to urban areas, so the card can be used in any area. |
The listed bus routes are a great option for an interesting excursion program for students of private schools or language camps in London : tourists and travelers can visit them both independently and as part of various educational programs. Here are a few examples of options available in London for students of all ages:
- Language Schools for Children and Teens: St George International, Embassy English, Oxford International School
- High Schools: Abercon School, Garden House School, Mill Hill School
- Universities for students: Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), King's College London.
