If you’re planning a trip to London, riding the iconic double-decker bus is a must-do activity. Not only does it offer a unique perspective of the city, but it’s also an affordable mode of transportation. In this article, we’ll explore how much it costs to ride the double-decker bus in London and some important things to keep in mind.
Types of Buses
Before we get into the cost of riding the double-decker bus in London, it’s important to note that there are different types of buses that operate in the city. The most common ones are:
- Single-Decker Buses: These buses have one level and are usually used for shorter routes.
- Double-Decker Buses: These buses have two levels and are commonly used for longer routes or tourist routes.
- Routemaster Buses: These iconic red buses were first introduced in the 1950s and were recently reintroduced on selected routes for tourists.
The Cost of Riding the Double-Decker Bus in London
Now, let’s get into the cost of riding the double-decker bus in London. The good news is that it’s not expensive compared to other modes of transportation. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Oyster Card: If you’re planning to use public transportation frequently during your stay in London, it’s recommended that you get an Oyster card. This is a smart card that you can use to pay for your fares on buses, trains, and tubes. With an Oyster card, a single journey on a double-decker bus costs £1.55.
- Contactless Payment: If you don’t have an Oyster card, you can still pay for your bus fare using a contactless payment card.
The cost of a single journey on a double-decker bus with a contactless payment card is also £1.
- Cash: If you’re paying with cash, the cost of a single journey on a double-decker bus is slightly higher at £2.50. However, it’s important to note that not all buses accept cash, so it’s best to have an Oyster card or contactless payment card.
- Bus Passes: If you’re planning to use public transportation frequently during your stay in London, you can also consider getting a bus pass. These passes offer unlimited travel on buses for a certain period of time and can be more cost-effective than paying for individual journeys.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
When riding the double-decker bus in London, there are some other things to keep in mind:
- Boarding: You can board the bus using any door, but you must touch your Oyster card or contactless payment card on the yellow reader when boarding and exiting the bus.
- Priority Seating: There are priority seats on the lower level of the double-decker bus for people with disabilities, pregnant women, and elderly passengers.
- Avoid Rush Hour: Rush hour in London can get very crowded, so it’s best to avoid riding the double-decker bus during peak hours if possible.
In Conclusion
Riding the double-decker bus in London is not only an affordable mode of transportation but also a fun and unique way to see the city. With an Oyster card or contactless payment card, a single journey on a double-decker bus costs £1.55, and there are also other options such as bus passes for frequent travelers. Just remember to touch your card when boarding and exiting the bus, and avoid riding during rush hour if possible.