Where Does the 48 Bus Go in London?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re visiting London for the first time or you’re a resident, you might be curious about the 48 bus route. Where does it go?

What are the stops? How long does it take to get from point A to point B? In this article, we’ll provide all the information you need about the 48 bus in London.

What is the 48 Bus?

The 48 bus is a Transport for London (TfL) bus service that runs from Walthamstow Central Station to London Bridge Station. It’s one of the most popular routes among locals and tourists alike, as it passes through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Where Does the 48 Bus Go?

The 48 bus starts its journey at Walthamstow Central Station in northeast London. From there, it passes through several areas including:

  • Leyton: The bus passes through Leyton High Road, which is famous for its variety of shops and restaurants.
  • Stratford: The next stop on the route is Stratford, home to Westfield Stratford City shopping centre and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
  • Bow: The bus then travels through Bow Road, which is known for its historic Bow Church and Victoria Park.
  • Aldgate East: The next stop on the route is Aldgate East, which is close to Brick Lane (famous for its curry houses) and Whitechapel Art Gallery.
  • Tower Hill: The final stop on the route before reaching London Bridge Station is Tower Hill. Here, passengers can visit Tower Bridge, Tower of London and St Katharine Docks.

How Long Does It Take?

The journey time for the 48 bus varies depending on traffic, time of day and day of the week. On average, it takes around 45 minutes to complete the entire journey from Walthamstow Central Station to London Bridge Station.

What Are the Operating Hours?

The 48 bus operates from early morning until late at night, with a frequency of every 8-10 minutes during peak times and every 15-20 minutes during off-peak times. The first bus leaves Walthamstow Central Station at around 5:30 am and the last bus leaves London Bridge Station at around midnight.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of a single journey on the 48 bus depends on whether you’re using an Oyster card or a contactless payment card. If you’re using an Oyster card, the cost is £1.50 per journey. If you’re using a contactless payment card, the cost is £1.55 per journey.

Conclusion

The 48 bus is a convenient and affordable way to explore some of London’s most famous landmarks and neighbourhoods. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, this bus route is definitely worth taking at least once to experience all that London has to offer.