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London’s bus network is one of the most efficient ways to travel across the city, and the 156 bus route is no exception.
Running between Wimbledon Bus Station and Vauxhall, the 156 bus serves key locations such as Southfields, Wandsworth, Clapham Junction, and Battersea, providing vital connections to other public transport services.
This guide provides all the essential details about the 156 bus route, including major stops, live updates, timetables, fares, alternative routes, and travel tips to help make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
What is the 156 Bus Route ?
The 156 bus route is a key Transport for London (TfL) service operating in Southwest London. It connects residential areas, business hubs, and popular landmarks, making it an important choice for commuters, students, and tourists alike.
Why Choose the 156 Bus Route?
- Links Wimbledon to Vauxhall via Wandsworth, Clapham Junction, and Battersea
- Frequent service from early morning to late night
- Affordable travel with Oyster, Contactless, or Travelcard options
- Wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusive public transport
- Real-time tracking available via TfL, Google Maps, and Citymapper
Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to a shopping destination, or simply exploring London, the 156 bus route is a reliable transport option.
What Are the Major Stops on the 156 Bus Route?
The 156 bus route includes several key stops connecting commuters to important stations, business centres, and popular landmarks. Below is a detailed table listing all stops along the 156 bus route:
156 Bus Route – Full List of Stops
| Stop Name | Bus Stop Code | Connections |
| Wimbledon Bus Station | P | – |
| Wimbledon Station | A | District, National Rail, Tram |
| Alexandra Road / Wimbledon | N | – |
| Wimbledon Magistrates Court | – | – |
| Strathearn Road | HE | – |
| Avondale Road | HF | – |
| Gap Road / Plough Lane | HG | – |
| Pitt Crescent | HH | – |
| Wimbledon Park / Arthur Road | H | District Line |
| Stroud Road | J | – |
| Penwith Road | K | – |
| Lavenham Road | H | – |
| Southfields Academy | J | – |
| Standen Road | K | District Line |
| The Park Tavern | L | – |
| Broomhill Road | N | – |
| Wandsworth / Southside | W | – |
| Wandsworth Plain | G | – |
| Wandsworth Town Hall | N | – |
| East Hill / Alma Road | A | – |
| Marcilly Road | B | – |
| Plough Road | C | – |
| Clapham Junction Station | D | Overground, National Rail |
| Lavender Hill Police Station | K | – |
| Battersea Arts Centre | A | – |
| Tipthorpe Road | B | – |
| Cedars Road | G | – |
| Queenstown Road / Wandsworth Road | Q | – |
| Prairie Street | R | – |
| Silverthorne Road | S | – |
| Queenstown Road Station | K | National Rail |
| Battersea Park Station | A | National Rail |
| Battersea Dogs & Cats Home | J | – |
| Battersea Power Station | A | Northern Line |
| Riverlight Quay | B | – |
| United States Embassy | C | – |
| St George Wharf Pier | – | Thames Clippers |
This comprehensive stop list ensures that passengers can plan their journey more efficiently.
What is the 156 Bus Timetable & Frequency?
To ensure a smooth journey, it’s important to understand the operating hours and bus frequency. Below is the 156 bus timetable detailing when the service is available.
156 Bus Timetable & Frequency
| Day | Operating Hours | Frequency (min) |
| Monday | 05:15 – 00:30 | Every 11-12 mins |
| Tuesday | 05:15 – 00:30 | Every 11-12 mins |
| Wednesday | 05:15 – 00:30 | Every 11-12 mins |
| Thursday | 05:15 – 00:30 | Every 11-12 mins |
| Friday | 05:15 – 00:30 | Every 11-12 mins |
| Saturday | 05:15 – 00:30 | Every 10-13 mins |
| Sunday | 05:15 – 00:30 | Every 12-15 mins |
Buses run at shorter intervals during peak hours and slightly longer intervals during late-night and early-morning hours.
How to Check Live Updates for the 156 Bus Route?
Passengers can check live bus updates using various tools:
- TfL Live Tracker – Check real-time updates on the TfL website
- Google Maps & Citymapper – Track bus locations and estimated arrival times
- Bus Countdown Screens – Available at most major bus stops
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, using Google Maps or the TfL app is recommended.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel on the 156 Bus Route?
The 156 bus route follows the standard Transport for London (TfL) fare system, ensuring an affordable and convenient travel option for passengers across Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Clapham Junction, and Battersea.
1. Single Journey Fare – £1.75
A single bus journey on the 156 route costs £1.75 when using an Oyster card, Contactless payment, or Travelcard. This fare remains the same regardless of the distance you travel on the bus.
2. Hopper Fare – Unlimited Bus Transfers Within 1 Hour
With the Hopper Fare, passengers can make unlimited bus or tram journeys within one hour of their first tap, at no additional cost. This is especially useful for those who need to change buses during their commute.
3. Daily Cap – £5.25
If you take multiple bus or tram journeys in a single day, your total fare will be capped at £5.25. This means after you spend £5.25 on bus fares in one day, you won’t be charged for any additional bus or tram rides until the next day.
4. Weekly Cap – £24.70
For frequent travelers, the weekly cap ensures that you never spend more than £24.70 on bus and tram journeys within Monday to Sunday. Once you reach this limit, all additional bus and tram travel is free for the rest of the week.
5. Payment Methods – Cashless Travel
All London buses, including the 156, are cashless, meaning you cannot pay with cash when boarding. Instead, you must use one of the following:
- Oyster card
- Contactless debit or credit card
- Mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
- Travelcard
Using an Oyster card or Contactless payment is the fastest and most convenient way to pay, as fares are automatically calculated, and caps apply to ensure you get the best fare.
How Can You Make Your Journey on the 156 Bus More Comfortable?
Public transport can sometimes be unpredictable, but with the right strategies, your bus journey can be smooth and stress-free. Here are some tips to make your 156 bus ride more comfortable:
1. Travel During Off-Peak Hours
- The busiest times are usually 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
- If possible, plan your journey outside these hours to enjoy a quieter and more comfortable ride.
2. Check Live Bus Updates
- Use apps like TfL Live Tracker, Google Maps, and Citymapper to monitor real-time bus arrivals.
- Knowing exactly when your bus will arrive helps you avoid long waits at bus stops.
3. Choose the Right Seat
- The upper deck offers better views and is often less crowded.
- The lower deck is more convenient for passengers with luggage, strollers, or mobility needs.
4. Keep Payment Ready
- Since all London buses are cashless, have your Oyster card, Contactless card, or mobile payment ready before boarding to avoid delays.
5. Be Aware of Alternative Routes
If the 156 bus is delayed or full, consider nearby Underground or Overground stations like:
-
- Wimbledon (District Line, Tram, National Rail)
- Clapham Junction (Overground, National Rail)
- Battersea Power Station (Northern Line)
By following these simple tips, you can make your journey on the 156 bus route more enjoyable and stress-free.
Conclusion
The 156 bus route is an essential service for commuters traveling across Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Clapham Junction, and Battersea.
By using real-time updates, planning during off-peak hours, and utilizing the Hopper fare, passengers can enjoy an efficient and cost-effective journey.
With frequent services and seamless connections to trains and the Underground, it ensures a smooth travel experience across South London.
FAQs about 156 bus route
What time does the first 156 bus start operating?
The first 156 bus departs at 05:15 AM daily.
Does the 156 bus run 24/7?
No, the last bus departs at 12:30 AM.
How much does a single bus journey cost?
A single journey costs £1.75, and you can take unlimited buses within an hour.
Is the 156 bus wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all TfL buses have low floors and wheelchair spaces.
What are the first and last bus timings for the 156 route?
The first 156 bus departs from Wimbledon Bus Station at 05:15 AM, and the last bus runs until 12:30 AM.