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London’s 26 bus route is a crucial link between East and Central London, offering a reliable transport option for commuters, students, and tourists.
This route connects Hackney Wick and Victoria, passing through financial hubs like Liverpool Street and Bank, as well as major landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
Whether you’re looking for the latest bus schedule, stop details, or alternative travel options, this guide provides everything you need to know about the 26 bus route London.
What is the 26 bus route in London?
The 26 bus route London is a day service operated by Transport for London (TfL). It runs from St Mary of Eton Church in Hackney Wick to Westminster Cathedral near Victoria Station, covering key transport hubs, shopping areas, and business districts.
Key Information About the 26 Bus Route
- Operator: Transport for London (TfL)
- Route Length: Approximately 9 miles
- Major Areas Covered: Hackney Wick, Cambridge Heath, Shoreditch, Liverpool Street, Bank, St. Paul’s, Aldwych, Westminster
- Bus Type: Double-decker red London buses
- Accessibility: Step-free access for wheelchairs and buggies
This route is particularly useful for daily commuters working in Central London and for tourists exploring historic landmarks.
What are the stops and the map for the 26 bus route in London?
The 26 bus route London has multiple stops covering residential, business, and tourist-friendly areas. Below is the full list of stops in a table format for better readability.
26 Bus Route London – Complete Stop List
| Stop Name | Stop Code |
| St Mary of Eton Church | L |
| Wick Road / Kenworthy Road | J |
| Barnabas Road | K |
| Kenton Road / Well Street | L |
| Valentine Road | M |
| Holcroft Road | N |
| Shore Road | LX |
| Mare Street / Well Street | LA |
| King Edward’s Road | LE |
| Mare Street / Victoria Park Road | Q |
| Cambridge Heath Station | N |
| Pritchard’s Road | HC |
| Warner Place | HD |
| Queensbridge Road | HE |
| Hoxton Station | HF |
| Shoreditch Church | S |
| Shoreditch High Street Station | N |
| Commercial Street / Worship Street | D |
| Primrose Street | J |
| Liverpool Street Station | L |
| Camomile Street | Y |
| Bank Station / Cornhill | E |
| Poultry / Bank Station | L |
| St Paul’s Churchyard | SH |
| St Paul’s Cathedral | SJ |
| City Thameslink Stn / Ludgate Circus | F |
| Fetter Lane | W |
| Chancery Lane | W |
| The Royal Courts of Justice | P |
| Aldwych / Australia House | G |
| Aldwych / Drury Lane | R |
| Savoy Street | U |
| Bedford Street | J |
| Trafalgar Square / Charing Cross Stn | K |
| Whitehall / Trafalgar Square | N |
| Horse Guards Parade | S |
| Westminster Stn / Parliament Square | F |
| Great Smith Street / Westminster Abbey | V |
| St James’s Park Station | SD |
| Westminster City Hall | SB |
| Westminster Cathedral / Victoria Stn | M |
What is the complete timetable for the 26 bus route London?
The 26 bus route London operates daily from early morning to late evening, ensuring convenient travel for commuters and visitors. Below is the full timetable, including operating hours and frequency for each day of the week.
26 Bus Route London – Timetable
| Day | First Bus | Last Bus | Frequency |
| Mon-Sat | 05:30 AM | 11:30 PM | 9 – 12 mins |
| Sunday | 05:30 AM | 11:30 PM | 11 – 13 mins |
Key Timetable Notes
- Peak Hours: 07:30 AM – 09:30 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Higher passenger volume).
- Off-Peak Travel: Best times for a smooth journey are mid-morning (10:00 AM – 4:30 PM) and late evening.
- Weekend Schedule: The service remains frequent but with slightly longer waiting times on Sundays.
What are the key transport connections along the 26 bus route London?
The 26 bus route London connects passengers to major Tube stations, train stations, and other bus routes, making travel across the city more efficient. Below is a detailed table of transport connections along the route.
London Underground (Tube) Connections
| Tube Station | Connected Lines |
| Cambridge Heath | Overground (towards Enfield & Liverpool St) |
| Liverpool Street | Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan |
| Bank | Central, Northern, Waterloo & City, DLR |
| Chancery Lane | Central Line |
| Westminster | Circle, District, Jubilee |
National Rail Connections
| Train Station | Services To |
| Liverpool Street | Essex, Hertfordshire, Stansted Airport |
| City Thameslink | Luton, Gatwick, Brighton |
| Victoria Station | Gatwick Airport, South Coast, Kent |
Other Bus Routes
| Alternative Bus | Key Areas Covered |
| 8, 11, 35 | Similar areas served by Route 26 |
| N26 | Night service covering 26’s route |
These connections make the 26 bus route London an excellent choice for commuters, providing easy transfers to other transport networks.
How reliable is the 26 bus route London during peak hours?
The 26 bus route London is generally reliable, but peak-hour congestion can affect travel times. Below is a summary of peak travel patterns:
Peak Travel Times & Traffic Conditions
| Time of Day | Traffic Condition | Bus Frequency (Minutes) |
| 07:30 – 09:30 AM | Heavy (Liverpool St, Bank, Westminster) | 9-12 mins |
| 10:00 – 16:30 PM | Moderate (Best time to travel) | 9-12 mins |
| 17:00 – 19:30 PM | Heavy (Aldwych, Chancery Lane, Trafalgar Sq) | 9-12 mins |
| Sundays | Light traffic | 11-13 mins |
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Travel during off-peak hours (10:00 AM – 4:30 PM) for faster journeys.
- Use TfL Go, Google Maps, or Citymapper for real-time bus tracking.
- Consider alternative routes (Tube or Overground) during major delays.
Despite occasional congestion, the 26 bus route London remains a frequent and efficient service.
What are the future plans or changes for the 26 bus route London?
TfL is continuously working to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the 26 bus route London. Here’s what to expect in the near future:
Planned Improvements for the 26 Bus Route
| Future Change | Expected Benefit |
| More electric buses | Reduced carbon emissions & quieter travel |
| Route adjustments | Better connections & reduced delays |
| Bus lane improvements | Faster journeys during peak hours |
| Expanded real-time tracking | Improved passenger experience |
| Enhanced accessibility | More audio-visual aids for disabled passengers |
These improvements aim to make the 26 bus route London more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly for all passengers.
How Environmentally Friendly is the 26 Bus Route London?
The 26 bus route London is part of Transport for London’s (TfL) commitment to sustainable public transport. The route operates with low-emission hybrid and electric buses, significantly reducing its environmental impact compared to traditional diesel buses.
Eco-Friendly Features of the 26 Bus Route London
- Hybrid Engine Technology: The buses use a combination of an electric motor and a fuel-efficient diesel engine, cutting fuel consumption and reducing carbon emissions.
- ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) Compliant: All buses on the route meet strict emissions regulations, ensuring that they produce minimal nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate pollution.
- Lower Air Pollution: Electric and hybrid buses produce less exhaust emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment in high-traffic areas like Bank and Aldwych.
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: By providing a reliable public transport alternative, the 26 bus encourages people to use buses instead of private cars, reducing overall vehicle emissions in London.
- Energy-Efficient Operation: Many of the newer hybrid buses feature regenerative braking technology, which converts energy from braking into electricity, improving fuel efficiency and sustainability.
What are some key landmarks and attractions along the 26 bus route London?
If you’re planning a day out in London, the 26 bus route offers a scenic journey past some of the city’s most famous attractions.
Top Landmarks Along the 26 Bus Route London
The 26 bus route London passes through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, making it a convenient choice for both daily commuters and tourists. Here are some of the must-see locations along the route:
- Victoria Park: One of London’s largest and most beautiful parks, offering serene lakes, scenic walking trails, and open green spaces, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.
- Shoreditch High Street: A vibrant hub known for its street art, trendy bars, independent shops, and lively markets, making it a hotspot for creative culture.
- Liverpool Street Station: A major railway and underground interchange, connecting passengers to various parts of London and beyond. It’s also home to shopping centres and historic pubs.
- Bank of England: One of London’s most important financial institutions, with an impressive neoclassical building and a museum showcasing the city’s monetary history.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: A world-famous architectural masterpiece featuring a stunning dome, intricate interior, and breathtaking views from the top.
- Royal Courts of Justice: A magnificent Gothic-style courthouse, serving as the centre of England’s legal system and a key landmark along the Strand.
- Trafalgar Square: A bustling public square featuring Nelson’s Column, the National Gallery, and regular cultural events, making it one of London’s most photographed locations.
- Westminster Abbey: A historic site famous for royal weddings, coronations, and state funerals, with awe-inspiring medieval architecture and a rich heritage.
Conclusion
The 26 bus route London is one of the most efficient and scenic transport options in the city. Whether you’re commuting to work, visiting historical landmarks, or just exploring different neighbourhoods, this route provides reliable and frequent service.
FAQ About 26 Bus Route London
What time does the first and last 26 bus run in London?
The first bus departs at 05:30 AM, and the last bus runs at 11:30 PM daily.
How often does the 26 bus run in London?
The 26 bus runs every 9-12 minutes on weekdays and 11-13 minutes on Sundays.
Is the 26 bus route London wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all buses on the 26 route are step-free and have dedicated wheelchair spaces.
Can I pay with cash on the 26 bus route London?
No, cash payments are not accepted; you must use an Oyster card, contactless card, or a Travelcard.
Does the 26 bus operate at night?
No, the 26 bus is a daytime service, operating between 05:30 AM and 11:30 PM.
Where can I check live updates for the 26 bus?
You can check real-time updates on the TfL website, TfL Go app, or Google Maps.
Are there alternative bus routes if the 26 bus is delayed?
Yes, buses 8, 11, and 35 serve similar areas and can be used as alternatives.