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London’s public transport system is one of the most efficient in the world, and the London Bus 343 route is an essential service for daily commuters and tourists alike.
This bus route runs between New Cross Gate and Aldgate Station, serving key areas such as London Bridge, Borough, Elephant & Castle, and Peckham.
Whether you are a local resident or a visitor exploring the city, knowing the bus stops, schedule, ticket fares, accessibility options, and real-time tracking methods can make your journey much easier.
This guide provides all the necessary information about the London Bus 343 route to help you plan your travel efficiently.
What is the London Bus 343 route?
The London Bus 343 route is a Transport for London (TfL) service that runs between New Cross Gate and Aldgate Station. This bus provides an essential transport link, connecting various residential and commercial areas across South and Central London.
Where does the London Bus 343 operate?
The 343 bus route covers key locations in South and Central London, making it an important service for commuters and tourists.
- It connects residential areas in South London to major business hubs in Central London.
- It is frequently used by commuters traveling to the City of London for work.
- The route is also popular among tourists visiting historical landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Borough Market, and London Bridge.
What is the London Bus 343 Route and map for the London Bus 343 route?
| Stop Number | Bus Stop Name | Connections & Notes |
| 1 | Aldgate Station | Connects to London Underground (Circle, Metropolitan) |
| 2 | Minories | Connects to DLR (Bus Stop H) |
| 3 | Tower Hill / Tower Gateway Station | Connects to DLR (Bus Stop TE), Tower of London |
| 4 | Tower Bridge | Bus Stop P |
| 5 | Unicorn Theatre | Bus Stop M |
| 6 | London Bridge Station | Connects to National Rail, Underground (Northern, Jubilee) |
| 7 | Southwark Street | Bus Stop S |
| 8 | Union Street | Bus Stop H |
| 9 | Borough Station | Connects to the Northern Line |
| 10 | Inner London Crown Court | Bus Stop B |
| 11 | Elephant & Castle / Newington Causeway | Connects to Bakerloo and Northern. Connects to National Rail (Bus Stop G) |
| 12 | Elephant & Castle Station | Bus Stop R |
| 13 | Elephant Park | Bus Stop E |
| 14 | Larcom Street | Bus Stop RZ |
| 15 | Balfour Street | Bus Stop K |
| 16 | East Street | Bus Stop L |
| 17 | Alsace Road | Bus Stop M |
| 18 | Albany Road / Wells Way | Bus Stop P |
| 19 | St George’s Way / Burgess Park | Bus Stop G |
| 20 | Sedgmoor Place | Bus Stop A |
| 21 | Southampton Way Estate | Bus Stop B |
| 22 | Southampton Way / Peckham Road | Bus Stop C |
| 23 | Harris Academy | Bus Stop Q |
| 24 | Peckham Library | Bus Stop B |
| 25 | Clayton Road | Connects to National Rail and London Overground (Bus Stop K) |
| 26 | The Aylesham Centre | Bus Stop P |
| 27 | Peckham Rye Station | Connects to Overground and National Rail (Bus Stop V) |
| 28 | Nigel Road | Connects to National Rail and London Overground (Bus Stop EA) |
| 29 | Peckham Rye / Nunhead Lane | Bus Stop EC |
| 30 | Solomon’s Passage | Bus Stop EF |
| 31 | Rye Hill Park | Bus Stop EH |
| 32 | Stuart Road | Bus Stop EJ |
| 33 | Surrey Road | Bus Stop E |
| 34 | Merttins Road | Bus Stop E |
| 35 | St Norbert Road | Bus Stop N |
| 36 | Turnham Road | Bus Stop N |
| 37 | Brockill Crescent | Bus Stop BN |
| 38 | St Asaph Road | Bus Stop BL |
| 39 | Avignon Road / Drakefell Road | Bus Stop BK |
| 40 | Kitto Road | Bus Stop N |
| 41 | Arbuthnot Road | Bus Stop N |
| 42 | Ommaney Road | Bus Stop N |
| 43 | New Cross / Jerningham Road | Final Stop (Bus Stop N) |
What is the timetable for the London Bus 343 route?
The 343 bus operates daily, maintaining a regular schedule throughout the week. Below is the standard timetable:
| Day | Operating Hours | Frequency (Minutes) |
| Monday – Friday | 05:10 – 00:00 | Every 7-10 minutes |
| Saturday | 05:10 – 00:00 | Every 9-12 minutes |
| Sunday | 05:10 – 00:00 | Every 12-15 minutes |
During peak hours, the bus frequency increases to accommodate high passenger demand. Live arrival updates can be accessed via the TfL website, bus stop digital displays, or mobile transport apps.
How much does it cost to travel on the London Bus 343 route?
The London Bus 343 route follows standard TfL bus fares, which include:
- Single Journey Fare: £1.75 (Flat fare for all London buses).
- Hopper Fare: Unlimited bus journeys within one hour for £1.75.
- Daily Cap (Contactless/Oyster): £5.25 (For unlimited bus and tram travel in a day).
- Weekly Cap (Contactless/Oyster): £24.70 (For unlimited bus and tram travel in a week).
- Travelcard (Zones 1-2): £39.50 per week (Covers bus, Tube, and other transport modes).
Accepted payment methods:
- Oyster Card.
- Contactless Debit/Credit Cards.
- TfL Travelcards.
- Apple Pay & Google Pay.
Note: Cash payments are not accepted on London buses. Always ensure you have a valid card or mobile payment option before boarding.
What are the peak and off-peak hours for the London Bus 343 route?
| Time Period | Hours | Passenger Demand | Frequency |
| Morning Peak | 07:00 – 09:30 | High – Office workers and students traveling to school or work. | More frequent service. |
| Midday Off-Peak | 09:30 – 16:30 | Moderate – Fewer commuters, more leisure travelers. | Slightly longer intervals. |
| Evening Peak | 16:30 – 19:30 | High – Passengers returning home from work or university. | More frequent service. |
| Night Off-Peak | 19:30 – 00:00 | Low – Fewer travelers, mostly late-night workers and leisure passengers. | Longer intervals. |
| Weekend Off-Peak | All day | Moderate – Tourists and local travelers, fewer commuters. | Longer intervals compared to weekdays. |
Is the London Bus 343 route accessible for passengers with disabilities?
Yes, the London Bus 343 is fully accessible for passengers with disabilities.
Key accessibility features include:
- Low-floor buses with step-free entry for wheelchair users.
- Dedicated wheelchair spaces inside the bus.
- Audio and visual announcements for upcoming stops.
- Priority seating for elderly passengers and those with disabilities.
Additionally, TfL offers a “Turn Up and Go” service, which provides assistance at major stations for passengers requiring extra support.
How can I track the London Bus 343 in real time?
Passengers can check live bus arrival times through various methods:
- TfL Bus Tracker: Visit the TfL website for real-time arrival updates.
- Google Maps: Provides real-time bus locations and estimated arrival times.
- Citymapper App: Offers detailed transport updates and route options.
- Bus Stop Digital Displays: Available at major stops for live bus arrival information.
For the most accurate arrival times and service updates, always check a live tracking tool before traveling.
What are some travel tips for passengers using the London Bus 343 route?
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey on the London Bus 343, follow these helpful travel tips:
- Use a contactless payment method or an Oyster Card for quick and easy boarding.
London buses do not accept cash payments. Using an Oyster Card, contactless debit/credit card, or mobile payment (Apple Pay/Google Pay) allows for faster boarding and prevents delays. - Check live updates before leaving to avoid unnecessary waiting at bus stops.
Use the TfL website, Google Maps, or Citymapper app to track real-time bus arrivals. This helps you plan your journey better and avoid long waits at bus stops. - Avoid peak hours if possible, as buses can get very crowded.
The 343 bus experiences high passenger demand during peak hours (07:00 – 09:30 and 16:30 – 19:30). If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider traveling during off-peak hours for a more comfortable journey. - Be mindful of priority seating and make space for passengers with disabilities.
Buses have priority seats for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues. Be considerate and offer your seat if someone in need boards the bus. - Use alternative routes in case of delays or disruptions.
Traffic congestion or roadworks may cause delays on the route. Check TfL updates for alternative bus services or nearby Underground and Overground connections if you need to reach your destination quickly.
Conclusion
London Bus 343 route is an essential transport link for South and Central London.
Whether you’re commuting to work, visiting tourist attractions, or traveling to a transport hub, knowing the bus stops, schedule, fares, and accessibility features can help you plan your journey efficiently.
FAQs for London Bus 343 route
How often does the London Bus 343 run?
The 343 bus operates every 7-10 minutes on weekdays, 9-12 minutes on Saturdays, and 12-15 minutes on Sundays.
Can I use my Oyster Card on the London Bus 343?
Yes, Oyster Cards, Contactless Cards, and TfL Travelcards are all accepted on the 343 bus.
Does the 343 bus run 24 hours?
No, the 343 bus runs from 05:10 to 00:00 daily, but alternative night buses are available.
Where can I check live arrivals for the London Bus 343?
You can check live arrivals via the TfL website, Google Maps, or Citymapper.
Is the London Bus 343 route wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all buses on the 343 route are fully accessible for wheelchair users.