Night buses in London
The London Night Bus network is a series of night bus routes that serve Greater London. Services broadly operate between the hours of 23:00 and 06:00.
Many services commence from or operate via Trafalgar Square and are extensions or variations of daytime routes and hence derive their number from these; for example, route N73 Oxford Circus to Walthamstow follows that of route 73 as far as Stoke Newington, before continuing further north.[1][2][3]
History
The first night bus was introduced in 1913. A few more services were introduced over the following decades, but all ceased during World War II. Services resumed after the war, increasing as trams and trolleybuses were replaced in the late 1950s and 1960s. In April 1984, the number of routes was increased from 21 to 32. At this point the peak service required 80 buses; by August 2013 this had grown to 890.[4]
Originally the night bus network had its own fare structure, but with the introduction of the Oyster card in 2003, it was incorporated into the Transport for London fare structure. Until the mid-2000s, all routes had N prefixes. However, as some routes merely mirrored their day time equivalents, the N prefixes were dropped and these routes became 24-hour services; for example, route N14 was no longer differentiated from route 14.[4]
Services are operated by private operators under contract to London Buses. The Night Bus contracts are often bundled with those of the equivalent daytime routes and awarded for a five-year period, with an optional two-year extension based on performance standards being met. Some however are tendered individually.[4][5][6]
With some London Underground lines operating a 24-hour service at weekends from August 2016, a further eight routes commenced 24-hour operation on Friday and Saturday nights.[7] Further changes were made as the Night Tube network expanded.
In May 2015, the Night Bus network was the subject of The Night Bus, a Channel 4 documentary.[8][9]
Operation
Night bus routes are often related to the daytime route with the same number, often running the same route but with an extension at one or both ends. The usual purpose of the extension is to provide a night service to destinations served by tube or train during the day.
However, there are a few N-prefixed route numbers that have no relation to the daytime route with the same number: the N5, N20 and N97 all operate in a different part of London from the respective day routes, and the N550 and N551 (which provide night service on parts of the Docklands Light Railway network) have no corresponding daytime routes.
N1
Route N1 commenced operating on 28 June 1995 between Plumstead garage and Trafalgar Square. It was originally operated by London Central, being taken over by First London on 14 November 1998. On 8 January 2000 it was extended beyond Plumstead to Thamesmead, and in April 2000 withdrawn between Trafalgar Square and Aldwych being diverted to Tottenham Court Road station. Upon being re-tendered, the route was taken over by East Thames Buses on 15 October 2005.[4]
In October 2009, East Thames Buses was sold to London General, which included a five-year contract to operate route N1.[10][11][12]
- Route
Route N1 operates via these primary locations:[13]
- Thamesmead
- Abbey Wood station
- Plumstead station
- Woolwich Arsenal station
- Charlton station
- Greenwich Cutty Sark station
- Deptford
- Surrey Quays station
- South Bermondsey station
- Elephant & Castle station
- Waterloo station
- Aldwych
- Holborn station
- Tottenham Court Road station
N2
Route N2 commenced operating on 13 April 1984 between West Norwood Station West Norwood Station, and Trafalgar Square. In October 1984, it was extended north from Trafalgar Square to Friern Barnet and south from West Norwood station to Crystal Palace. In June 1995, it was withdrawn between Camden Town and Friern Barnet, and rerouted to Hampstead Heath. In November 1999, the Trafalgar Square to Hampstead Heath section was withdrawn and replaced by route N24. Upon being re-tendered, it passed from Metroline to Arriva London in April 2000.[4]
- Route
Route N2 operates via these primary locations:[14]
- Crystal Palace
- West Norwood station
- Tulse Hill station
- Brixton station
- Stockwell station
- Vauxhall bus station
- Pimlico station
- London Victoria station
- Hyde Park Corner station
- Marble Arch
- Marylebone station
N3
Route N3 began operating on 27 October 1989 between Beckenham Junction station and Victoria bus station via Oxford Circus. In October 1993, it was extended to start back at Chislehurst. In May 2000, it was altered to operate between Bromley North station and Oxford Circus. Its operation passed from London Central to Connex on the same date.[4]
Route N3 was included in the sale of Connex to Travel London in February 2004[15] which in turn was sold to Abellio London in May 2009.[16][17] New Routemasters commenced operating route N3 on 8 February 2016.
- Route
Route N3 operates via these primary locations:[18]
- Bromley North station
- Bromley South station
- Beckenham War Memorial
- Clock House station
- Beckenham Road Tramlink
- Kent House station
- Penge Pawleyne Arms
- Anerley station
- Crystal Palace station
- Herne Hill station
- Brixton station
- Kennington
- Lambeth Palace
- Westminster station
- Trafalgar Square
- Piccadilly Circus station
- Oxford Circus station
N5
Route N5 commenced operating on 28 October 1989 between Edgware station and Victoria bus station. In June 1995, it was withdrawn between Trafalgar Square and Victoria. It has been operated by Metroline since its inception.[4]
- Route
Route N5 operates via these primary locations:[19]
N7
Route N7 commenced operating on 30 August 2003 between Northolt and Russell Square partly replacing route N23. It was initially operated by First London. Upon being re-tendered it passed to Metroline on 23 June 2007[20][21] who commenced a further contract on 21 June 2014.[22] In October 2014 it was withdrawn between Oxford Circus station and Russell Square.
- Route
Route N7 operates via these primary locations:[23]
N8
Route N8 commenced operating on 13 August 1988 between Bow Church and Queensbury station. In July 1992, the Marble Arch to Queensbury section was withdrawn, with the route redirected to Victoria bus station. In July 1995, it was altered to operate from Woodford Wells to Trafalgar Square. In June 1999, it once again began operating to Victoria, albeit via Piccadilly Circus. This was altered in April 2000 with it now routed via Berkeley Square. In June 2004, its eastern terminus was altered to Hainault. In June 2009, it was again withdrawn between Oxford Circus and Victoria being replaced by route C2.[4][24]
Route N8 has been operated by East London since its inception. On 28 June 2014, a further contract commenced with New Routemasters.[25][26][27]
- Route
Route N8 operates via these primary locations:[28]
- Hainault
- Hainault station
- Gants Hill station
- Redbridge station
- Wanstead station
- Leytonstone bus station
- Leytonstone High Road station
- Maryland station
- Stratford bus station
- Old Ford
- Bethnal Green station
- Shoreditch High Street station
- Liverpool Street station
- Bank station
- St Paul's station
- City Thameslink station
- Chancery Lane station
- Holborn station
- Tottenham Court Road station
- Oxford Circus station
N9
Route N9 commenced operating on 25 February 1994 between Kingston and Trafalgar Square replacing parts of routes N65 and N92. In March 1997 it was extended from Trafalgar Square to Aldwych. On 29 September 2001, the Hammersmith bus station to Kingston section was withdrawn and the route diverted to Heathrow Central bus station, In March 2008 it was extended to the new Heathrow Terminal 5.[29] Route N9 has been operated by London United since its inception.[4]
- Route
Route N9 operates via these primary locations:[30]
N10
Route N10 commenced operating on 29 September 2001 between Richmond and Archway station replacing route N9 between Richmond and Hammersmith bus station. Initially operated by London United on 3 September 2004, the route passed to First London. At the same time, the route was withdrawn between Kings Cross and Archway, being replaced by route N390. On 29 January 2010 route N10 was withdrawn and replaced by routes 10 and 33.[4][31]
- Route
Route N10 operated via these primary locations:
N11
Route N11 commenced operating on 13 April 1984 between Shepherd's Bush Green and Liverpool Street station. In April 1985 it was extended at both ends, westward to Acton Town and east to Hackney Central. It was extended east again in November 1985 to Hackney Wick. In August 1986 it was diverted at the western end from Shepherds Bush to Turnham Green, this was reversed in February 1994.[4]
Having been replaced between Trafalgar Square and Hackney Wick in October 1989 by route N6, it resumed operating to Liverpool Street in February 1994. In March 2001 it was diverted at Hammersmith to Wembley Stadium. Having been operated by London United since its inception, on 29 June 2003 it was taken over by London General. On 7 June 2008, route N11 was diverted at West Ealing to Ealing Broadway being replaced by route 297.[4][32]
- Route
Route N11 operates via these primary locations:[33]
- Ealing Broadway station
- Northfields station
- Acton Town station
- Turnham Green station
- Hammersmith bus station
- Charing Cross Hospital
- Fulham Broadway station
- Sloane Square station
- Victoria station
- Westminster station
- Trafalgar Square
- Charing Cross station
- City Thameslink station
- Mansion House station
- Bank station
- Liverpool Street bus station
N13
Route N13 commenced operating on 13 April 1984 between North Finchley and Trafalgar Square, being extended on 27 October 1984 from North Finchley to Chipping Barnet and on 8 July 1992 from Trafalgar Square to Victoria bus station, the latter being reversed on 23 June 1995. Upon being re-tendered, on 1 September 2001, the route passed from Metroline to London Sovereign being extended from Trafalgar Square to Aldwych on the same day.[4] It ceased on 1 April 2017 when route 13 was converted to 24-hour operation.[34]
- Route
Route N13 operated via these primary locations:[35]
N15
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Route N15 commenced operating on 15 July 1995 between Becontree Heath and Paddington station to replace a section of withdrawn route N95 between Becontree Heath and Aldgate. In August 1998 the route was extended from Becontree Heath to Romford Market and withdrawn between Marble Arch and Paddington. The latter was reverted in May 2001.[4] In October 2007 the route was extended from Paddington to Paddington Basin. In August 2010 the route was withdrawn between Regent Street and Paddington Basin, this section replaced by route 159.[36] In May 2013 the route was withdrawn between Trafalgar Square and Regent Street.[37]
Having been operated by East London since its inception, it was taken over by Blue Triangle on 26 August 2017.[38]
- Route
Route N15 operates via these primary locations:[39]
- Romford Market
- Romford station
- Becontree Heath bus station
- Barking station
- Canning Town bus station
- Limehouse station
- Aldgate East station
- Aldgate station
- Monument station
- Cannon Street station
- Mansion House station
- St Paul's Cathedral
- City Thameslink station
- Charing Cross station
- Trafalgar Square
- Piccadilly Circus station
- Oxford Circus station
N16
Route N16 commenced operating on 19 January 1991 between Edgware bus station and Victoria bus station via Trafalgar Square. In October 2002 it was rerouted away from Trafalgar Square to run direct from Marble Arch via Park Lane to Victoria. It has always been operated by Metroline.[4]
- Route
Route N16 operates via these primary locations:[40]
N18
Route N18 commenced operating on 13 April 1984 between Sudbury and Liverpool Street station. In April 1985 it was extended from Sudbury to Harrow Weald via Edgware at its outer end and curtailed from Liverpool Street to Aldwych at its inner end.[4] Having been operated by First London since privatisation, it was included in the sale of Willesden Junction garage to Metroline in June 2013.[41][42] In November 2017 operation of the route passed to London United.[43]
- Route
Route N18 operates via these primary locations:[44]
- Harrow Weald bus garage
- Harrow & Wealdstone station
- Harrow-on-the-Hill station
- Northwick Park Hospital
- Sudbury & Harrow Road station
- Wembley Central station
- Stonebridge Park station
- Harlesden Jubilee Clock
- Kensal Green station
- Royal Oak station
- Edgware Road station
- Baker Street station
- Great Portland Street station
- Oxford Circus station
- Piccadilly Circus station
- Trafalgar Square
N19
Route N19 commenced operating on 28 October 1989 between Clapham Junction station and Finsbury Park station. London General operated it until April 2000 when it was taken over by Arriva London. London General won the route back when re-tendered from March 2012,[45] before it returned to Arriva operation in April 2017.[4][46][47]
- Route
Route N19 operates via these primary locations:[48]
N20
Route N20 commenced operating on 28 October 1989 from Chipping Barnet to Aldwych as route N1. It was curtailed from Aldwych to Trafalgar Square on 18 July 1992. It was renumbered as N20 on 24 June 1995. First London operated it from 15 July 1998 until it returned to Metroline on 25 August 2003.[4]
- Route
Route N20 operates via these primary locations:[49]
N21
Night Bus Route N21 is the night service for route 21 between Bank and Lewisham, and – until 10 October 2009 – for route 233 between Eltham and Foots Cray, for route 51 between Blackfen and Foots Cray and for route 321 between New Cross Gate and Eltham and Sidcup (police station) and Foots Cray.
The N21 was introduced to provide a night service over the original route 21 between Central London and Sidcup (Foots Cray), but with a deviation via Avery Hill and Blackfen, to serve the University of Greenwich, which provides the route with steady patronage between there and Central London throughout the week. It originally operated from Victoria to Foots Cray on its current route, but on Friday and Saturday nights some journeys ran via New Eltham and Mottingham, terminating at Sidcup. In 1999 the route was restructured again: the extra weekend journeys via New Eltham were revised to operate from Eltham to Chislehurst via Mottingham and was extended to run every night (not just at weekends). The original service to Foots Cray via Blackfen and Sidcup remained unchanged. Changes to the frequency meant buses running every 30 minutes between Victoria and Eltham then every 60 minutes to Chislehurst and Foots Cray respectively.
In 2002, the Chislehurst journeys were withdrawn and run through to Foots Cray instead, providing a 30-minute service over the whole route. The route was also shortened to start and terminate at Trafalgar Square as opposed to Victoria. On Friday and Saturday nights, demand was such that extras were introduced between Eltham High Street and Trafalgar Square, combined with the Foots Cray buses providing a 15-minute service over that section of route. With the withdrawal of the Chislehurst services, Mottingham and Chislehurst were without a night bus route until February 2008 when the N136 was introduced (replacing parts of the N36).
The route was further amended on 10 October 2009, and withdrawn between Blackfen and Sidcup, instead running to Bexleyheath via Blendon, Bridgen and Old Bexley along the established day route 132. The night service to Sidcup was simultaneously replaced by a 24-hour service on route 321, restoring a night service to New Eltham after an absence of 10 years. On 27 May 2017, the route was transferred to London Central.[50]
- Route
Route N21 operates via these primary locations:[51]
- Bexleyheath
- Bexley station
- Blackfen
- Eltham High Street
- Lee Green
- Lewisham station
- New Cross Gate station
- Old Kent Road
- Bricklayers Arms
- London Bridge station
- Monument station
- City Thameslink station
- Trafalgar Square
N22
Route N22 commenced operating on 24 November 2000 between Richmond and Piccadilly Circus replace the withdrawn section of route N9 between Richmond and Putney Bridge. On 29 September 2001, the route was extended from Richmond to Kingston. On 3 June 2006, it was withdrawn curtailed from Kingston to Fulwell. It has always been operated by London General.[4] On 16 July 2017, the route was withdrawn between Green Park and Piccadilly Circus and diverted to Oxford Circus via Berkeley Square, partly replacing route C2.[52]
- Route
Route N22 operates via these primary locations:[53]
N25
Route N25 commenced operation on 15 July 1995 between Romford station and Trafalgar Square. Initially operated by East London, upon being re-tendered it passed to First London on 26 July 1999. It ceased On 26 June 2004, when route 25 was converted to 24-hour operation.[4] Route N25 was reintroduced on 1 December 2018 when route 25 ceased to be a 24-hour route.[54] It will again be operated by East London from 23 May 2020.[55]
- Route
Route N25 operates via these primary locations:[56]
- Ilford
- Little Ilford
- Manor Park
- Woodgrange Park station
- Forest Gate
- Stratford bus station
- Bow Church station
- Bow Road station
- Mile End station
- Stepney Green station
- Whitechapel station
- Aldgate East station
- Aldgate station
- Bank station
- St Paul's station
- City Thameslink station
- Holborn Circus
- Chancery Lane station
- Holborn station
- Tottenham Court Road station
- Oxford Circus station
N26
Route N26 commenced operation on 18 July 1992 between Walthamstow Central station and Victoria bus station. It was introduced to replace the withdrawn sections of route N6 between Trafalgar Square and Walthamstow. In 1995 it was curtailed from Victoria to Trafalgar Square. In 2001 it was extended to Chingford station, partly replacing route N38.[4]
- Route
Route N26 operates via these primary locations:[57]
N27
Route N27 was introduced on 3 February 2001 between Turnham Green and Chalk Farm. It was operated by First London. It ceased on 19 March 2004 when route 27 was converted to 24-hour operation.[4] It resumed on 9 March 2019 when route 27 ceased to be a 24-hour route, this time being operated by London United.[58] On 9 November 2019, it was taken over by Abellio London.[59]
- Route
Route N27 operates via these primary locations:[60]
- Hammersmith bus station
- Kensington Olympia station
- High Street Kensington station
- Notting Hill Gate station
- Paddington station
- Baker Street station
- Regent's Park station
- Great Portland Street
- Warren Street station
- Mornington Crescent station
- Camden Town station
- Chalk Farm
N28
Route N28 commenced operating on 29 May 1999 between Camden Town and Wandsworth. From its inception it was operated by First London.[4] It was included in the June 2013 sale of First London's Westbourne Park to Tower Transit.[61][62]
- Route
Route N28 operates via these primary locations:[63]
- Camden Town
- Mornington Crescent station
- Camden Town station
- Chalk Farm station
- Swiss Cottage station
- South Hampstead station
- Kilburn High Road station
- Kilburn Park station
- Westbourne Park station
- Notting Hill Gate station
- High Street Kensington station
- Kensington Olympia station
- West Kensington station
- Fulham Broadway station
- Wandsworth Bridge
- Wandsworth Town station
- Southside Wandsworth
N29
Route N29 commenced operating on 27 February 1980 between Enfield Town and Trafalgar Square. On 14 January 2006 it was curtailed from Enfield Town to Ponders End with Mercedes-Benz O530G articulated buses introduced. On 26 November 2011 it was converted back to double deck operation.[4]
- Route
Route N29 operates via these primary locations:[64]
N31
Route N31 commenced operation on 11 November 1989 between Camden Town and Notting Hill Gate. It initially operated on Friday and Saturday nights only until it became a seven days a week service on 18 July 1992 with the Alexander bodied Mercedes-Benz 811Ds were replaced by Wright Handybus bodied Dennis Darts that in turn were replaced by Marshall Capital bodied Dennis Darts in 1999.[4]
On 29 May 1999, the route was diverted to terminate at Clapham Junction station. It was converted back to double decker operation in June 2004 with Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TLs.[4] It was included in the June 2013 sale of First London's Westbourne Park to Tower Transit.[61][62] Upon being re-tendered, on 28 April 2018 the route passed to Metroline.[65][66]
- Route
Route N31 operates via these primary locations:[67]
N33
Route N33 commenced operating on 18 May 2019 between Fulwell station and Hammersmith bus station with the curtailment of route 33 due to the closure of Hammersmith Bridge.[68]
- Route
Route N33 operates via these primary locations:[69]
N35
Route N35 commenced on 26 April 1997 between Clapham Junction station and Trafalgar Square. In April 2000, the route was withdrawn between Holborn and Trafalgar Square and diverted to Tottenham Court Road station. Having been operated by London Central since its inception, upon being re-tendered in 2009 it was taken over by Travel London.[70] It was included in the May 2009 sale of Travel London to Abellio London.[4][16][17] It ceased on 30 April 2016 when route 35 was converted to 24-hour operation.[71]
- Route
Route N35 operates via these primary locations:[72]
- Clapham Junction station
- Brixton
- Loughborough Junction station
- Camberwell
- Elephant & Castle station
- London Bridge station
- Bank station
- Liverpool Street station
- Old Street station
- Clerkenwell
- Tottenham Court Road station
N38
Route N38 commenced operating on 14 July 1995 between Chingford station and Trafalgar Square. Initially operated by East London, upon being tendered it passed to Arriva London from 19 April 1997, being diverted to Victoria bus station on the same date. On 28 April 2001, the route was curtailed from Chingford to Walthamstow.[4]
- Route
Route N38 operates via these primary locations:[73]
N41
Route N41 commenced operation on 9 December 2000 between Tottenham Hale bus station and Archway. On 5 February 2005 it extended from Archway to Trafalgar Square. It has always been operated by Arriva London.[4]
- Route
Route N41 operates via these primary locations:[74]
N44
Route N44 commenced operating on 18 August 1995 between Sutton station and Trafalgar Square. On 26 April 1996 it was extended to Aldwych. It has always been operated by London General.[4]
Route N44 operates via these primary locations:[75]
- Route
N53
Route N53 commenced operating on 27 October 1989 between Erith and Victoria bus station. On 28 July 1995 the route was extended at either end to Thamesmead and Oxford Circus. On 8 January 2000 the Thamesmead to Plumstead section was withdrawn. On 28 June 2002, the route was withdrawn between Plumstead and Erith. On 15 February 2003 it was withdrawn between Trafalgar Square and Oxford Circus. It ceased on 20 March 2004 when route 53 was converted to a 24-hour service.[4] It was reinstated on 15 June 2019 when route 53 ceased to be a 24-hour service.[68]
Route N53 operates via these primary locations:[76]
- Route
- Plumstead station
- Plumstead Common
- Woolwich Arsenal station
- Charlton
- Blackheath
- Deptford Bridge station
- New Cross station
- New Cross Gate station
- Old Kent Road
- Elephant & Castle station
- Lambeth North station
- Westminster station
- Horse Guards Parade
N55
Route N55 commenced operating on 28 April 2001 between Whipps Cross and Oxford Circus station. On 25 June 2004 it was extended from Whipps Cross to Woodford Wells. It has always been operated by East London.[4]
Route N55 operates via these primary locations:[77]
- Route
- Woodford Wells
- South Woodford station
- Snaresbrook
- Wanstead station
- Whipps Cross
- Bakers Arms
- Lea Bridge Station
- Clapton station
- Hackney Downs station
- Hackney Central station
- Cambridge Heath station
- Old Street station
- Tottenham Court Road station
- Oxford Circus station
N63
Route N63 commenced operating on 16 November 2002 between Crystal Palace and King's Cross station. It has been operated by London Central since its inception.[4]
Route N63 operates via these primary locations:[78]
- Route
N65
Route N65 commenced operating on 31 August 2002 between Kingston and Ealing Broadway station. It ceased on 24 January 2004 when route 65 was converted to 24-hour operation.[4] It was reintroduced on 25 October 2018 between Chessington World of Adventures and Ealing Broadway.[79]
Route N65 operates via these primary locations:[80]
- Current route
- Chessington World of Adventures
- Chessington South station
- Chessington North station
- Surbiton station
- Kingston Station
- Ham Common
- Richmond station
- Kew Bridge station
- Brentford
- South Ealing station
- Ealing Broadway station
N68
Route N68 commenced operating on 27 March 1999 between Purley Cross and Trafalgar Square. On 28 April 2000, the route was diverted at Aldwych via Kingsway, and High Holborn to Tottenham Court Road station and extended from Purley to Old Coulsdon. Having been operated by Arriva London from its inception, on 31 March 2006 it was taken over by London Central and on 31 March 2018 by Abellio London.[4][81]
Route N68 operates via these primary locations:[82]
- Route
- Old Coulsdon
- Coulsdon South station
- Coulsdon Town station
- Reedham station
- Purley
- South Croydon
- East Croydon station
- Wellesley Road Tramlink
- Thornton Heath High Street
- Selhurst Park
- Upper Norwood
- West Norwood station
- Tulse Hill station
- Herne Hill station
- Denmark Hill
- Kings College Hospital
- Camberwell Green
- Elephant & Castle station
- Waterloo station
- Aldwych
- Holborn station
- Tottenham Court Road station
N72
Route N72 commenced operating on 5 September 1999 between East Acton and Roehampton. It ceased on 24 April 2004 when route 72 was converted to 24-hour operation.[4] With the closure of Hammersmith Bridge, it was reintroduced on 18 May 2019.[68]
Route N72 operates via these primary locations:[83]
- Route
- East Acton
- East Acton station
- White City station
- Shepherd's Bush Green station
- Hammersmith bus station
- Charing Cross Hospital
- Putney Bridge
- Barnes station
- Roehampton
N73
Route N73 commenced operating on 22 September 1989 between Walthamstow Central station and Victoria bus station. On 17 June 2017, it was cutback from Victoria to Oxford Circus being replaced by route N390.[4][84]
Route N73 operates via these primary locations:[85]
- Route
- Walthamstow bus station
- Blackhorse Road station
- Tottenham Hale station
- Seven Sisters station
- South Tottenham station
- Stamford Hill
- Stoke Newington station
- Essex Road station
- Angel station
- King's Cross station
- St Pancras station
- Euston bus station
- Euston Square station
- Tottenham Court Road station
- Oxford Circus station
N74
Route N74 commenced operating on 23 November 2002 between Roehampton and Baker Street station.[4]
Route N74 operates via these primary locations:[86]
- Route
N83
Route N83 commenced operating on 13 September 2002 between Ealing Hospital and Golders Green station. Operated by First London, it ceased on 16 April 2004 when route 83 became a 24-hour service.[4]
It was reintroduced on 13 September 2016 when route 83] was curtailed to only operate between Alperton and Golders Green stations and route 483 introduced between Ealing Hospital and Harrow bus station.[87][88]
- Route
Route N83 operates via these primary locations:[89]
N86
Route N86 commenced operating on 26 June 2004 between Harold Hill and Stratford bus station replacing the withdrawn section of route N25 between Harold Hill and Ilford.[4]
Route N86 operates via these primary locations:[90]
- Route
N87
Route N77 commenced on 18 August 1995 between Tolworth and Trafalgar Square. On 3 June 2006 route N77 was renumbered N87 and curtailed between Tolworth and Kingston.[4]
Route N87 operates via these primary locations:[91]
- Route
N89
Route N89 commenced operating on 28 June 2002 between Erith and Trafalgar Square.[4]
Route N89 operates via these primary locations:[92]
- Route
- Erith
- Slade Green station
- Barnehurst station
- Bexleyheath
- Welling station
- Shooter's Hill
- Blackheath station
- Lewisham
- Deptford Bridge station
- New Cross station
- New Cross Gate station
- Queens Road Peckham station
- Camberwell Green
- Elephant & Castle station
- Southwark station
- Blackfriars station
- Aldwych
- Trafalgar Square
N91
Route N91 commenced operating on 25 February 1994 between Hornsey Rise and Trafalgar Square. On 23 June 1995, the route was extended from Hornsey Rise to Potters Bar. Having been operated by MTL London since its inception, when re-tendered it passed to Capital Citibus on 31 January 1997. It passed with the Capital Citibus to First London in July 1998. When next tendered, it was awarded to Metroline from 6 February 2009.[4][93]
Route N91 operates via these primary locations:[94]
- Route
N97
The route is primarily used as a night replacement for the Piccadilly line between Piccadilly Circus and Hammersmith stations. Passengers can then continue their journey using night routes N91 (to Cockfosters) or N9 (to Heathrow). There is currently no night service for the Uxbridge branch. Operation of the route passed from London United to Tower Transit on 5 March 2016.[95]
- Route
Route N97 operates via these primary locations:[96]
N98
Route N98 commenced operating on 19 August 1995 between Stanmore station and Trafalgar Square. On 29 April 2000 the route was diverted at Oxford Circus to Red Lion Square. Initially operated by CentreWest, since 3 February 2001 it has been operated by Metroline.[4]
Route N98 operates via these primary locations:[97]
- Route
N109
Route 109 commenced operating on 11 March 1994 between Coulsdon and Aldwych. It was withdrawn on 17 September 1999, being replaced by route N159. It was reintroduced on 28 August 2010 between Croydon and Oxford Circus station replacing route N159. Initially operated by Arriva London, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by Abellio London on 31 January 2015.[4][98][99]
Route N109 operates via these primary locations:[100]
- Route
- Croydon Katharine Street
- West Croydon bus station
- Norbury station
- Streatham station
- Streatham Hill station
- Brixton station
- Kennington
- Lambeth North station
- Westminster station
- Trafalgar Square
- Piccadilly Circus station
- Oxford Circus station
N113
Route N113 commenced operating on 30 June 2012 between Edgware bus station and Trafalgar Square partly replacing route N13.[101][102]
- Route
Route N113 operates via these primary locations:[103]
N133
Route N133 commenced operation on 24 January 2003 between Tooting and Liverpool Street bus station. On 1 September 2007 it was diverted at Streatham to Mitcham. Having been operated by London General since its inception, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by Arriva London on 22 January 2010.[4][104]
Route N133 operates via these primary locations:[105]
- Route
N136
Route N136 commenced operating on 9 February 2008 between Chislehurst and Oxford Cirus station replacing route N36 between Grove Park and Oxford Circus. Having been operated by Selkent since its inception, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by London Central on 27 May 2017.[4][106]
Route N136 operates via these primary locations:[107]
- Route
- Chislehurst
- Grove Park station
- Catford Garage
- Lewisham station
- New Cross Gate station
- Queens Road Peckham station
- Camberwell Green
- Oval station
- Vauxhall bus station
- Victoria station
- Westminster station
- Piccadilly Circus station
- Oxford Circus station
N137
Route N137 commenced operating on 16 March 2001 between Crystal Palace and Oxford Circus station. Having been operated by London Central since its inception, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by Arriva London on 9 July 2004.[4][108]
Route N137 operates via these primary locations:[109]
- Route
- Crystal Palace
- Streatham Hill station
- Clapham Common station
- Queenstown Road station
- Battersea Park station
- Sloane Square station
- Knightsbridge station
- Hyde Park Corner station
- Marble Arch station
- Bond Street station
- Oxford Circus station
N155
Route N155 commenced operating on 18 August 1995 between Sutton station and Trafalgar Square. On 28 May 1999, the route was extended from Trafalgar Square to Aldwych. On 12 December 2003, it was withdrawn between Sutton and Morden, being replaced by route N44. It has been operated by London General since its inception.[4]
Route N155 operates via these primary locations:[110]
- Route
- Morden station
- Morden Road tram stop
- South Wimbledon station
- Colliers Wood station
- Tooting Broadway station
- Tooting Bec station
- Balham station
- Clapham South station
- Clapham Common station
- Clapham High Street station
- Clapham North station
- Stockwell station
- Oval station
- Kennington station
- Elephant & Castle station
- Lambeth North station
- Westminster station
- Trafalgar Square
- Charing Cross station
- Aldwych
N171
Route N171 commenced operating on 27 April 1996 between Hither Green station and Trafalgar Square. In 2000 it route was diverted at Aldwych to Tottenham Court Road station instead of Trafalgar Square. In 2006, the route was changed to terminate at Catford Bus Garage instead of Hither Green, and so mirror the day 171 route.[4]
On 30 April 2011 it was rerouted to back Hither Green station.[111] Since it inception, it has been operated by London Central.
- Route
Route N171 operates via these primary locations:[112]
- Hither Green station
- Catford Bridge station
- Catford station
- Crofton Park station
- New Cross station
- New Cross Gate station
- Queens Road Peckham station
- Elephant & Castle station
- Waterloo station
- Aldwych
- Holborn station
- Tottenham Court Road station
N199
Route N199 commenced operating on 12 September 2015 between St Mary Cray station and Trafalgar Square to replace discontinued night bus N47.[113]
- Route
Route N199 operates via these primary locations:[114]
- St Mary Cray station
- Orpington station
- Petts Wood station
- Bromley Common
- Bromley South station
- Downham
- Catford
- Ladywell
- Lewisham station
- Greenwich station
- Deptford
- Surrey Quays station
- Canada Water station
- Bermondsey station
- London Bridge station
- Monument station
- Cannon Street station
- Mansion House station
- City Thameslink station
- Aldwych
- Charing Cross station
- Trafalgar Square
N205
Route N205 was introduced on 31 August 2013 when route 205 ceased to be a 24-hour route. It has been operated by East London since its inception.[115][116]
Route N205 operates via these primary locations:[117]
- Route
- Leyton
- Stratford City bus station
- Mile End station
- Aldgate East station
- Liverpool Street station
- Old Street station
- King's Cross station
- Euston bus station
- Paddington station
- Paddington
N207
Route N207 commenced operation on 11 October 1996 between Uxbridge station and Victoria bus station. On 12 November 1999 it was diverted at Oxford Circus to Aldwych. On 28 April 2000 it was again rerouted to Holborn.[4] Having been operated by First London since privatisation, it was included in the sale of Hayes garage to Metroline in June 2013.[41][42] Upon being re-tendered, it passed to Abellio London on 6 April 2019.[118][119]
Route N207 operates via these primary locations:[120]
- Route
- Uxbridge station
- Hillingdon
- Hayes End
- Southall
- Ealing Hospital
- Hanwell
- West Ealing
- Ealing Broadway station
- Ealing Common station
- Acton
- Shepherd's Bush Market station
- Shepherd's Bush station
- Holland Park station
- Notting Hill Gate station
- Marble Arch station
- Tottenham Court Road station
- Red Lion Square
N242
Route N242 commenced operating on 31 January 2003 between Homerton University Hospital and Tottenham Court Road station. It ceased on 23 April 2004 when route 242 was converted to a 24-hour service.[4] It was reinstated on 15 June 2019 when route 242 ceased to be a 24-hour service.[68]
Route N242 operates via these primary locations:[121]
- Route
- Homerton University Hospital
- Hackney Central station
- Shoreditch
- Liverpool Street Station
- Bank station
- St Pauls station
- City Thameslink station
- Tottenham Court Road station
N253
Route N253 commenced operating on 3 September 1993 running between Aldgate bus station and Euston bus station. On 25 November 1994 it was extended to Trafalgar Square. On 29 May 1998, the route was withdrawn between Trafalgar Square and Tottenham Court Road station.[4]
Route N253 operates via these primary locations:[122]
- Route
- Aldgate bus station
- Aldgate East station
- Whitechapel station
- Bethnal Green Tube station
- Cambridge Heath station
- Hackney Central station
- Hackney Downs station
- Clapton station
- Stamford Hill station
- Manor House station
- Finsbury Park station
- Holloway
- Camden Road station
- Camden Town station
- Euston bus station
- Tottenham Court Road station
N277
Route N277 commenced operating on 30 June 2018 between Cubitt Town and Islington.[123]
Route N277 operates via these primary locations:[124]
- Route
N279
Route N279 commenced operating on 26 April 1996 between Upshire and Victoria bus station. On 15 October 1999 it was withdrawn between Upshire and Waltham Cross. On 15 October 2004 it was cut back from Victoria to Trafalgar Square.[4]
Route N279 operates via these primary locations:[125]
- Route
N343
Route N343 commenced operating on 2 February 2001 between New Cross garage and Victoria bus station. Having been operated by London Central since its inception, about being re-tendered it was taken over by Travel London in 2006.[126] It was included in the sale of Travel London to Abellio London in May 2009.[16][17] Upon being re-tendered it returned to London Central on 13 February 2018.[127]
Route N343 operates via these primary locations:[128]
- Route
N381
Route N381 commenced operating on 9 October 1999 between Peckham and Trafalgar Square. Initially operated by London Central, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by Connex on 9 October 2004.[129] It was included in the sale of Connex to Travel London in February 2004[15] which in turn was sold to Abellio London in May 2009.[16][17]
Route N381 operates via these primary locations:[130]
- Route
N550
Route N550 commenced on 30 October 2008 between Canning Town bus station and Trafalgar Square replacing route N50 between Canning Town and East Beckton. Initially operated by East London, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by Tower Transit on 31 August 2013.[4][131] When next tendered it passed to CT Plus on 1 August 2018.[132]
Route N550 operates via these primary locations:[133]
- Route
N551
Route N551 commenced on 30 October 2008 between Gallions Reach Shopping Park and Trafalgar Square. Initially operated by Docklands Buses, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by Tower Transit on 31 August 2013.[4][131] When next tendered it passed to CT Plus on 1 August 2018.[132]
Route N551 operates via these primary locations:[134]
- Route
- Gallions Reach Shopping Park
- Gallions Reach station
- Beckton bus station
- Prince Regent station
- Custom House station
- Canning Town bus station
- Limehouse station
- Aldgate station
- Bank
- Mansion House station
- City Thameslink station
- Trafalgar Square
See also
References
- Route N73 Transport for London
- Route 73 Transport for London
- Central London Night Bus map Transport for London
- Wallis, Philip (2013). London's Night Buses 1984-2013 (2 ed.). London: Capital Transport Publishing. ISBN 978-1854143723.
- Tender Results Stagecoach London 16 July 2014
- London's Bus Contracting and Tendering Process Transport for London
- TfL introduces new Friday and Saturday night bus services to support Night Tube Transport for London 17 August 2016
- "The Night Bus" community on Arriva London buses Arriva London 11 May 2015
- The Night Bus; nocturnal naughtiness on the N29 The Guardian 11 May 2015
- Go-Ahead Acquires East Thames Buses Archived 22 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine Go-Ahead Group 30 July 2009
- Go-Ahead buys East Thames Buses Archived 24 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine Bus & Coach Professional 3 August 2009
- East Thames Buses Archived 24 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine Go-Ahead London
- Route N1 map Transport for London
- Route N2 map Transport for London
- National Express buys 200 London busesThe Daily Telegraph 27 February 2004
- National Express Group plc agreement to sell Travel London National Express Group 21 May 2009
- NedRailways acquisition reinforces long term commitment to UK transport market NedRailways 9 June 2009
- Route N3 map Transport for London
- Route N5 map Transport for London
- Bus tender results - Route 7/N7 Transport for London 2 November 2016
- "Route 7 change reveals increased tendering competition" Buses issue 625 April 2007 page 20
- Tender News Bus Talk issue 25 December 2013
- Route N7 map Transport for London
- London Buses announces changes to bus routes 8, N8 and C2 Transport for London 23 June 2009
- Major Routes Retained & First New Bus for London Stagecoach 1 February 2014
- Tender News Bus Talk issue 26 February 2014
- Service Changes 24 May to 5 July 2014 inclusive Transport for London 5 June 2014
- Route N8 map Transport for London
- Five bus routes to the new Terminal 5 Transport for London 18 March 2008
- Route N9 map Transport for London
- New night bus services in west London Transport for London 22 January 2010
- Route 297 to become a 24-hour service Transport for London 3 June 2008
- Route N11 map Transport for London
- Bus Service Changes 11 March to 16 April 2017 Transport for London 24 March 2017
- Route N13 map Transport for London
- Major changes to routes 15, N15, 159 and N159 Transport for London 24 August 2010
- Bus routes 6, 15 and N15 Transport for London 13 August 2018
- Tender News Go-Ahead London 28 March 2017
- Route N15 map Transport for London
- Route N16 map Transport for London
- Aberdeen firm FirstGroup sells off depots for £80m BBC News 9 April 2013
- First quits London bus business Bus & Coach Professional 9 April 2013
- Stagecoach lose out in bus tendering Coach & Bus Week issue 1285 5 April 2017
- Route N18 map Transport for London
- Bus tender results - Route 19/N19 Transport for London 27 June 2011
- Bus tender results - Route 19/N19 Transport for London 25 August 2016
- Tender News Bus Talk issue 42 October 2016 page 12
- Route N19 map Transport for London
- Route N20 map Transport for London
- Bus Service Changes 5 May to 16 June 2017 Transport for London 19 May 2017
- Route N21 map Transport for London
- Bus service changes 16 June to 28 July 2017 Transport for London 30 June 2017
- Route N22 map Transport for London
- Permanent Bus Changes 2 November to 14 December 2018 Transport for London 26 November 2018
- Success for Stagecoach in London Coach & Bus Week issue 1404 30 July 2019 page 7
- Route N25 map Transport for London
- Route N26 map Transport for London
- Permanent Bus Changes 8 March to 19 April 2019 Transport for London 22 March 2019
- Abellio, Stagecoach gain in TfL tender results Coach & Bus Week issue 1387 2 April 2019
- Route N27 map Transport for London
- Tower Transit announces First Group partial acquisition Tower Transit 9 April 2013
- First confirms London sell-off Coach & Bus Week 16 April 2013
- Route N28 map Transport for London
- Route N29 map Transport for London
- Bus tender results - Route 31/N31 Transport for London 24 August 2017
- Latest tendered service awards Buses issue 751 October 2017 page 21
- Route N31 map Transport for London
- Permanent Bus Changes 12 April 2019 to 30 June 2019 Transport for London 7 June 2019
- Route N33 map Transport for London
- Bus tender results - Route 35/N35 Transport for London 15 September 2008
- Bus service proposal: 35 and N35 Transport for London 18 March 2016
- Route N35 map Transport for London
- Route N38 map Transport for London
- Route N41 map Transport for London
- Route N44 map Transport for London
- Route N53 map Transport for London
- Route N55 map Transport for London
- Route N63 map Transport for London
- Permanent Bus Changes 5 October to 16 November 2018 Transport for London 23 October 2018
- Route N65 map Transport for London
- London Central loses out in tender round Coach & Bus Week 1303 8 August 2017 page 7
- Route N68 map Transport for London
- Route N72 map Transport for London
- Bus service changes 19 May to 30 June 2017 Transport for London 2 June 2017
- Route N73 map Transport for London
- Route N74 map Transport for London
- Changes to route 83 and the introduction of new route 483 Archived 8 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine Transport for London 7 June 2016
- Bus Service Changes 5 August to 24 September inclusive Transport for London 27 August 2016
- Route N83 map Transport for London
- Route N86 map Transport for London
- Route N87 map Transport for London
- Route N89 map Transport for London
- Bus tender results - Route 91/N91 Transport for London 19 June 2008
- Route N91 map Transport for London
- Over 50 new electric buses on their way to London Coach & Bus Week issue 1198 21 July 2015 page 6
- Route N97 map Transport for London
- Route N98 map Transport for London
- Bus tender results - Route 109/N109 Transport for London 17 April 2014
- Abellio continues its winning streak Buses issue 711 June 2014 page 19
- Route N109 map Transport for London
- Bus service proposal: new night bus route N113 and changes to route N13 Transport for London 1 June 2012
- New night bus N113 links Mill Hill, Watford Way and Hendon Way with central London Transport for London 26 June 2012
- Route N113 map Transport for London
- Bus tender results - Route 133/N133 Transport for London 14 September 2009
- Route N133 map Transport for London
- Sullivan Buses and London Central gain London bus tenders Coach & Bus Week issue 1266 15 November 2016 page 9
- Route N136 map Transport for London
- Bus tender results - Route 137/N137 Transport for London 2 February 2004
- Route N137 map Transport for London
- Route N155 map Transport for London
- Bus service proposal: route N171 Transport for London
- Route N171 map Transport for London
- "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- Route N199 map Transport for London
- Have your say on proposals for bus services to serve the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Transport for London August 2013
- Six routes transfer in latest TfL tender results Coach & Bus Week issue 1375 8 January 2019 page 7
- Route N205 map Transport for London
- Bus tender results - Route 207/N207 Transport for London 11 July 2018
- Metrobus and Abellio gain TfL contracts Coach & Bus Week issue 1351 17 July 2018 page 7
- Route N207 map Transport for London
- Route N242 map Transport for London
- Route N253 map Transport for London
- Permanent Bus Changes 1 June to 13 July 2018 Transport for London 15 June 2018
- Route N277 map Transport for London
- Route N279 map Transport for London
- Bus tender results - Route 343/N343 Transport for London 9 March 2005
- Successful TfL tender round for London Central - Coach & Bus Week issue 1299 11 July 2017 page 7
- Route N343 map Transport for London
- Bus tender results - Route 381/N381 Transport for London 15 March 2004
- Route N381 map Transport for London
- Contracts awards show an enthusiasm for night work Buses December 2012 page 18
- HCT wins three new London red bus routes HCT Group 13 December 2017
- Route N550 map Transport for London
- Route N551 map Transport for London