R68 Kew, Richmond & Hampton - The ultimate sightseeing bus route for South West London: R68 to Kew, Richmond, Twickenham, and Hampton Court.

The R68 bus route, operated by Transport for London (TfL), offers a picturesque journey through some of south-west London’s most beautiful and historic areas.

Connecting Hampton Court with Kew, the route takes in the charming riverside towns of Teddington and Twickenham, as well as the bustling centre of Richmond.

It’s a service that’s as useful for locals on their daily travels as it is for tourists looking for a scenic and affordable way to explore this part of the capital.

Whether you’re planning a day out at a royal palace, a walk in a royal park, or a trip to the home of English rugby, the R68 provides a convenient link to a host of attractions. With regular services running throughout the week, it’s a route that invites you to hop on and off, discovering the unique character of each neighbourhood along the way.

A journey through royal and green south-west London on the R68

For a bus route that offers a quintessential slice of south-west London life, look no further than the R68.

This Transport for London service provides a vital connection between the historic splendour of Hampton Court and Kew, home to the world-renowned gardens, all while meandering through some of the capital’s most attractive green and pleasant lands.

It’s a route that showcases the best of riverside living, royal history, and sporting heritage, making it a journey that’s as much about the scenic ride as it is about the destination.

What makes this route special

What sets the R68 apart is its ability to transport you from the grandeur of a Tudor palace to the heart of a bustling town centre, all in one journey. It’s a route of contrasts, where the tranquil beauty of the River Thames gives way to the roar of a rugby crowd, and quiet residential streets lead to vibrant shopping areas.

The R68 is a lifeline for local communities, but for the visitor, it’s a passport to a side of London that often gets overlooked. It’s a chance to see where Londoners live, work, and play, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

A route breakdown of key locations

The R68’s route is studded with gems, each offering a different flavour of south-west London. Starting at the magnificent Hampton Court Palace, the former home of King Henry VIII, you’re immediately immersed in centuries of history. The palace itself, with its famous maze and beautiful gardens, is a must-visit.

From Hampton Court, the bus heads towards Hampton, a charming village with a lovely stretch of riverside. Here, you’ll find Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare, a unique 18th-century summerhouse built by the actor David Garrick.

The route then continues through Hampton Hill and into Teddington. A key stop here is Teddington Lock, a picturesque spot with a footbridge that offers stunning views of the Thames.

Next up is Twickenham, the undisputed home of English rugby. The R68 passes close to Twickenham Stadium, so if you’re visiting on a match day, be prepared for a lively atmosphere.

Even on non-match days, you can take a tour of the stadium and visit the World Rugby Museum. Twickenham also boasts a delightful stretch of riverside, with historic pubs and the elegant Marble Hill House, a beautifully restored Palladian villa.

The journey continues to Richmond, a town that perfectly blends urban sophistication with a love for the great outdoors. Richmond is a destination in its own right, with a superb theatre, a fantastic selection of shops and restaurants, and, of course, the magnificent Richmond Park.

The R68 doesn’t go into the park itself, but it does get you close enough for a day of deer-spotting and enjoying the wide-open spaces.

Finally, the route terminates at Kew Retail Park, a convenient spot for some shopping. For those with a love of horticulture, the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is just a short walk or bus ride away.

When does the route run

The R68 is a seven-day-a-week service, running from the early morning until late at night. This makes it a reliable option for a full day out, an evening at the theatre, or simply getting from A to B.

Service frequency and connections

On weekdays and Saturdays, the R68 typically runs every 12-15 minutes during the day, with a slightly reduced frequency in the evenings. On Sundays, the service runs around every 20 minutes.

The route also offers excellent connections to other transport services. At Hampton Court and Richmond stations, you can connect with National Rail services. Richmond is also on the District line of the London Underground, providing easy access to central London.

Value for money

As with all TfL bus routes, the R68 offers fantastic value for money. A single journey costs a flat fare of £1.75, and with the ‘Hopper’ fare, you can make unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour of first touching in, at no extra cost. Daily and weekly fare caps are also in place, so you can travel as much as you like without breaking the bank. Remember that London buses are cashless, so you’ll need to use a contactless card or an Oyster card to pay.

Top tips for the journey

• Grab a window seat: The R68 is a scenic route, so a window seat will give you the best views of the river, the historic buildings, and the local life.
• Hop on and off: The best way to experience the R68 is to use it as a hop-on, hop-off service. Get off at any stop that takes your fancy and explore the local area.
• Check for events: If you’re planning to visit Twickenham Stadium or Hampton Court Palace, check their websites for any special events or match days, as this can affect traffic and busyness in the area.

Planning a day out on this route

The R68 is perfect for a day of exploration. You could start your morning at Hampton Court Palace, then take the bus to Teddington for a riverside lunch. In the afternoon, you could explore Twickenham’s historic centre, and then finish your day with a walk up Richmond Hill to watch the sunset over the Thames.

Year-round appeal

This is a route for all seasons. In the spring and summer, the parks and gardens along the route are in full bloom. In the autumn, the changing colours of the leaves in Richmond Park are a spectacular sight.

And in the winter, the cosy pubs of Twickenham and Richmond offer a warm welcome after a brisk riverside walk. The R68 is a constant and reliable companion for exploring this beautiful corner of London, no matter the time of year.