If there is one bus route that captures the chaotic, historic, and beautiful soul of London, it is the Number 24. For over a century, this route has been ferrying Londoners and tourists alike from the leafy hills of the north, right through the beating heart of the West End, and down to the river.
Forget expensive hop-on-hop-off tour buses; the 24 offers front-row seats to the capital’s most iconic landmarks for the price of a standard TfL fare. Whether you are a history buff, a music lover, or just someone who enjoys people-watching from the top deck, this route is an absolute gem.
What makes this route special
The Number 24 isn’t just a bus route; it’s a piece of living history. Dating back to 1910, it holds the title of London’s oldest unchanged bus route. While the city around it has transformed from Edwardian smog to modern glass, the 24 has kept chugging along the same path.
Today, it is usually operated by the distinctive “New Routemasters”—the sleek, curved, hybrid double-deckers often called “Borismasters.” With their glazed staircases and open-feel platforms, they offer some of the best views in the city. The route is a study in contrasts: you start in the village-like atmosphere of Hampstead, dive into the alternative grit of Camden, glide through the glitz of the West End, and finish amidst the royal grandeur of Westminster.
A route breakdown of key locations
The journey begins in the north at Hampstead Heath. This is one of London’s wildest and most beautiful green spaces, offering swimming ponds and sweeping views over the city. It’s the perfect place to start your day with a breath of fresh air before descending into the urban jungle.
As the bus heads south, you’ll wind through Chalk Farm, a charming area that acts as the gateway to London’s counter-culture capital. Moments later, you arrive in Camden Town. From the top deck, you can see the colourful shopfronts and the bustling crowds heading to Camden Market. If you love vintage fashion, street food, or live music history, this is sacred ground.
Continuing south, the bus passes the famous tube station at Mornington Crescent—legendary among fans of the radio comedy I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue—before brushing past the major transport hub of Euston.
Now, the scenery shifts to the classic London architecture of Fitzrovia. You’ll cruise down past Goodge Street, an area teeming with excellent restaurants and media offices. As you hit the West End, the energy levels spike. To your right lies Soho, the historic centre of London’s nightlife and dining scene.
The bus then navigates the crowds at Leicester Square, the cinematic heart of the UK, before arriving at Charing Cross. Here, you are officially at the centre of London.
The final leg is perhaps the most spectacular. You’ll drive down Whitehall, passing the Horse Guards and Downing Street (look for the heavy security gates to spot the Prime Minister’s residence). Suddenly, the skyline is dominated by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament as you enter Westminster.
After a loop around Parliament Square, the route concludes by passing Victoria station and winding through the elegant stucco-fronted streets of Pimlico, terminating near the River Thames.
When does the route run
One of the best things about the Number 24 is that it never sleeps. It is a designated 24-hour service. Whether you are up early for a sunrise walk on Hampstead Heath or heading home from a night out in Soho at 3:00 am, the 24 is there for you.
Service frequency and connections
During the day, the service is incredibly frequent, with buses often arriving every 6 to 10 minutes. You rarely have to check a timetable; just turn up and a bus will appear shortly.
The connectivity is unmatched. The route links you to almost every major London Underground line:
- Northern Line: Camden Town, Leicester Square, Charing Cross.
- Victoria Line: Warren Street, Victoria, Pimlico.
- Piccadilly Line: Leicester Square.
- Bakerloo Line: Charing Cross.
- District & Circle Lines: Victoria, Westminster.
- National Rail: Euston, Charing Cross, Victoria.
Value for money
In a city known for being expensive, the Number 24 is a bargain. A single journey costs just £1.75. Even better, TfL’s “Hopper Fare” allows you to make unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour for that single £1.75 charge.
If you ride all day, the cost is capped. You will never pay more than the daily cap (currently £5.25 for bus-only travel) regardless of how many buses you take. Compare that to the £30+ tickets for commercial sightseeing buses, and you can see why locals love the 24.
Top tips for the journey
- The Prime Seat: For the best experience, head straight upstairs to the front row. The panoramic window gives you a cinema-screen view of the streets below.
- Timing is Key: If you want to secure that front seat, try to board at the very start of the route (either Hampstead Heath or Pimlico). Avoiding the rush hours (8am–9am and 5pm–6pm) will make for a much more relaxing “sightseeing” experience.
- Contactless is King: You cannot pay with cash on London buses. Make sure you have an Oyster card, a contactless bank card, or a mobile payment device (Apple Pay/Google Pay) ready.
Planning a day out on this route
The 24 is practically a ready-made itinerary for a perfect London day:
- Morning: Start at Hampstead Heath. Grab a coffee and take a walk up Parliament Hill for a view of the skyline you are about to explore.
- Lunch: Hop on the bus south to Camden Town. Explore the stables at Camden Market and grab some street food by the canal.
- Afternoon: Jump back on and head to Charing Cross. Walk from there to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, or stroll down Whitehall to see the soldiers on guard.
- Evening: Finish your day in Soho or Leicester Square for a West End show and a late dinner.
Year-round appeal
Because this is a commuter route as well as a scenic one, it runs 365 days a year (though frequencies can vary on Christmas Day). In the summer, the air conditioning on the New Routemasters is a blessing. In the winter, London lights up early; taking the 24 down Oxford Street (nearby) and Regent Street’s approaches during December offers a dazzling view of the Christmas lights without the freezing cold walk.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong Londoner, a trip on the Number 24 reminds you just how diverse, historic, and vibrant this city really is. Hop on board!
