Live bus arrivals

Online and mobile

You can check live bus arrival times - just search for your stop or choose your route number and we'll show you a list of bus arrival times.

Text message

Send a text to 87287 with your bus stop code and we'll send a reply with live bus arrival information for that stop. From overseas networks, use +44 7797 800 287.

Texts cost the standard network rate, plus a 12p charge to receive the response. Texts via overseas networks are charged at the network's standard roaming rate only, but are limited to five per day. See our terms and conditions for more details.

Find the bus stop code

The bus stop code is a black, five-digit number on a sign above the timetable.

Countdown signs

Our Countdown Signs provide live bus arrival information at 2,500 stops in London. The signs have been put in places - agreed by the boroughs - with appropriate shelter and power.

Requesting a Countdown sign

We have no funding to add more Countdown signs at stops. London boroughs and other third parties can buy new signs as long as the stop meets certain conditions:

The bus stop must:

  • Be fully accessible, for example wheelchair accessible
  • Have a Countdown-compatible shelter, for example be mains powered
  • Have enough people using the stop each year

The signs remain our property and responsibility even if funded by a third party.

Contact your local borough if you want a new sign installed at your local bus stop.

Temporary removal of signs

We don't plan to remove or reduce the overall number of signs on the London bus network - but we do sometimes have to remove Countdown signs temporarily while we repair, move or upgrade shelters.

We always try to reinstall any Countdown signs that we have taken away. However, depending on how complex the work was, it can take some time before we put the sign back. Until then, please use one of the tools mentioned above to get live bus arrival information.

Digital Sign

If you're an organisation keen to offer employees and customers live bus arrival information on your premises, the Digital Sign is the solution.

The Digital Sign can display up to four bus stops on your organisation's TV screens and PCs, and is ideal for venues like hospital receptions, town halls, schools, colleges and shopping centres.

Find out more about Digital Sign.