London bus route 81 runs from Hounslow Bus Station to Slough via Heathrow Terminal 5, Colnbrook. Operated by London United across Zones 5-6, the route has ~24 stops and takes about 55 minutes end to end.
Journey time
~55 min
Stops
24
Frequency
Every 15 min
Step-free
Yes
London Bus Route 81 is a daytime service operated by London United, linking Hounslow Bus Station with Slough via Heathrow Terminal 5, Colnbrook. The route covers London fare Zones 5-6 and serves approximately 24 stops along its corridor.
Buses run every 15 minutes during the daytime peak. The first bus from Hounslow Bus Station departs at 04:30, and the last service is at 00:30. All vehicles on this route are low-floor, wheelchair-accessible double-deck or single-deck buses with audio-visual next-stop announcements (iBus).
Fares: a single bus or tram journey is £1.75 with contactless or Oyster, and the Hopper fare lets you transfer for free within one hour. There is a daily cap of £5.25 for unlimited buses and trams. Cash is not accepted on TfL buses.
This page is part of Triplo's London transport directory and is updated regularly. For real-time arrivals consult the TfL Go app or station QR codes.
First bus
04:30
Last bus
00:30
Service
Daytime
Frequencies are higher during the morning (07:00–09:30) and evening (16:30–19:00) peak. For real-time departures, use the TfL Go app or scan the QR code at any bus stop.
Single fare
£1.75
contactless or Oyster
Hopper fare
Free
within 60 minutes
Daily cap
£5.25
unlimited bus & tram
Cash is not accepted on TfL buses. Tap your contactless card, phone or Oyster on the yellow reader as you board. Children under 11 travel free with an adult; 11–15 year olds need a Zip Oyster card.
All buses on route 81 are low-floor, wheelchair-accessible, with a dedicated wheelchair bay, retractable ramp and audio-visual next-stop announcements (iBus). Assistance dogs are welcome on all London buses.
The first 81 bus departs Hounslow Bus Station at around 04:30 on weekdays. Weekend and bank holiday timings may vary slightly.
The last 81 bus from Hounslow Bus Station typically leaves at 00:30. After this, the nearest night bus or N-prefixed equivalent takes over.
A full journey from Hounslow Bus Station to Slough takes about 55 minutes depending on traffic. The route serves approximately 24 stops.
A single bus journey in London is £1.75 with contactless, Oyster, or a valid bus pass (Hopper fare allows unlimited buses within 1 hour for the same fare). Cash is not accepted on TfL buses.
Yes — all buses on route 81 are low-floor, wheelchair accessible, and have a dedicated wheelchair bay.
Yes, route 81 operates 7 days a week including bank holidays, though Sunday frequencies are slightly reduced.