SL3
London Bus · Superloop

Route SL3: Thamesmead → Bromley North

London bus route SL3 runs from Thamesmead to Bromley North via Abbey Wood, Eltham, Mottingham. Operated by Go-Ahead London across Zones 4-5, the route has ~18 stops and takes about 60 minutes end to end.

Journey time

~60 min

Stops

18

Frequency

Every 12 min

Step-free

Yes

Overview

London Bus Route SL3 is a daytime service operated by Go-Ahead London, linking Thamesmead with Bromley North via Abbey Wood, Eltham, Mottingham. The route covers London fare Zones 4-5 and serves approximately 18 stops along its corridor.

Buses run every 12 minutes during the daytime peak. The first bus from Thamesmead departs at 05:30, and the last service is at 23:30. 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.

Timetable

First bus

05:30

Last bus

23:30

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.

Popular stops on Route SL3

1Thamesmead
2Abbey Wood
3Eltham
4Mottingham
5Bromley

Fare information

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.

Accessibility

All buses on route SL3 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.

Frequently asked questions

What time does the SL3 bus start running?

The first SL3 bus departs Thamesmead at around 05:30 on weekdays. Weekend and bank holiday timings may vary slightly.

What time is the last SL3 bus?

The last SL3 bus from Thamesmead typically leaves at 23:30. After this, the nearest night bus or N-prefixed equivalent takes over.

How long does the SL3 route take end to end?

A full journey from Thamesmead to Bromley North takes about 60 minutes depending on traffic. The route serves approximately 18 stops.

How much does the SL3 bus cost?

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.

Is the SL3 bus wheelchair accessible?

Yes — all buses on route SL3 are low-floor, wheelchair accessible, and have a dedicated wheelchair bay.

Does the SL3 bus run on Sundays and bank holidays?

Yes, route SL3 operates 7 days a week including bank holidays, though Sunday frequencies are slightly reduced.