Free Bus Travel in East London Extended – SL4, 108 and 129 Routes Remain Free in 2026
Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that free travel on several East London bus routes will continue longer than originally planned. The decision follows the opening of the new Silvertown Tunnel, which provides an additional Thames crossing and improves connections between South-East and East London.
To encourage passengers to use public transport and explore the new cross-river travel options, TfL introduced a temporary scheme offering completely free travel on certain bus routes that operate through the tunnel corridor. The initiative has proven popular with daily commuters, students, and residents travelling between busy boroughs such as Greenwich, Lewisham, Canary Wharf, and the Royal Docks.
Originally the free travel offer was expected to end in April 2026. However, TfL has now confirmed that the scheme will continue into mid-2026, allowing passengers to keep using these routes without paying a bus fare.
The extension provides welcome relief for London commuters who rely on buses for everyday travel across the river, particularly in areas where transport connections can sometimes be limited.
Bus Routes Offering Free Travel
Passengers travelling on the following London bus routes can continue enjoying free travel as part of the Silvertown Tunnel transport initiative. These routes serve important commuter corridors across East London and connect several major transport hubs including Underground and DLR stations.
| Bus Route | Main Areas Served | Travel Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| SL4 | Grove Park – Canary Wharf corridor | Free Travel Cross-river transport connection |
| 108 | Stratford – Lewisham | Free Travel Popular commuter route |
| 129 | Lewisham – North Greenwich – Royal Docks | Free Travel Connects with DLR and Jubilee Line |
One of the most convenient aspects of this scheme is that passengers do not need to pass directly through the Silvertown Tunnel to benefit. If you travel on any of the eligible routes, the journey remains free regardless of which section of the route you use.
Timeline of the Free Bus Scheme
The free travel offer was introduced when the Silvertown Tunnel opened in order to help Londoners adapt to new transport patterns and cross-river routes. The table below outlines the timeline of the initiative.
| Event | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Silvertown Tunnel Opening | 2025 |
| Free Bus Travel Introduced | After tunnel launch |
| Original End Date | 7 April 2026 |
| Extended Travel Period | Into mid-2026 |
DLR Fare Refund Scheme
Alongside the free bus journeys, TfL also introduced a refund scheme for selected Docklands Light Railway (DLR) journeys that cross the Thames. Passengers travelling between certain stations may receive automatic fare refunds.
| DLR Route Section | Refund Status |
|---|---|
| Greenwich / Cutty Sark → Island Gardens | Refund Eligible |
| Woolwich Arsenal → King George V | Refund Eligible |
TfL has confirmed that the refund scheme will continue until 26 May 2026. Refunds are normally processed automatically within 14 days after travel.
- Contactless users receive refunds automatically
- Oyster card users must tap on a yellow reader to collect the refund
- The refund must be collected within a few days after it becomes available
Why the Silvertown Tunnel Matters for London Transport
The Silvertown Tunnel is one of London’s most significant transport upgrades in recent years. It provides an additional road crossing beneath the River Thames and helps reduce congestion around the heavily used Blackwall Tunnel.
The tunnel improves connectivity between several major London districts including Greenwich, Royal Docks, Canary Wharf, and Stratford. By improving bus connections and introducing temporary fare incentives, TfL hopes to encourage more passengers to rely on public transport rather than private vehicles.
Transport Options for Travellers Across London
Although London’s public transport network is extensive, many travellers still prefer private transport for certain journeys, particularly when travelling with luggage or heading to the airport.
Airport travel, hotel pickups, and late-night journeys are situations where direct transport services can often be more convenient than multiple Underground or bus connections.
Services such as London airport minicab transfers and London hotel transfers allow travellers to move directly between airports, hotels, universities, and residential areas without navigating crowded stations.
Reliable Airport Transfers Across London
London’s major airports handle millions of passengers each year. Travellers frequently require reliable transport between airports and central London destinations.
- Heathrow Airport transfers and Central London
- Gatwick Airport transfers and London hotels
- Stansted Airport transfers for international travellers
- Luton Airport transfers for convenient travel across London
Pre-booked services such as London airport taxi transfers provide fixed prices and direct routes, which can be particularly helpful for travellers arriving after long international flights.
Final Thoughts
The extension of free travel on bus routes SL4, 108, and 129 provides welcome relief for commuters travelling across East London. Combined with DLR refund options, the scheme helps improve mobility while London adapts to the new Silvertown Tunnel infrastructure.
While public transport remains one of the best ways to travel within the city, passengers travelling to airports, hotels, or universities often prefer direct transport options that avoid crowded stations and multiple transfers.
LTR Minicab provides reliable airport transfers, hotel transfers, and long-distance minicab services across London with fixed fares, professional drivers, and 24/7 availability.
