SL11 Superloop: Stops & Fares Abbey Wood-Greenwich

Key Points

• The SL11 is a limited-stop express bus service connecting North Greenwich to Abbey Wood via Thamesmead, Woolwich, Charlton, and Plumstead, replacing the former route 472.
• It commenced operation on 24 January 2026, operated by London Central from Morden Wharf (MG) garage using New Routemasters and Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B9TLs temporarily.
• Key stops include North Greenwich Bus Station, Millennium Village (Oval Square), Millennium Leisure Park East, Peninsula Park Road, Charlton Station/Anchor and Hope Lane, Woolwich, Plumstead Bus Garage/Plumstead Station, Belmarsh Prison, Central Way (various points), Thamesmead (Carlyle Road), and Abbey Wood Station (Gayton Road).
• Designed to improve journey times with fewer stops, offering faster access to Elizabeth line, DLR, London Underground, National Rail, and other Superloop services like SL3 at Abbey Wood and Thamesmead.
• Frequencies: Every 8 minutes Monday-Saturday daytime, 10 minutes evenings, 12 minutes Sundays; operates 05:00 to 00:30, seven days a week; no night service (replaced by new N472).
• Journey time example: Approximately 36 minutes from Abbey Wood to North Greenwich.
• Route follows 472 path mostly, but more direct in Woolwich town centre.
• Features double-deck buses with USB ports for a frequent, simple, inclusive, reliable service.
• Public consultation launched prior to launch, with TfL publishing a report confirming conversion of 472 to SL11.
• Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the launch, stating it connects communities via Thamesmead and Woolwich at higher frequency than 472.
• Connects with SL3 Superloop between Thamesmead and Abbey Wood.

South East London (South London News) April 1, 2026 – Transport for London has launched the SL11 Superloop express bus route, a limited-stop service linking North Greenwich and Abbey Wood through key areas including Charlton Station, Woolwich, and Plumstead Station, aimed at slashing journey times and boosting connectivity to major rail networks. The service, which replaced the existing 472 route on 24 January 2026, operates with high frequency to serve commuters in south east London more reliably. It forms part of the expanding Superloop network, the twelfth official route, providing express links to Elizabeth line, DLR, and National Rail stations.

What is the SL11 Route?

The SL11 runs as an express bus between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich, via Thamesmead, Woolwich, and Charlton, designed specifically to enhance journey reliability in south east London. As detailed on TfL’s Have Your Say consultation page, the SL11 follows the same line of route as the 472 except for a more direct path through Woolwich town centre.

According to the Bus Routes in London Wiki, it commenced on 24 January 2026, operated by London Central, connecting with SL3 between Thamesmead and Abbey Wood.

This limited-stop approach means fewer halts, prioritising speed and connections to transport hubs. TransitApp confirms the route serves 15 stops, starting from F | Gayton Road / Abbey Wood Station and ending at E | North Greenwich Station.

When Did the SL11 Launch and What Replaced the 472?

Route SL11 began operations on 24 January 2026, fully replacing the 472, which was withdrawn as the SL11 mirrors its path with adjustments. As reported on the Bus Routes in London Wiki, the introduction followed a public consultation, with TfL’s report confirming the conversion.

Plans were revealed earlier, with Time Out noting on 4 March 2025 that SL11 would renumber the 472, pending consultation feedback. A YouTube explainer video from March 2025 detailed the proposal, stating the SL11 would run seven days a week from 05:00 to 00:30. Unlike the 24-hour 472, SL11 has no night service; a new N472 night route operates every 30 minutes.

TfL’s CILT UK news on 18 February 2026 highlighted the launch’s success in improving wait times over the 472.

Which Stops Does the SL11 Serve?

The SL11 features limited stops for efficiency. Time Out listed: North Greenwich Bus Station, Millennium Village / Oval Square, Millennium Leisure Park East, Peninsula Park Road, Charlton Station National Rail (Eastbound) / Anchor and Hope Lane (Westbound), Woolwich, Plumstead Bus Garage (Eastbound) / Plumstead Station National Rail (Westbound).

A detailed YouTube breakdown from March 2025 expanded this to around 14 stops: Abbey Wood Station, Thamesmead / Carlyle Road, Linton Mead Primary School, Central Way (Manor Dene), Central Way (Watersmeet), Grasshaven Way, Belmarsh Prison, Plumstead Station, Woolwich, Anchor and Hope Lane, Peninsula Park, Millennium Leisure Park East, Millennium Village / Oval Square, North Greenwich. TransitApp aligns with 15 stops, including Bugsby Way and Thamesmead points.

Stops not served by SL11 remain covered by routes like 161, 177, 180, 244, 301, and 380. A YouTube bus ride video from 27 January 2026 confirmed the path via Greenwich Peninsula, New Charlton, Belmarsh Prison, Thamesmead Central.

What are the Fares and Frequencies?

Fares align with standard TfL bus pricing: pay as you go contactless or Oyster at £1.75 per journey (as of current Hopper fare), free for Hopper users within one hour. No specific SL11 fare deviations noted across sources.

Frequencies are high: every 8 minutes Monday-Saturday daytime, 10 minutes evenings, 12 minutes Sundays. TransitApp example: First bus at 4:58 AM from Abbey Wood, arriving North Greenwich at 5:34 AM (36 minutes). TfL expects this as the most frequent Superloop route.

How Does SL11 Improve Connectivity?

The SL11 offers quicker links to Elizabeth line at Abbey Wood, DLR at North Greenwich, National Rail at Charlton, Plumstead, Woolwich. It connects directly with SL3 Superloop at Abbey Wood and Thamesmead (Carlyle Road), where SL3 heads to Bromley North.

As per TfL’s proposal, it reduces journey times via express operation. Mayor Sadiq Khan, quoted in CILT UK on 18 February 2026, said:

“I’m delighted to launch the latest Superloop, SL11, a new express bus route connecting communities from North Greenwich to Abbey Wood via Thamesmead and Woolwich.”

Time Out on 20 January 2026 called it a free launch weekend boost (initially).

What Buses are Used on SL11?

London Central uses double-deckers: existing New Routemasters and Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 Volvo B9TLs from Morden Wharf garage temporarily. These include USB ports for passenger comfort.

What Changes from Consultation?

TfL’s March 2025 consultation report addressed feedback, confirming SL11 despite initial Thamesmead-only proposals. Time Out noted potential changes post-consultation launched 3 March 2025. Frequencies subject to adjustment, but launched as planned.

Why is SL11 Part of Superloop?

Superloop aims for orbital express routes. SL11 is the twelfth, enhancing south east London’s network post-Superloop 2 announcement. It promotes “frequent, simple, inclusive, reliable” travel.

How Does the Route Compare to 472?

SL11 skips many 472 stops for speed, more direct in Woolwich. Higher daytime frequency improves waits. Alternatives fill gaps.