5 new Superloop bus routes could transform travel in outer London

Five new Superloop bus routes are coming to London over the next couple of years, Transport for London (TfL) has announced. 

TfL has been rolling out speedy Superloop buses across London since 2023 as it attempts to improve connectivity between London boroughs, particularly those on the city’s outskirts. Most recently, Londoners in the southeast saw the arrival of the Bakerloop, a new rapid route between Waterloo and Lewisham town centre. 

The five fresh Superloop routes are expected to arrive in 2026 and 2027, serving parts of north, east, south and west London, with locations including Greenwich, Stratford, Chingford and Clapham Junction all set to be served by Superloop buses. Here’s the full low down of each new express route. 

New Superloop bus routes planned for London

SL11 – Greenwich to Abbey Wood

The SL11 will replace the 472 in early 2026. It will mostly follows the same journey as the existing bus between North Greenwich and Abbey Wood via Thamesmead but most of its 40 stops will be missed out. It will also connect with the SL3 in Abbey Wood, connecting passengers to Woolwich, Charlton and North Greenwich

SL12 – Gants Hill to Rainham

Arriving in 2026, the SL12 will connect Gants Hill and Rainham via Ilford and Romford. It will provide a new direct bus link between George Hospital and Queen’s Hospital, and a new service for the Ferry Lane Industrial Estate

SL13 – Hendon to Ealing Broadway

TfL is still considering the SL13 between Hendon War Memorial and Ealing Broadway. Potential stops could be Hendon Central, Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Staples Corner, Ardley Close, Neasden Shopping Centre, Brentfield Road, Harrow Road and Hanger Lane Tube station.

SL14 – Stratford to Chingford

A consultation to create the SL14 in north-east London closed on November 5. Under current proposals the bus would run between Stratford Bus Station and Chingford Hatch via Leyton, St James’s Street and Blackhorse Road stations.   

SL15 – Clapham Junction to Eltham

The consultation to create the SL15 between Clapham Junction and Eltham is still ongoing. Potential stops include Tulse Hill, Forest Hill, Catford and Lewisham town centre. 

Current Superloop bus routes in London

Here are all the current Superloop express bus routes in the capital: 

• SL1 (North Finchley to Walthamstow Central)
• SL2 (Walthamstow Central to North Woolwich)
• SL3 (Thamesmead to Bromley North)
• SL5 (Bromley North to Croydon Town Centre)
• SL6 (West Croydon to Russell Square)
• SL7 (West Croydon to Heathrow Airport)
• SL8 (Uxbridge to White City),
• SL9 (Heathrow Airport to Harrow)
• SL10 (Harrow to North Finchley)
• Bakerloop (Elephant and Castle to Lewisham)

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