24/05/2021
Navigating London's vibrant streets can be an adventure, and for those looking to journey between Peckham and the bustling Old Kent Road, understanding your transport options is key. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring the city, this guide will break down the most efficient and convenient ways to make this cross-borough trip. We'll delve into the services available, approximate journey times, and offer helpful tips to ensure your travel is as smooth as possible. From frequent bus services to the broader London transport network, getting from Peckham to Old Kent Road is more accessible than you might think.

Bus Services: The Direct Route
When considering travel between Peckham and Old Kent Road, bus services are often the most direct and frequent option. Several reputable operators run routes that connect these two areas, making it a straightforward journey for daily commuters and occasional travellers alike.
Abellio London is a prominent operator in this region, running a highly regular service. Specifically, they operate a bus route from Bonar Road in Peckham to Nile Terrace. This service is incredibly frequent, with buses departing every 10 minutes. The journey itself is remarkably quick, typically taking just 6 minutes. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value speed and convenience, especially during peak hours.
London Buses also plays a significant role in connecting Peckham and Old Kent Road. They too offer a consistent service on this route, running buses every 10 minutes. This high frequency ensures that you rarely have to wait long for your next bus, providing a reliable travel option throughout the day. The journey time with London Buses is comparable to Abellio London, generally around the 6-minute mark.
For those looking to travel slightly further afield or seeking alternative routes within the Peckham area, other bus numbers might be relevant. For instance, routes like the 172, 21, 453, P12, N21, 53, N53, 78, 381, and N381 are listed as passing near Old Kent Road. While not all of these might originate directly in Peckham's core, they represent the broader network that serves the Old Kent Road vicinity, offering flexibility if your starting point in Peckham is slightly different.
Understanding Your Journey: Key Stops and Stations
To make your journey even smoother, it's helpful to know the key stops and stations that serve the Old Kent Road area. Using tools like the Moovit app can be invaluable. Moovit helps users find the fastest routes, provides live directions, and shows timetables for various transport modes. It's particularly useful for identifying the exact stop you need to disembark at.

The closest stops to Old Kent Road in Peckham include:
- Peckham Park Road (WE)
- Peckham Park Road / Old Kent Road (SF)
- Queens Road Peckham
- Peckham Rye
- Bermondsey
These stops serve as crucial points for accessing Old Kent Road and its surrounding areas, and are well-connected by the bus routes mentioned earlier.
Beyond the Bus: Other Transport Options
While buses are a primary mode of transport, it's worth noting the other lines that pass near Old Kent Road, offering broader connectivity across London. This includes:
- Train Lines: The Overground, Southeastern, and Thameslink services are accessible, providing links to wider London and beyond. The Mildmay Line and Windrush Line are also noted in the context of this area.
- Tube Lines: The Jubilee line is the closest Tube line, offering a key connection for longer journeys across the capital.
While these might not be direct services from the heart of Peckham to Old Kent Road itself, they are crucial for understanding the overall transport landscape and for planning onward journeys once you reach the Old Kent Road area.
Comparing Bus Services
For clarity, here's a quick comparison of the main bus services operating between Peckham and Old Kent Road:
| Operator | Key Route Mentioned | Frequency | Approx. Journey Time | Typical Ticket Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abellio London | Bonar Road to Nile Terrace | Every 10 minutes | 6 minutes | £2 |
| London Buses | Peckham to Old Kent Road vicinity | Every 10 minutes | 6 minutes | £2 |
It's important to note that ticket prices and exact journey times can vary depending on traffic conditions and specific route variations. Using a contactless payment method or an Oyster card is generally the most cost-effective way to pay for bus fares in London.
Extending Your Journey: Nile Terrace to Bird in Bush Road
For those needing to travel slightly further within Peckham, the route from Nile Terrace to Bird in Bush Road Peckham Hill is also well-served. Abellio London operates this route with a bus every 10 minutes, taking approximately 3 minutes and costing around £2. London Buses also offers a service on this route, though slightly less frequent at every 15 minutes.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Check Real-Time Information: Apps like Moovit, Citymapper, or TfL Go provide live bus times and service updates, helping you avoid delays.
- Payment: Have your Oyster card or contactless payment method ready to tap on and off.
- Peak Hours: Be aware that bus services can be busier during morning and evening rush hours.
- Route Planning: If you're unsure of the best stop, use a journey planner app to pinpoint your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often do buses run between Peckham and Old Kent Road?
Buses run very frequently, with both Abellio London and London Buses operating services every 10 minutes.

Q2: What is the quickest way to travel from Peckham to Old Kent Road?
The most direct and often quickest way is by bus, with journey times around 6 minutes.
Q3: Which bus numbers should I look out for?
Services from Bonar Road to Nile Terrace are frequent. Other buses like the 172, 21, 453, and P12 serve the wider Old Kent Road area.
Q4: Can I use an Oyster card?
Yes, you can use an Oyster card or contactless payment for all London bus journeys.
Q5: Are there any Tube or train stations near Old Kent Road?
While not directly in Peckham, the Jubilee line is the closest Tube line, and Overground, Southeastern, and Thameslink trains serve nearby stations, offering broader connectivity.
In conclusion, travelling between Peckham and Old Kent Road is a simple and efficient process, largely thanks to the robust bus network operated by companies like Abellio London and London Buses. With high frequencies and short journey times, these services make it easy to navigate this part of South East London.
If you want to read more articles similar to Peckham to Old Kent Road: Your Travel Guide, you can visit the Transport category.
