Reading Destination Displays

Destination displays tell passengers where the bus is going - but they also contain useful information for bus enthusiasts. Here's how to read them.

Types of destination display

• Front: The main display showing route number and destination
• Side: Often shows route number and key points along the route
• Rear: Usually just the route number (helps following traffic)
• Internal: Next stop displays inside the bus

What the front display shows

A typical UK front display includes:

• Route number: The service number (e.g., "36", "X5", "700")
• Destination: Where the bus terminates (e.g., "City Centre", "Heathrow Airport")
• Via points: Sometimes key stops along the way (e.g., "via Hospital")

Route number formats

UK route numbers follow some loose conventions:

• Plain numbers: Most common (1, 25, 142)
• X prefix: Often means "express" with limited stops (X1, X5)
• Letter suffixes: Variants of a route (36A, 36B - different branches)
• Night buses: Often "N" prefix in London (N29), or "N" suffix elsewhere
• School services: Sometimes "S" prefix or high numbers (S1, 601)

Display technology

• LED dot matrix: Most common modern type, orange/amber or full colour
• LCD/TFT: Full colour screens, increasingly common
• Roller blinds: Older mechanical system with printed fabric (mostly heritage now)
• Flip-dot: Electromechanical dots that flip between colours (distinctive click sound)

Common abbreviations

Space is limited, so destinations are often abbreviated:

• Stn - Station
• Hosp - Hospital
• Ctr / Cen - Centre
• Int / Intchg - Interchange
• Pk - Park
• Rd - Road
• Est - Estate
• Ind Est - Industrial Estate

"Not in service" displays

Buses not carrying passengers show special displays:

• Not in Service - Bus is positioning or returning to depot
• Sorry Not in Service - Same thing, more polite
• Out of Service - Similar meaning
• Driver Training - Bus is being used for training
• Private / Charter - Hired for a specific group
• Depot Only - Heading back to the garage

Special displays

• Rail Replacement - Bus covering for a train service
• Free Bus - Shuttle or promotional service
• Shoppers Special - Market day services (less common now)
• Football Special - Match day services

Using displays for identification

Destination displays can help identify buses:

• The route number helps narrow down which operator runs it
• Display style can indicate the bus's age or specification
• Some operators have distinctive display designs
• London buses have standardised TfL display formats

BusOva tip

When photographing buses, try to capture the destination display clearly - it helps confirm the route and operator, and adds context to your entry. A well-lit front shot showing the display is ideal.

Related guides