85 Bus

A useful route and the only way to get from Kingston to Fulham on one bus -- there is no route from Kingston to Hammersmith although the 71 used to (by a circuitous route via Richmond). The 85 is however pretty quick until it gets snarled up in the heavy traffic south of Putney Bridge. On one occasion all 85s were cancelled which was disconcerting. 

A useful bus route the 85, especially at this time of year (end of March) as it’s ideal for getting you to the Putney riverbank to spectate the Boat Race. This bus route runs from Kingston upon Thames, via Kingston Hill, (gets busy in the vicinity of the University). Then it meanders along the busy Robin Hood Roundabout stretch of the A3, close to Richmond Park and onwards through Putney, terminating at Putney Bridge Station.

The route runs a 24 hour service, although - beware some of the drivers could do with upgrading their braking skills, so - prepare for a bumpy ride, on occasion. It’s also quite entertaining (depending on your mood) late at night with groups of enthusiastic clubbers en route to Kingston’s hotspots…

If you’re in a hurry, you’ll require reserves of patience, as it regularly barely crawls along the stretch from Putney Heath to Putney Bridge.

It’s handy for shopping in Kingston or Putney, for the glories of Kingston and Putney riversides, for its proximity to the Robin Hood or Ladderstile Gates at Richmond Park, and for the Kingston Hill and Roehampton Vale campuses of Kingston University.