Commuters and late-night revelers will soon benefit from a new night bus service connecting central London with the western suburbs.
Transport for London is launching the N118 night bus route, which will operate between Trafalgar Square and Ruislip station, beginning Saturday, January 17, 2026. The service will actually start on the night of Friday, January 16, running into the early hours of Saturday morning.
Night-time commuters gain direct access to Ruislip as N118 bus service launches January 2026.
The new N118 route will replace the current N18 journeys from Trafalgar Square to Sudbury & Harrow Road station, while the N18 will continue to operate from Trafalgar Square to Harrow Weald. This restructuring aims to enhance direct overnight links to west London areas including Wembley and Sudbury Hill, which are vital for accessing night venues.
Passengers can expect the N118 to run every 30 minutes on weeknights, Sunday through Thursday, and every 15 minutes during the busier Friday and Saturday nights.
On the shared section of routes, the N118 and N18 together will provide service every 7-8 minutes on weekends and every 15 minutes during weeknights.
The route will serve several key areas between Trafalgar Square and Ruislip, including Piccadilly Circus, Regent’s Park, Edgware Road, Paddington, Maida Hill, Kensal Green, Harlesden, Wembley, Sudbury Hill, Northolt Park, and South Ruislip.
This extensive coverage will enhance access for late-night workers, businesses, and those enjoying London’s night-time economy.
Bob Blitz, Bus Planning Network Manager, described the new service as “a positive step for northwest London night travel” that introduces a “much-requested Ruislip night bus link.”
The changes follow Transport for London‘s proposals and public consultation, with a detailed report available on the TfL website.
The introduction of the N118 addresses growing demand for late-night travel options in west and northwest London, providing new connections for Ruislip and surrounding areas while enhancing access to jobs, leisure activities, and essential travel services.
The development of this route came after public feedback influenced TfL’s decision to revise their initial N518 proposal to better serve community needs.
The service is part of London’s extensive night transportation network with more than 120 routes operating through the night across the capital.
Transport for London will monitor the new service to guarantee the best customer experience.
The complete journey from Trafalgar Square to Ruislip Station takes approximately 90 minutes to travel from end to end.
