Driving in Croydon: London Bus Simulator feels closest to real London bus operation when you understand both keyboard shortcuts and the on-screen dashboard. After the Redefined update, Centro Interactive streamlined the driving UI with clearer stop prompts, ticket indicators, and departure timers — but keyboard controls remain essential for smooth, efficient routes. Whether you are completing your first Croycoach service or grinding points on an Arriva shift, knowing your keys saves seconds at every stop.
Core Driving Keys
Most buses in Croydon use a familiar WASD-style layout adapted for automatic transmission vehicles. The W key accelerates, S brakes, and A/D steer left and right. Unlike arcade driving games, Croydon applies realistic bus physics — heavy acceleration from a standstill takes time, and braking distance increases with passenger load. Smooth inputs earn better on-time departure bonuses, which add up significantly over a full route.
For detailed ticket and dashboard interaction, see our Dashboard and Tickets guide. Camera and door operation is covered in the Cameras and Doors guide.
| Key | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| W / S | Accelerate / Brake | Gradual inputs recommended for on-time departures |
| A / D | Steer left / right | Bus length affects turning radius significantly |
| Q / E | Left / Right indicators | May auto-cancel when steering recentres |
| X | Hazard lights | Use when stopped at unusual locations |
| K | Front doors | Opens/closes both front door wings |
| L | Rear doors | Not available on all models (e.g. Enviro 200) |
| N | Exterior lights | Headlights and running lights |
| B | Interior lights | Cabin lighting for night routes |
Camera and View Controls
Camera management separates confident drivers from struggling beginners. F1 places you in the driver seat for precise mirror checks and ticket machine interaction. F2 cycles through passenger views, useful when verifying bell requests from the rear saloon. F3 provides an exterior follow camera for parking at tight stands, and F4 unlocks a free camera for screenshots or company livery previews.
Hold right-click in first-person view to look around the cab. This is essential when operating interactive ticket machines introduced in Update 1.3.2 — you need to aim at physical buttons on the machine rather than relying solely on the sidebar UI.
Redefined Update Changes
The Redefined update introduced clearer on-screen navigation beacons, real-time lateness indicators, and improved ticket prompts. Players who previously struggled with the old UI report that keyboard and controller switching now happens seamlessly mid-route. If you are returning after a break, start with our beginner video guide to see the new flow in action.
Some older forum posts reference different key bindings from pre-Redefined builds. Always verify controls in-game on your chosen bus model, as custom company vehicles and gamepass pack buses may have unique dashboard layouts.
Tips for Efficient Driving
Pre-set your indicator before approaching a stop — London passengers expect signals well in advance. Open doors only when the stop countdown shows you are properly positioned. Issue tickets through the dashboard or physical machine before closing doors; incorrect tickets reduce your point earnings. During rush hour, faster boarding with the QuickBoard gamepass (included in Croydon Pro) dramatically improves route completion times.
Joining an hourly shift with keyboard controls you know by heart lets you focus on timetable spacing rather than fumbling for keys. Practice on shorter free-operator routes like those listed in our main routes guide before attempting the 34-stop Route 289 or overnight N68 service.