If you don't know when to get off use an app like Moovit/Citymapper/Google Maps/Apple Maps/Momgeo/First Bus/UK Bus Checker. The better ones give you a stop-by-stop breakdown and even give you a wee buzz when it's your time to get off. Once you've been somewhere once you'll know where abouts to get off - look for landmarks or things like nearby shops/pubs etc. to help.
Hold your arm out when the bus is approaching every time or unless they're already stopping they'll likely just go right past you.
Pay by contactless so you don't overpay like on First Bus who don't give any change and so you don't have to worry about having the right change or annoying a driver with a note.
If a bus on an app or any signage shows as a scheduled time (e.g. 11:43) rather than ETA in minutes (usually has a wee Wi-Fi wave-style symbol) assume it's not going to show up - the LED signs at bus stops are usually correct. |