131 Bus to New Malden

The Journey

The 131 runs from Kingston Cromwell Road bus station through Norbiton and into New Malden — it’s one of the quickest and most rewarding bus rides in the area. You’ll know you’re arriving when the shop signs switch to Hangul. Get off at New Malden The Fountain (the main crossroads) and you’re right in the middle of it.

The 131 continues to Wimbledon, Colliers Wood, and Tooting Broadway if you want to keep going — but New Malden is the reason to ride this route.

Get off at: New Malden The Fountain for the Korean high street, or New Malden Kingston Road for the cluster around Burlington Road.

What to Do

The Korean High Street

New Malden’s stretch of the High Street between The Fountain and Burlington Road is the heart of Korean London. You’ll find Korean BBQ restaurants, bakeries, fried chicken joints, and grocery stores packed into a few hundred metres. Some have been here for decades, serving the community long before “Korean food” became a London trend.

Korean Supermarkets

H Mart and Korea Foods are the two big ones — both stocking everything from gochujang and fresh kimchi to Korean snacks, rice cakes, and ingredients you won’t find in mainstream supermarkets. Worth a visit even if you’re not cooking Korean tonight.

Just Explore

New Malden rewards wandering. Duck into the side streets off the high street, browse the Korean bakeries, pick up some bingsoo on a warm day. This isn’t a tourist destination — it’s a living community, and that’s what makes it special.

Where to Eat & Drink

This is where Kingston Compass goes deep. We have detailed coverage of New Malden’s Korean restaurants:

• Jin Go Gae — The banchan alone is worth the trip. Old-school Korean dining at its best.
• Sorabol — Korean BBQ with tabletop grills. Lunchtime sets are great value.
• Imone — Tiny, personal, and the pajeon is outstanding.
• Cah Chi — Reliable and long-established. Good for groups.
• Tongdak — Korean fried chicken done properly.
• Cake & Bingsoo Café — Korean-style bingsoo (shaved ice) and pastries.

See our full guide: Best Korean Food in New Malden for the complete rundown.

Practical Info

• First bus: Around 05:15 from Kingston (Mon–Sat)
• Last bus: Around 00:30 from Kingston
• Accessibility: Low-floor buses, step-free access
• Buggies: Space available
• Dogs: Allowed on TfL buses
• Also reachable by: Train from Kingston to New Malden station (8 minutes, South Western Railway)
• Tip: Go hungry. Portions are generous and prices are fair — you can eat very well for under £15 per head at most spots.

The Route Back

The 131 back to Kingston runs just as frequently. Or walk — it’s about 25 minutes on foot from New Malden to Kingston town centre, mostly along the A2043. Not the most scenic walk, but doable.

TfL Journey Planner: Search “Kingston to New Malden” at tfl.gov.uk for live departure times.