Running between Lewisham and Victoria stations, it is operated by Go-Ahead London.

Upon being re-tendered in January 2001, the route passed from Selkent to London Easylink.

On 21 August 2002, when London Easylink went into liquidation,[1] Blue Triangle was given the task of organising emergency cover at short notice.

[3] After a month of service, First London and TfL subsidiary East Thames Buses joined the operation, while Stagecoach London operated additional journeys on route 53, which parallels the 185 over the southern section of route.

[5] On 3 October 2009, East Thames Buses was sold to Go-Ahead London, which included a five-year contract to operate route 185.