Skip to main content

Before you hop off, enter your details below and get a call back

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Want to know more? Leave your details and we'll get back to you.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Bus Adverts: London’s Best ROAS Format

by Daisy Pembroke
6 July 2025

alt text

When it comes to making marketing budgets work harder, few formats can compete with London bus advertising. Whether you're a challenger brand, a regional retailer, or a nationwide business looking to boost urban visibility, advertising on London buses delivers a standout return on ad spend (ROAS).

From iconic bus wraps to targeted interior placements, the city's transport network offers unbeatable value, scale, and consistency. Let’s explore why bus advertising leads the pack when it comes to ROAS in London—and how your brand can take full advantage.

Why ROAS Matters More Than Ever

In today’s performance-driven marketing landscape, ROAS is the metric that counts, showing you exactly how efficiently your budget is driving results. For brands looking to maximise awareness, drive conversions, or support a product launch, every pound needs to earn its keep.

Out-of-home (OOH) formats often get dismissed as “brand-building” tools only. But London bus advertising breaks that mould. It’s measurable, flexible, and cost-effective, helping brands make real-world impact while supporting digital strategies.

Visibility Where It Counts

London buses are a powerful presence on the streets, capturing attention wherever they go. They’re seen 24/7 by millions, moving through high-footfall areas, traffic hotspots, retail districts, and residential zones. This creates constant, high-frequency impressions—without the premium price tag of roadside billboards.

For example:

  • Bus sides reach pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike
  • Bus rears are seen in slow traffic and at lights—perfect for mobile-focused messaging
  • Full wraps offer immersive, attention-grabbing impact across entire neighbourhoods

You can explore all the bus advertising formats here.

ROAS Bus Advertising


High Reach, Low Waste

With over 6.8 million people in Greater London and thousands of tourists daily, reach is never in question. But the real ROAS advantage lies in targeting.

Thanks to route planning and vehicle tracking, we can align bus campaigns with:

  • Specific boroughs or postcodes
  • Routes near competitor locations
  • Times of day linked to buyer behaviour

That means less wasted spend and more relevant impressions—key to a higher ROAS.

Want to know more about who’s seeing your ads? Take a look at Our Audience.

Cost-Effective Frequency

In advertising, frequency equals familiarity—and familiarity breeds trust. But racking up repeat impressions can be pricey across digital channels.

Bus adverts, on the other hand, offer natural frequency at no extra cost. Commuters, school runs, shoppers and tourists see your messaging multiple times a day. That repeated exposure builds brand recall and drives higher conversion rates.

Pair this with smart creative (see our Design Services) and you’ve got a campaign built for impact.

Bus Campaigns That Delivered

So let’s talk results. London Bus Advertising has helped brands in retail, entertainment, food & drink, and travel sectors achieve fantastic returns.

From local gym chains reporting 300% increase in membership enquiries, to tech companies seeing spikes in search traffic during campaign runs, the results speak volumes.

You can see these in action in our Campaign Gallery or read about recent wins on our Campaigns & News page.

Seamless Integration With Digital

Modern OOH isn’t about working alone. Bus advertising can amplify your digital spend, creating a halo effect that boosts click-through rates, social engagement, and search volumes.

QR codes, social handles, or bold CTAs encourage action on the go. It’s an ideal solution for bridging awareness and action—pushing ROAS even further.

Ready to Maximise Your ROAS?

If you’re looking to advertise in London with confidence, bus advertising is one of the smartest media investments you can make. With format flexibility, unrivalled reach, and performance that supports digital, it’s no surprise that more brands are turning to the streets for results.

Let’s help you build a campaign that delivers. Visit our Contact Us page to speak with a media expert today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about London Bus Advertising? We have the answers. Below are some of the most common questions.

If you need more details book a call or reach out to our team.

What is bus advertising, and why use it?

Bus advertising uses exterior or interior spaces on London’s iconic buses to display marketing messages. It’s a powerful out-of-home format, offering high visibility across diverse demographics in high-traffic areas—especially in London’s bustling streets.

How do I know if advertising on London buses is right for my business?

If you want to raise brand awareness, target a large urban audience, or reach commuters and tourists on the go, bus advertising can be incredibly effective. Whether you’re a local enterprise or a global brand, London’s red buses are a powerful tool for achieving standout presence in the capital’s vibrant landscape.

How much does bus advertising cost?

Costs vary depending on factors like campaign length, bus format (e.g., full wrap vs. interior panels), and the routes you choose. Our expert team provides bespoke quotes to match your budget and marketing goals.

How do I measure the success of a bus ad campaign?

Key performance indicators for bus advertising campaigns include brand awareness uplift, increased website traffic, coupon redemption rates, QR code interactions, and social media activity. We also offer comprehensive post-campaign analysis, including surveys and analytics, to accurately measure campaign recall and impact.

Are there any restrictions on the types of ads or messages I can display?

All advertisements must adhere to Transport for London regulations and the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing. Content deemed offensive or misleading is prohibited. Our experienced team will guide you through all applicable regulations to ensure your campaign runs smoothly.

Jump on board and start your journey today

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

For over a decade, we've been transforming London’s iconic red buses into high-impact moving billboards—helping businesses like yours capture the attention of millions across the capital.

We take pride in our proven track record and are ready to make your next campaign a true success.

© Copyright London Bus Advertising 2014 - 2025

Registered Office: 34 South Molton Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 5RG

Company Reg. N. 7940063