London’s buses have long been more than just transport. They’re a canvas for some of the most entertaining and memorable campaigns ever seen in out of home advertising. From cheeky humour to jaw-dropping visuals, these rolling billboards capture imagination and turn heads on every street. Here’s a look at some standout London bus ads that made everyone smile and stare.
Chiquita’s Yellow Banana Ride
Few campaigns were as instantly cheerful as Chiquita’s bright yellow banana buses. This playful concept turned London’s iconic red buses into giant bananas, spreading tropical joy across grey city streets. The wrap’s vivid yellow design made commuters do a double-take, while its simple fruit-shaped form gave the brand instant recognition.
- Boosted spontaneous brand awareness by over 25% during the campaign period
- Perfect example of colour psychology in advertising, using yellow to convey energy and positivity
Barbie’s Pink Takeover
When Barbie’s movie campaign launched in London, the buses turned pink. Every inch of the bus was wrapped in the iconic Barbie colour, instantly recognisable from across the street. The campaign celebrated nostalgia and fun, aligning perfectly with the film’s upbeat tone.
- Full bus wrap visibility reached over 10 million impressions in central London during its run
- Sparked huge social media engagement, with thousands of user-generated photos
Kraken Rum’s Sea Monster Spectacle
One of the most talked-about creative wraps was Kraken Rum’s “Release the Beast” campaign. The buses appeared to be trapped in the grip of a giant sea monster, with tentacles wrapping around windows and the roof.
- The design gave the illusion of motion, perfectly suited to the moving bus format
- Generated a 35% spike in brand searches during the campaign
Tourism Malaysia’s Underwater Adventure
Tourism Malaysia brought tropical wonder to London’s streets by wrapping buses in an underwater coral scene. The campaign featured fish, sea turtles and divers, transforming the capital’s roads into ocean-themed journeys.
- Encouraged travel interest with a 20% rise in UK tourist enquiries
- Combined stunning imagery with clear tourism messaging
Smurfs Bring Blue Cheer to London
When The Smurfs movie hit cinemas, London buses turned into rolling blue clouds of nostalgia. The design featured the Smurfs waving to onlookers, appealing to families and commuters alike.
- Increased film awareness by 30% among family audiences
- Proved that character-led wraps remain powerful for entertainment marketing
Naked Juice Refreshes the City
Naked Juice used clean, vibrant visuals to bring freshness to the urban landscape. Their bus campaign featured splashes of fruit and bursts of green, echoing the brand’s natural, feel-good message.
- Delivered strong brand recall due to high-frequency exposure on commuter routes
- Supported the brand’s healthy lifestyle positioning
FIFA World Cup 2022 Rolls Through London
To celebrate the Qatar World Cup 2022, London’s buses became part of the global football fever. Wrapped in football imagery, the campaign brought the excitement of the tournament to the capital.
- Connected communities across London’s multicultural landscape
- Linked perfectly with the sporting season’s peak attention
Bridget Jones and the Bus Connection
One of the wittiest London campaigns came from Bridget Jones’s Diary, which used the tagline “Men are like buses”. The clever play on words linked perfectly with the setting, creating an immediate connection with Londoners familiar with daily bus life.
- Humorous, relatable and culturally sharp
- Became an enduring example of how to blend message with medium
Why Entertaining Campaigns Work So Well
Entertaining campaigns stand out because they make people feel joy, laughter, curiosity or surprise. In the bustling streets of London, emotion creates memory and memory drives action.
- Over 80% of commuters remember funny or visually striking bus adverts
- Shareable designs generate valuable organic exposure on social media
These creative executions show how brands can use London’s moving icons to build excitement and brand recognition at street level.
Stand Out with Entertaining Campaigns on London Buses
From bananas to Barbies, every successful campaign begins with a bold idea and the right platform. At London Bus Advertising, we help brands turn imagination into reality. Whether you want a full wrap, bus side or an experiential takeover, our team brings your concept to life on the city’s most visible advertising space.
Ready to start your own head-turning campaign? Contact us today and get your brand moving across London.
FAQs
What makes entertaining bus campaigns successful in London?
They connect with commuters emotionally through humour, bold visuals or surprise, making them highly memorable.
Which London bus campaigns have been the most creative?
Campaigns from Barbie, Kraken Rum,and Chiquita stand out for their colour, design and public response.
How many people can a London bus advert reach daily?
On average, a single London bus generates over 6,000 daily impressions, covering high-footfall routes.
Can small brands create entertaining bus campaigns too?
Absolutely. With the right creative support, even mid-level brands can achieve striking and shareable results.