There’s something undeniably charming about London’s red buses. They’re as much a symbol of the city as black cabs, Big Ben, and a spot of drizzle. But behind the iconic red paint and top-deck daydreams lie some fascinating facts—and a few that reveal why advertising on London buses is not just nostalgic, but incredibly powerful.
Whether you're a brand looking to make a splash or simply a fan of trivia, buckle up as we explore the quirks and qualities that make the London bus one of the most unique advertising canvases in the world.
1. The First Bus Service Wasn't Even Red
Let’s rewind to the 1820s, when George Shillibeer launched London’s first horse-drawn omnibus service. His coaches were actually navy blue and operated between Paddington and the Bank of England. Red didn’t roll in until the early 20th century when London General Omnibus Company decided to stand out from its competitors.
Why it matters for advertisers: That bright red wasn’t just for show—it was branding. Over a century later, the colour still turns heads, and when your ad is plastered across a red bus, you’re tapping into that legacy of visibility.
2. London Buses Travel the Equivalent of 12 Times Around the Earth—Every Day
With over 700 bus routes and nearly 20,000 stops, London’s bus network is immense. TfL reports that the entire fleet travels about 12 million kilometres daily, enough to circle the planet several times over.
For brands, that’s serious exposure. A bus wrap on a high-frequency route doesn’t just reach commuters—it captures footfall, tourists, shoppers, and anyone caught in traffic alongside.
3. The Famous Routemaster? It’s Now an Ad Legend
The beloved Routemaster, introduced in 1956, may have retired from general service, but lives on through heritage routes—and more importantly—as a nostalgic backdrop for experiential advertising.
From film releases to product launches, brands often bring back vintage buses for experiential takeovers. It’s not just transit—it’s theatre.
See how experiential bus campaigns create buzz
4. Buses Have Been Used to Advertise Everything from Biscuits to Blockchain
The first bus adverts in the 1900s were hand-painted signs for soap and tea. Fast-forward to today, and you’ll find QR codes, dynamic digital designs, and full motion bus rears pushing everything from fintech apps to fashion.
Bus advertising has evolved—but its power hasn’t dimmed. In fact, it remains one of the most cost-effective ways to reach urban audiences.
See our insight on who sees your bus ads
5. Buses Can Advertise Inside and Out
It’s not all about big exteriors. The inside of the bus—especially on long commuter routes—is premium ad real estate. Think bus interior panels promoting streaming services, universities, or public health campaigns.
It's a moment when passengers are literally sitting with your brand.
Explore bus interior advertising
6. London Buses Keep Running on Christmas Day
One of the few public transport services to operate during the festive season? You guessed it—buses. That’s 24/7 exposure, even when the rest of the city winds down.
As an advertiser, your message doesn’t take a day off either. Whether you’re targeting Christmas shoppers or New Year’s revellers, a red bus doesn’t clock out.
7. Bus Sides Have Become Backdrops for Culture
From being featured in films like Harry Potter and Love Actually to meme-worthy tourist snaps, London buses are cultural icons. Ads on bus sides don’t just reach a wide audience—they often make their way into pop culture moments and social media.
Check out our campaign gallery
8. You Don’t Need a Ticket to Advertise
This one’s for the marketers: getting your brand on a London bus is more accessible than you might think. From short-term campaigns to multi-route domination, there’s a solution for most budgets.
Whether you're wrapping an entire fleet or testing a single format, our team can help you plan, design and deploy with ease.
Get in touch to advertise on a London bus
A Moving Icon That Moves Audiences
From its rich history to its unmatched reach, the London bus is more than transport—it’s a moving billboard that delivers cultural impact and brand results. With ad formats for every strategy and audience, red bus advertising is one of the smartest ways to turn heads across the capital.
Fancy hopping on board? Let’s make your campaign move.
