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.

Why the New Routemaster Gives Brands More Advertising Value

by Anisha Lyall
30 January 2026

alt text

London buses have always played a central role in out of home advertising. The New Routemaster takes that role further by offering cleaner lines, larger panels and stronger street presence. For brands planning to launch London bus ads, this vehicle design creates more usable space and better visibility across busy routes.

The benefit is simple. More of your message stays in view for longer as the bus moves through London streets.

Built for visibility from every angle

The New Routemaster was designed with smooth exterior surfaces and fewer visual breaks. This matters when placing advertising panels.

Large uninterrupted areas allow creative to sit naturally on the bus body. The result is artwork that reads clearly whether the bus is stopped at lights or moving through traffic.

Key visibility benefits include

  • Longer side panels that support bolder designs
  • Clean rear layouts with clear sightlines
  • Reduced clutter around ad placements

These design details help advertisers make full use of the space they book.

More usable space across core formats

Advertising on the New Routemaster supports the most popular formats used in London bus advertising campaigns. Each format benefits from the bus layout.

Bus sides that carry the message further

Bus side advertising is one of the strongest formats. On the New Routemaster the side area runs cleanly along the lower deck with fewer obstructions.

This gives brands

  • Wider layouts for headlines and imagery
  • Strong reading distance for pedestrians and drivers
  • Consistent exposure along long route sections

Side panels work well for awareness campaigns where repetition matters.

Rear panels that stay visible in traffic

Bus rear advertising performs well on busy London roads. The New Routemaster rear panel sits high and clear with strong contrast against the red body.

This format delivers

  • High dwell time at junctions and stops
  • Clear visibility during peak traffic
  • Repeated impressions across commuter routes

Bus rear ads suit short messages and strong brand cues.

Full wraps with better flow

For brands planning a full bus wrap campaign, the New Routemaster offers smoother coverage. The shape allows the creative to flow around the vehicle without heavy breaks.

This helps campaigns feel polished and intentional when seen from multiple angles throughout the day.

Strong presence on premium routes

The New Routemaster operates on some of Londonโ€™s most visible routes. These routes pass through central areas dense with workers, shoppers and visitors.

Advertising on these buses supports

  • High footfall exposure
  • Long daily operating hours
  • Repeated visibility across the week

Route choice matters as much as format. The New Routemaster often runs where audiences spend time rather than pass through quickly.

Better value through design efficiency

Value in London bus advertising comes from how effectively space is used. The New Routemaster reduces wasted space and supports clearer, more creative placement.

This means

  • Fewer compromises in artwork layout
  • Stronger legibility at speed
  • Better use of booked space

Brands are paying for space that works harder rather than fighting against the vehicle shape.

Creative that reads faster on the street

Street-level advertising needs to communicate quickly. The New Routemaster supports this by giving creative teams cleaner canvases.

Designs benefit from

  • Clear headline placement
  • Strong colour blocking
  • Simple visual hierarchy

This makes campaigns easier to process for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.

Planning support makes the difference

Choosing the right bus type is one part of a successful campaign. Planning routes, formats and timings is where results are shaped.

At London Bus Advertising we help brands plan campaigns that use the New Routemaster effectively. We advise on

  • Format selection based on campaign goals
  • Route planning to match audience movement
  • Artwork guidance to fit each panel correctly

Our role is to remove guesswork and make sure every booked space works as hard as possible.

A smarter choice for modern bus campaigns

The New Routemaster reflects how London moves today. For advertisers, it offers a practical advantage through better space, better flow and stronger presence.

When brands want more from their out of home spend, this bus type delivers consistent value across routes, formats and audiences.

If you are planning to advertise on London buses and want to understand which vehicles and formats suit your campaign, speak to London Bus Advertising. Our team helps brands plan and deliver campaigns that stand out across the capital. Contact us now to start planning with confidence.

FAQs

Why is the New Routemaster good for running London bus ad campaigns?

The design offers larger, cleaner advertising panels that improve visibility and make creative easier to read on busy streets.

Which ad formats work best on the New Routemaster?

Bus sides, rear panels and full wraps all perform well due to the smooth exterior and clear sightlines.

Does the New Routemaster operate on busy routes?

Yes many services run through central London with high footfall and long daily operating hours.

Is advertising on the New Routemaster cost-effective?

The improved use of space and strong exposure help brands get more value from their booked formats.

Loading latest articlesโ€ฆ

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 Londonโ€™s iconic buses to display marketing messages. Itโ€™s a powerful out-of-home format, offering high visibility across diverse demographics in high-traffic areasโ€”especially in Londonโ€™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 youโ€™re a local enterprise or a global brand, Londonโ€™s red buses are a powerful tool for achieving standout presence in the capitalโ€™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 Londonโ€™s iconic red buses into high-impact moving billboardsโ€”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.

London Bus Advertising is a specialist agency that works on a non-exclusive basis with third parties, such as Global, to place advertising across the UK's bus network.

© Copyright London Bus Advertising 2014 - 2026

Registered Office: Berkeley Suite, 35 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 5BF

Company Reg. N. 7940063