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Movies and their relationship with London buses

by Daisy Pembroke
19 August 2025

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When the world thinks of London, the red double-decker bus is right at the top of the list of icons. These buses are more than transport. They are symbols of the city’s spirit, a rolling stage that brands and filmmakers have used for decades. From blockbuster promotions to unforgettable film scenes, London buses have taken centre stage in popular culture and advertising.

Big screen campaigns that turned heads

Hollywood studios and major production houses often turn to London bus advertising to promote their films. Full bus wraps, super sides and internal panels transform the vehicle into a moving billboard.

Batman v Superman

Batman v Superman London Bus Advertising T-Side
Batman v Superman Promotion through London Bus T-Side

The campaign lit up the city with full wraps, bringing Gotham and Metropolis to the streets of London.

Spectre 007

Spectre 007 James Bond London Bus Advertising Full Wrap
Spectre 007 Full Wrap Advertisement

Bond fever gripped the capital when Spectre buses rolled out with premium super sides that reached commuters and tourists alike.

Barbie

Barbie T-Side Advertisement on London Bus
Barbie T-Side Advertisement on London Bus

In 2023, Barbie gave London a bold splash of pink using full wraps, creating a huge buzz across social media and beyond.

We Live In Time T-Side Advertisement on London Bus
We Live In Time T-Side Advertisement on London Bus

We Live in Time

This campaign highlighted how super sides on buses can carry fresh cultural stories to audiences across the city.

Spice Girls

Spice Girls - Full Bus Wrap on London Bus
Spice Girls - Full Bus Wrap on London Bus

Even the Spice Girls embraced buses to bring their tour to life, proving their cultural power.

These campaigns underline why advertisers love the medium. A London bus carries brand messages past high-footfall landmarks, business hubs and shopping districts, making it one of the most visible and talked-about formats in the capital.

The cinematic appeal of London buses

Buses have been stars themselves. Directors use them to capture the essence of London life.

Johnny English

Rowan Atkinson in Johnny English filming on a London Bus - London Bus Advertising
Rowan Atkinson filming on London Bus for Johnny English

Rowan Atkinson’s comic spy found humour in London’s traffic and buses, making them part of the laugh-out-loud chaos.

The Family Plan 2

Mark Wahlberg and Kit Harington filming on a London Bus For The Family Plan 2
Mark Wahlberg and Kit Harington filming on a London Bus For The Family Plan 2

Action sequences in this film unfolded against the backdrop of iconic London routes, with buses adding authenticity to the chase.

Spider-Man Far From Home

Spiderman Far From Home - Tom Holland Poses on a London Bus - London Bus Advertising
Spiderman Far From Home - Tom Holland Poses on a London Bus

Peter Parker swung through London with double-deckers in the frame, reminding global audiences of the city’s energy.

Why brands should consider advertising on London buses

London bus advertising is not just for Hollywood blockbusters. Mid-level brands benefit equally. With formats ranging from super sides to full wraps, campaigns can be tailored to suit budget and ambition.

  • Unmissable exposure: A bus can be seen by thousands every day across central and suburban routes.
  • Diverse audience: Tourists, office workers, students and locals all share the streets, making the bus a broad-reach medium.
  • Creative impact: The size, colour and movement of buses ensure campaigns are never background noise.

By working with us at London Bus Advertising, your brand can access these high-impact formats and join a history of iconic campaigns. Whether you are aiming for a city-wide splash or a targeted presence, bus advertising delivers reach and prestige.

Formats that bring stories to life

Different advertising formats allow you to get creative:

  • Full wraps turn a bus into a moving blockbuster poster.
  • Super sides dominate the busiest roads in London.
  • Rear and streetliners keep your message in sight for motorists and pedestrians.
  • Internal panels engage passengers while they travel.

Each format has its strengths, and when combined with the cultural connection that buses hold, your campaign becomes part of London’s story.

A cultural partnership worth embracing

From James Bond to Barbie, from Spider-Man to the Spice Girls, London buses have always been part of pop culture. Advertising on them links your brand to that same sense of identity, giving campaigns resonance and longevity. Even Harry Potter got in on the act — who could forget the triple-decker Knight Bus squeezing through traffic in The Prisoner of Azkaban? It was pure wizardry on wheels, and a reminder that London buses capture imaginations far beyond the everyday commute.

When audiences see your creative on a bus, they see it against the backdrop of world-famous streets and a city they love.

Get in touch through our Contact Us page and let us show you how your brand can share the spotlight on London’s most famous moving icons.

FAQs

Why do films advertise on London buses?

Because buses are iconic, high-visibility, and travel through areas packed with filmgoers, making them the perfect promotional stage.

Which films have used London bus advertising?

Batman v Superman, Spectre, Barbie, We Live in Time and the Spice Girls tour all used London bus advertising.

Have buses been used in films too?

Yes, buses have featured in Johnny English, The Family Plan 2, Spider-Man Far From Home and Magic Mike.

How can my brand advertise on London buses?

Choose from formats like full wraps, super sides or internal panels and work with us to plan your campaign.

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.

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