Vintage London bus for private hire

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to hire the bus?

The cost of hiring the bus depends on several factors:
- Distance - How far your journey is
- Location - Where the event is to take place, that is, round trip costs from our base.
- Duration - There is a minimum charge covering a four hour hire (i.e. from pick up to final set down). For each additional hour there is an hourly charge.

For example, if you hire the bus for four hours, in Central London, including driver and conductor, the hire fee would be £480.

How many buses do you have?

We have one 1966 Routemaster for hire. If you wish to hire more than one bus we are happy to source additional vehicles to suit your requirements. However, if you have lots of guests and only need the bus for a short trip, we can do two or more trips; this will be more economical than hiring an extra bus.

What kind of bus is it?

It is a 1966 Routemaster (RML 2406). A true vintage, it has 72 seats (The RML version of the Routemaster had a 2’6” section inserted to the middle to be able to accommodate 8 extra passengers).

Do you do children's parties?

Yes we do! It is a unique and exciting way to celebrate your child’s birthday on board a pretty red London bus. We have also found that organising your kid’s birthday party on a vintage party bus can make the parents much less stressed! To find out how check out “Children’s Parties” for more details.

Can we drink alcohol on the bus?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are allowed, but only by strict agreement at the time of booking. We don’t want to spoil the fun, but safety is our top priority. So the following rules apply:
- The hirer is responsible for providing any alcoholic drinks and plastic glasses (no glass allowed)
- Only alcohol brought on at the beginning of the hire can be consumed on the bus. No more alcohol will be allowed on after that
- The quantity of alcohol should be appropriate for the number of passengers. The conductor will have the final say!

Where do you operate?

Our main operating area is the South-East, however we are happy to provide quotes for events anywhere in mainland Britain, or in Europe.

How many passengers can you carry?

The classic Routemaster is a 72 seater bus. So we can accommodate 72 people comfortably, with 5 standing on the bottom deck (not recommended for longer trips!)

Do you work at night time?

Some companies do not operate after dark – but we do!

What if the bus breaks down?

Our Routemaster is subject to a rigorous maintenance schedule, so it is highly unlikely that the bus will let you down. If the worst should happen, our operator has a fleet of modern coaches and will pull out all the stops to get you on your way as quickly as possible.

Should we tip the driver?

We are confident that the driver and conductor will contribute to your enjoyment of the occasion. They are a good bunch! A discretionary tip at the end of the hire will be much appreciated if feel you have been well looked after.

Can we decorate the bus?

If you hire our vintage Routemaster bus for a wedding, we will provide wedding ribbons and a ‘Wedding Special’ destination blind as standard. For other events, you should let us know at the time of booking or hiring the bus, if you would like the bus decorated. We can either decorate it for you, or arrange to arrive at the pick up point early enough for you to put the decorations up yourselves. We’ll lend you a hand too!

Can I have a personalised set of blinds?

Personalised blinds can be provided on request. Let us know at the time of booking and we can order them for you. Please note that there is a lead time of around 10 working days for delivery.

Can we have a conductor?

When you hire the bus, it includes a driver and a conductor. The conductor’s main role and duty is to ensure the safety of the passengers.

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