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.
The minimum standard hire charge is £550 (slightly more for an open top).

What is included in the price?

All quotes are fully inclusive, covering use of the bus, driver, conductor, mileage, fuel, insurance. There is no VAT on private hire. For weddings we also include in the price ribbons on the front of the bus and a Wedding Special destination blind.  

How many buses do you have?

We are able to provide as many Routemaster buses as you require. In the unlikely event that we cannot provide all the buses ourselves, we can bring in other buses from alternative suppliers (of the same quality as ours).

What kind of buses are they?

Without getting too technical, we provide the following types of vintage bus:

• RML Routemaster (72 seats, covered top)
• RM Routemaster (64 seats, covered top)
• RMC Routemaster (57 seats, covered top and with a closing doorway at rear )
• RT (56 seats, covered or open top) - the predecessor to the Routemaster and the bus that Cliff Richard used in Summer Holiday
• Single deck 39 seat covered top with front entrance

All buses for private hire are fitted out to the highest standards.

Can we drink alcohol on the bus?

Yes, Champagne is allowed, but strictly by 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  drinks and plastic glasses (no glass allowed) soft drinks in plastic bottles only
- Only Champagne brought on at the beginning of the hire can be consumed on the bus. No more drink 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!
- Also, all alcoholic drinks must be consumed from plastic glasses. No drinking from bottles or cans.

All the rubbish to be removed at the end of a hire.

We reserve the right to charge a damage deposit at the time of booking for events that involve drinks on the bus.

Where do you operate?

Our main operating area is London and the South-East (Kent, Essex, Surrey, East Sussex, however we are happy to provide quotes for events further afield. We do not operate outside mainland Britain.

How many passengers can you carry?

The maximum capacity of a Routemaster is 72 seated, with 5 standing on the bottom deck (not recommended for longer trips!). If you have a large number of people to transport over a short distance, we recommend doing two or more trips with the same bus rather than hiring and extra bus.

Do you work at night time?

We no longer provide late night returns after 23:00 except by special arrangement.

What if the bus breaks down?

All of our Routemasters are subject to a rigorous maintenance schedule, so it is highly unlikely that your bus will let you down. If the worst should happen, our operating partner will provide a replacement bus as soon 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 one of our vintage Routemaster buses for a wedding, we will provide wedding ribbons and a ‘Wedding Special' destination blind as standard. For other requirements, you should let us know at the time of booking and we will arrange to arrive at the pick up point early enough for you to put the decorations up yourselves.

Can I have a personalised set of blinds?

Personalised blinds can be produced on request to lend a special touch. 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. These may be invoiced separately from the hire. Expect to pay around £50 inc vat and delivery for a pair, although the price varies depending on the wording requested.

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.

What about wheelchair access?

There is no wheelchair access, though wheelchair users are more than welcome providing that there is assistance available to help them on and off. Passengers may not however sit in a wheelchair on the bus.

Can we listen to music?

Please state at the time of booking that you require music as not all the buses are fitted with PA systems some are only fitted for commentary to be given on a tour. We cannot guarantee that the bus has a connection for music to be played.

How fast are the buses?

On the open road, most of the buses will cruise at 35-40 mph, but we have one Routemaster which can reach 60mph. We will assign whichever bus we think appropriate for the distance / timing requested.