When you picture London, you likely see a scarlet double decker bus rolling past Big Ben. This vehicle isn't just transit. It's a mobile viewing platform and a survivor of technological shifts that transformed urban mobility.
Long before electric hybrids hit the streets, the London double decker bus evolved from horse-drawn carriages into an engineering marvel. Let's look at how this transport icon shaped the British capital and how you can ride it today like a seasoned local.
From Horse-Drawn Omnibuses to Motorized Giants
The lineage of the London double decker bus starts in the 19th century. George Shillibeer introduced the horse-drawn omnibus to London in 1829, but it took decades for the concept of a second tier to take hold. Initially, passengers sat on open-air benches atop the roof, exposed to the unpredictable British weather.
By the late 1800s, operators introduced stairs to make the upper deck accessible. Passengers climbing those narrow spiral staircases faced wind, rain, and low-hanging tree branches until canopy roofs became standard.
The transition to mechanical power changed everything. In 1902, motorized buses began replacing horse-drawn vehicles. By 1909, the London General Omnibus Company launched the B-type bus, widely considered the first mass-produced motorized double decker. During World War I, hundreds of these red buses were painted grey and khaki, sent to the Western Front to transport troops, proving their rugged utility far beyond city streets.
The Birth of the Iconic Red Livery
You might wonder why every London bus is red. The choice wasn't arbitrary. Until 1907, different private companies operated routes across the city, each painting their vehicles different colors to stand out.
When the London General Omnibus Company absorbed its main competitors to form a unified network, it needed a way to dominate the visual landscape. Painting the entire fleet bright red made them instantly recognizable against competing transport systems and grey Victorian architecture. You can explore the official archives of Transport for London to see how this color policy evolved over the decades into a globally recognized trademark.
The Legendary Routemaster
No discussion of the London double decker bus is complete without the Routemaster. Introduced in 1956, this vehicle became the defining symbol of British design.
The Routemaster featured an open rear platform. Conductors walked the aisles collecting fares while passengers hopped on and off between official stops. This flexibility made it popular, though safety concerns eventually led to its retirement from regular routes in 2005.
Mayor Boris Johnson later introduced the "New Routemaster" in 2012, bringing back the open-platform aesthetic alongside modern hybrid engines. While older Routemasters still run on heritage routes like numbers 15 and 11, the modern fleet relies on clean diesel-electric technology. You can check the London Transport Museum for current heritage route schedules and restored vehicle displays.
Riding the Bus Today: Practical Tips
Riding a London double decker bus is one of the most cost-effective sightseeing experiences in the city. Skip expensive hop-on-hop-off tourist buses and use the public network instead.
- Pay with contactless: You don't need a paper ticket or Oyster card. Tap your contactless bank card or smartphone on the reader as you board.
- Front row upper deck: Head straight upstairs and grab the front seats if you want panoramic views of Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, or Westminster Bridge.
- Understand the Hopper Fare: You can take unlimited bus journeys within one hour for a single fare, as long as you use the same payment card.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Visitors often make simple errors that slow down their journey or spoil the experience.
- Boarding at the rear: On standard modern buses, you must board through the front doors only. Rear boarding is reserved for heritage Routemasters with a conductor.
- Standing on the stairs: The driver won't move until the upper deck stairs and aisles are clear of standing passengers.
- Ignoring peak hours: Morning and evening commutes (7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM) mean crowded buses and slow traffic. Plan sightseeing trips for mid-morning or early afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did London replace the old open-platform buses?
Traditional Routemasters were phased out primarily due to accessibility regulations and safety concerns regarding the open rear platform. Modern buses feature low-floor entry for wheelchairs and strollers, plus automatic sliding doors.
What is the best bus route for sightseeing in London?
Route 11 passes through Westminster, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the City of London. Route 24 runs from Pimlico to Hampstead, cutting right through central London past numerous historic landmarks.
Can you still ride the original Routemaster buses?
Yes. Transport for London operates two heritage routes (Route 15 and Route 11H) using restored, classic Routemasters with open rear platforms during peak tourist seasons.
How many double decker buses operate in London daily?
London operates one of the largest municipal bus fleets in the world, with over 8,000 scheduled vehicles running across hundreds of routes every single day.
