In terms of visual appeal, there’s nothing quite like a classic Routemaster bus. Once a staple across London, it’s now used in films and TV shows, or to add some glamour to special occasions. Its vintage charm and large size make it ideal for promotional tours, but how can you tell if Routemaster hire is right for you?
In this guide to Routemaster bus hire, we’ll explore what makes these vehicles special, look at possible limitations, and run through past campaigns.
Here’s why Routemaster hire is a fantastic way to drive engagement.
A symbol of good old-fashioned London, the Routemaster is instantly recognisable. Its front end adds character, while the rear makes it easy for guests to hop on/hop off quickly. It may be similar to a double-decker in size, but the London Routemaster bus is much more elegant – so it’s often hired for film launches, parades, festivals and more.
At over 14 feet high, a Routemaster hire bus is the tallest vintage vehicle on the market. That’s the same height as a modern double-decker, so there’s plenty of space for logos, bold designs and eye-catching imagery. Wrap your bus in a vibrant colour or pattern or go with the classic red for a more traditional look – we leave that choice up to you!
Blending size and character, few vehicles are as photogenic as a London Routemaster bus. And because it comes fully wrapped for your campaign, it’s the ultimate bus for photoshoots and reels to be shared on social media. Hold a live studio day, hire a content capture expert, or invite influencers to spread the word online.
While all our vehicles are customisable, Routemaster bus hire provides more options than you might expect. Each level can be used differently, offering guests a unique experience and ‘zoning’ your event. This extra flexibility means we can install everything from neon signs to makeup stations and bar areas for your guests to enjoy.
Our guide to vehicle design and build explains how our in-house craftsmen work together to make your ambitions a reality.
Every campaign faces challenges, but with the advice below, you’ll be able to get the most out of Routemaster hire.
Have you decided how you'll engage with guests in and around your vehicle? This is one of the first steps to making your Routemaster event special. For example, Brutal Fruit wanted a luxury downstairs bar area. They extended the lounge theme upstairs, with several makeup stations so guests could freshen up.
Routemaster bus hire is one of the best ways to spread brand awareness and turn members of the public into fans of your brand. But with that success comes the need for friendly and experienced staff. Brand ambassadors, for example, know how to manage a crowd and can provide a welcoming face that encourages guests to get involved.
You could level up your campaign by hiring someone to act as the conductor – giving the audience a classic, personal experience that matches the vintage vibe.
As larger vehicles, Routemaster buses can’t fit in tight spaces. High streets are a great bet, but you can also visit beaches, retail parks or festivals. Klayd took their London Routemaster bus to Covent Garden, which was a superb central location.
See the top sampling locations for ideas, or check out our location planning page to discover how we can consult, plan and book your venues on your behalf.
There’s also security to consider. Classic Routemasters have an exit at the back, and you’ll want to ensure no one climbs onto it before or after the event. Have no fear; Promohire can help keep your vehicle as secure as possible.
Given their similarities, you may be wondering which option is right for you. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.
As an attractive showcase: While many brands love our Euro 6-compliant double-deckers, others favour the vintage look of the London Routemaster bus. Both serve as mobile billboards, but if you want a classic vehicle that’s a bit more glamorous, the Routemaster may be the better option.
As an engagement piece: If you’re inviting people on board, you have to think about space. Double-deckers offer more room to play with than a Routemaster hire, so there’s greater flexibility. You can still do great things with this vehicle, but you may feel more limited – both in terms of headroom and customisation.
Below: Brutal Fruit used the Routemaster as a vintage centrepiece.
See how modern brands used these timeless vehicles to spread awareness and push their campaigns further.
This luxury brand wanted a pop-up experience that would serve as a mobile shoe store. The upper deck was transformed into a relaxing space, where guests could unwind with a drink after shopping. They chose the Routemaster because of its quirky style and spacious interior; creating two different experiences on each floor.
Step into the Malone Souliers Routemaster shoe bus
The film giant planned a one-day tour to promote the launch of the movie, Last Christmas. Adorned in a festive wrap, the Routemaster visited key locations across London and ended at Covent Garden in time for the lights switch-on. We managed all logistics for this project and provided both the driver and conductor.
See Universal's festive Routemaster
The world-famous toy company celebrated the launch of its ‘London Bus Creator’ set by hiring a real-life Routemaster. The outside was branded in the LEGO theme, while the upstairs was transformed into a social media content studio. We customised this bus to be an authentic backdrop for photos and videos.
Check out the LEGO London Routemaster bus
Getting an estimate is easy! Using our budget calculator, you can see that Routemaster bus hire costs around £19,750 for a 7-day activation including the branded wrap, logistics and driver, but excluding VAT. If you think you may need extra support, our campaign costs and services guide will help you budget.
Click the button for a free estimate and see if Routemaster hire is right for you!