The Most Popular Bus in London, Ranked

Choose the bus you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 24, 2024 06:55
Navigating through the bustling streets of London, buses serve as a crucial mode of transport for millions. Each route offers a unique journey across historical landmarks, modern skyscrapers, and vibrant neighborhoods, making some buses more favored than others. Understanding which buses are preferred can enhance travel plans and daily commutes. This dynamic list, shaped by public opinion, reflects real-time preferences and experiences of local and visiting bus riders. By voting for your preferred buses, you contribute to a community-driven guide that helps others choose the best routes for their needs. Your input ensures the rankings stay accurate and beneficial to all.

What Is the Most Popular Bus in London?

  1. 1
    40
    votes
    The iconic red double-decker Routemaster bus is a symbol of London and remains popular with tourists and locals alike.
    The Routemaster (RM) is a famous and iconic double-decker bus that was in service in London, United Kingdom. It is widely regarded as one of the most popular and recognizable bus models globally. The Routemaster was introduced in 1956 and remained in service until 2005.
    • Length: 9.63 meters (31 feet 7 inches)
    • Width: 2.52 meters (8 feet 3 inches)
    • Height: 4.42 meters (14 feet 6 inches)
    • Weight: 7.62 metric tons (8.4 short tons)
    • Capacity: 64 passengers (16 seated, 48 standing)
  2. 2
    37
    votes
    A modern version of the Routemaster, with updated technology and accessibility features.
    The New Routemaster (NBFL) is a modern double-decker bus that operates in London. It was introduced in 2012 as a successor to the original Routemaster, which was a renowned icon of London's public transportation system. The NBFL was designed to blend the charm of the old Routemaster with contemporary features and technologies.
    • Length: 11.24 meters
    • Capacity: 87 passengers
    • Doors: 3 (1 front, 2 middle)
    • Engine: Cummins ISBe 4-cylinder
    • Transmission: ZF EcoLife 6-speed automatic
  3. 3
    27
    votes
    Alexander Dennis Enviro400
    ZakNelson1995 · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Alexander Dennis Enviro400

    Alexander Dennis
    A popular double-decker bus with low emissions and comfortable seating.
    The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 is a popular double-decker bus model commonly seen on the streets of London. It is known for its modern design and reliable performance.
    • Length: 10.5 meters
    • Width: 2.55 meters
    • Height: 4.38 meters
    • Passenger capacity: Up to 87 passengers
    • Engine: Cummins ISB6.7E6 280B
  4. 4
    3
    votes

    Wrightbus Gemini 2

    Wrightbus
    A sleek and modern double-decker bus with air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
    The Wrightbus Gemini 2 is a popular double-decker bus model commonly seen on the streets of London. It is known for its sleek and modern design, providing a comfortable and spacious commuting experience for passengers.
    • Length: 10.5 or 11.5 meters
    • Height: 4.39 meters
    • Width: 2.52 meters
    • Seating Capacity: Up to 91 passengers
    • Engine: Various engine options available
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    Volvo B5LH
    Tokfo · CC BY 3.0 at

    Volvo B5LH

    Volvo
    A hybrid double-decker bus known for its low emissions and fuel efficiency.
    The Volvo B5LH is a popular bus model in London known for its reliability and performance. It is a low-floor, double-decker bus designed to provide comfortable and efficient transportation. The bus is highly regarded for its fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, making it environmentally friendly. With its sleek and modern design, the Volvo B5LH offers a comfortable and enjoyable ride for passengers.
    • Engine: Volvo D5K Euro 6 diesel engine with electric hybrid technology
    • Transmission: Automatic transmission
    • Seating capacity: Up to 80 passengers (approx.)
    • Length: 10.5 meters
    • Height: 4.4 meters
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    Optare Versa
    Merseysidebuses · CC BY 3.0

    Optare Versa

    Optare
    A mid-size single-decker bus that is agile and easy to maneuver on London's narrow streets.
    The Optare Versa is a popular low-floor, single-deck bus model commonly used in London. It is known for its versatility, efficiency, and compact design, making it suitable for urban transport. The bus offers a comfortable and accessible ride for passengers and is often customizable to meet individual operator requirements.
    • Length: 10.9 meters
    • Width: 2.5 meters
    • Height: 4.2 meters
    • Seating Capacity: up to 40 passengers
    • Total Capacity: up to 87 passengers
  7. 7
    5
    votes
    Mercedes-Benz Citaro
    Spoorjan · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Mercedes-Benz Citaro

    Mercedes-Benz
    A popular single-decker bus with low emissions and a comfortable ride.
    The Mercedes-Benz Citaro is a highly popular bus model in London known for its efficient and comfortable design. It is manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, a renowned German automotive company.
    • Engine: Euro VI diesel engine
    • Capacity: Up to 130 passengers
    • Length: 12 or 18 meters
    • Fuel Efficiency: Optimized fuel consumption
    • Accessibility: Low floor design for easy boarding
  8. 8
    2
    votes

    Alexander Dennis Enviro200

    Alexander Dennis
    A versatile and efficient single-decker bus that can be used for both urban and suburban routes.
    The Alexander Dennis Enviro200 is a popular bus model in London. It is a low-floor, single-deck bus that is widely used for public transportation. The bus is known for its sleek and modern design, providing a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers. It is equipped with various features to enhance safety, accessibility, and sustainability.
    • Length: 10.8 - 11.5 meters
    • Width: 2.55 meters
    • Height: 3.0 meters
    • Capacity: Up to 89 passengers
    • Engine: Cummins ISBe Euro VI engine
  9. 9
    1
    votes
    Scania OmniCity
    Arriva436 · CC BY-SA 3.0
    A spacious and comfortable double-decker bus with low emissions and high passenger capacity.
    The Scania OmniCity is a popular type of bus in London. It is a low-floor, twin-axle double-decker bus that offers efficient and comfortable transportation for passengers. The design of the bus prioritizes accessibility and usability.
    • Length: 10.6 - 12 meters
    • Height: 4.0 meters
    • Width: 2.55 meters
    • Passenger Capacity: Up to 90 passengers
    • Engine Type: Scania DC9/DC13
  10. 10
    17
    votes
    Volvo B7TL
    Quackdave · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Volvo B7TL

    Volvo
    A reliable and durable double-decker bus with comfortable seating and low emissions.
    The Volvo B7TL is a popular double-decker bus model used in London. It was manufactured by Volvo, a Swedish multinational manufacturing company specializing in commercial vehicles.
    • Length: 10.6 meters (34.78 feet)
    • Height: 4.4 meters (14.44 feet)
    • Width: 2.5 meters (8.2 feet)
    • Engine: Volvo D7C Euro III
    • Transmission: Voith DIWA D854.5 4-speed automatic

Missing your favorite bus?

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Ranking factors for popular bus

  1. Passenger Usage
    The number of passengers that use the bus route daily or annually can be a strong indicator of its popularity.
  2. Route Coverage
    How extensive and well-connected the bus route is, covering important destinations such as stations, shopping centres, tourist attractions, and residential areas.
  3. Frequency of Service
    The more frequent a bus service, the more likely it is to be popular among commuters as it offers greater convenience and reduced waiting times.
  4. Reliability
    Buses that consistently arrive on time and maintain a regular schedule are generally more popular among passengers.
  5. Customer Satisfaction
    Passenger feedback on factors such as bus cleanliness, driver professionalism, and overall experience can impact the popularity of a bus route.
  6. Accessibility
    Bus routes equipped with facilities for disabled passengers, such as wheelchair access and audio-visual announcements, may be more popular among users with special requirements.
  7. Ticket Pricing
    Affordable fares can attract more passengers and increase the popularity of a bus route.
  8. Integration with Other Public Transport Services
    Bus routes that offer seamless connections with other modes of public transport, such as trains and underground lines, are more likely to be popular among commuters.
  9. Carbon Footprint
    In an environmentally-conscious society, buses with lower emissions and better fuel efficiency may be more popular among riders concerned about their environmental impact.
  10. Promotion and marketing
    Greater awareness about a bus route can be achieved with effective advertising and marketing, which can also significantly impact a route's popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular bus in London. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or bus is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1812 views
  • 156 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each bus once every 24 hours. The rank of each bus is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most popular bus in london

London is known for its extensive public transportation system, which includes buses, trains, and the iconic red double-decker buses that have become synonymous with the city. With over 8,600 buses in operation in London, there are a variety of options for commuters and tourists alike. However, when it comes to the most popular bus in London, there are a few contenders. Some may argue that the Route 11 bus, which travels from Liverpool Street to Fulham Broadway, is the most popular due to its scenic route through some of London's most iconic landmarks. Others may argue that the Route 25 bus, which travels from Ilford to Oxford Circus, is the most popular due to its convenience and accessibility. Ultimately, the title of the most popular bus in London may be up for debate, but one thing is certain: Londoners and tourists alike rely heavily on the city's extensive bus network to get around.

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