Ride Vintage London Buses for One Day Only – Here’s How to Hop Aboard!

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Imagine stepping onto a classic London bus—open rear platform, conductor in uniform, and that unmistakable vintage charm. Well, for one day only, you can experience London’s past on wheels as historic red buses hit the streets again!

When & Where?

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 29 because Route 19 is getting a serious throwback. From 9 AM to 5 PM, beautifully restored London buses from the 1930s to the 1980s will be rolling between Finsbury Park and Battersea Bridge, giving you a free ride through history. No contactless payment, no Oyster card—just hop on and enjoy.

If you miss this one, don’t worry—more vintage bus days are lined up for later this year:
📅 June 8 – Route 418 (Epsom to Kingston)
📅 September 13 – Route 54 (Woolwich to Elmers End)

Why Is This So Special?

London’s big red buses are iconic, but these old-school beauties are in a league of their own. Unlike today’s high-tech buses with USB chargers and quiet electric engines, these vintage double-deckers have roaring diesel engines, wooden floors, and conductors who actually hand out paper tickets. It’s an experience straight out of an old London postcard!

Most of the heritage buses will be the RT model from the 1950s, once the world's largest standardised bus fleet. Some might even date back to the 1930s, depending on their condition on the day.

How to Ride One?

No bookings, no tickets—just head to a Route 19 bus stop, stick out your arm, and hop on. It's that simple. If you’re lucky, you might even get an old-style paper ticket as a souvenir!

💡 Good to Know: Since these are historic vehicles, accessibility is limited—there are steps at the entrance, and they’re not designed for wheelchairs or modern buggies. But the crew will do their best to help where possible.

Why Route 19?

Did you know Route 19 has been around for nearly 120 years? It started in 1906 (originally as Route H) and has barely changed since. That’s rare in a city where things are always evolving! This special day will bring back the sights, sounds, and nostalgia of riding a bus in mid-20th-century London.

Who’s Behind This?

The London Bus Museum in Weybridge is making this happen. Their team of volunteers is dedicated to keeping London’s bus history alive, not just inside the museum but out on the actual roads where these buses belong. Their goal? To bring Londoners a taste of the past—one bus ride at a time.

Don’t Miss It!

If you're a history lover, transport geek, or just fancy a unique day out in London, this is your chance. Set a reminder, grab your camera, and be part of London’s moving history.