A Truly Unique Experience
The only vintage London Bus experience in the UK. All you need is a standard car license for our private circuit.
Exclusive Experience: One to one briefing and tuition with our experienced instructors.
Old vs New: Choose to add a Bendy Bus and Modern Double Decker to your Routemaster experience.
Receive a certificate, Expeditional badge & photo with the bus. Options for Videos and Gift Mug.
Two ways to buy your experience: Book directly onto a date and time below or buy Gift Vouchers.
Expeditional have been providing unique London Bus Driving Experiences since 2012. Join the hundreds of satisfied customers who have joined our exclusive circle. All our experiences include public liability insurance.
SALE
Save up to £60 while spaces last.
IN CAB VIDEO:
An in cab view, optional in all our buses. Available as a voucher extra or buy on the day.
£30 upwards
Gift Mug: I Drove a Routemaster
Available as an exclusive add-on item to our Routemaster or Old vs New vouchers. Gift Mug will be presented to the driver on the day, after their experience.
£16
You can also buy gift vouchers
The perfect special gift which can be redeemed at a time and date to suit.
“I would like to thank you very much for the opportunity to realise a 50 year old ambition to drive an Routemaster bus. I am very grateful to you as well for the excellent tuition and instruction all of which I can relive as often as I wish by looking at the video.”
london Bus Driving Experience
All experiences include a one to one personal tuition as you get behind the wheel of an original Routemaster bus, preserved in withdrawn condition from London Transport. You start with a short briefing about the techniques and practicality of the bus followed by the drive, which includes a variety of driving scenarios, from negotiating junctions and corners, serving a bus stop and a slalom section. All participants receive a certificate at the end and have the option for an in cab video. There is also a viewing area for friends and family and complimentary tea and coffee.
routemaster experience
Get behind the wheel of one of the world’s most iconic vehicles. There is nothing else like an original Routemaster bus. The entire experience is captivating and will leave you with a unique perspective and lasting memory. Your experience will last 30 minutes.
Modern Buses
Experience the contrast of driving two very different ex-London buses. The tried and tested Double Decker and the infamous Bendy Bus. Your experience will be 30 minutes in total and you will get to drive both of the buses.
Old versus New
The age old question, which is best? The Routemaster served London for over 50 years. The Bendy Bus served for less than 7 years whereas the modern double deck is bulk of the London Bus fleet. The debate rolls on as to which was best for London. Now you can decide for yourself, take the test with our Old versus New. This experience combines our Routemaster and Modern bus experience to give you a one hour Expereince.
“I was booked onto the Routemaster Experience as a surprise 50th birthday present by my kids. I had a wonderful time, it was just so exciting. My instructor was great fun and very encouraging, I went around the course without hitting any cones, even on the slalom! Absolutely brilliant morning. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys driving”
How it works
Our season runs from March to November. You can buy a Gift Voucher now which allows the recipient to book onto a date at their convenience or you can choose to book directly onto a date and time under the Book Now section. Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Where are we?
We are based in Epping on the London/ Essex border, more details about our location here. Our customers travel from all over the UK and the world to take part in our unique experiences. Our customers have travelled as far afield as Edinburgh, Canada, Hong Kong and even Australia, solely to drive our London buses.
On the day
Complementary tea, coffee and water to all visitors. There is free parking on site and toilets. There are also a couple of cafes located on the airfield to visit before or after your drive. Please wear suitable footwear for driving and don't forget your voucher and driving licence. Expect to spend at least an hour upwards on site, dependant on which experience you have. When you book, we will confirm your arrive time. We also provide an optional extra in cab video which can either be pre-order or requested on the day plus other souvenirs from our gift shop.
Difference between a Routemaster and Modern Buses
The Routemaster is the iconic London bus in service between 1958 to 2005. The Routemaster has the half cab design with the engine mounted at the front, next to the driver and the turning wheels beneath the driving position. The entrance is at the back with an open platform. In comparison modern buses have the engine mounted at the rear. The entrance is at the front of the bus with the turning wheels positioned behind the driving position. All these variables create two very unique driving experiences. Why not compare the two with our Old vs New vouchers.
Spectators
You are welcome to bring spectators, who can observe, photograph and criticise your driving from the side lines. For safety reasons passengers are not allowed on the bus.
Upgrades
Drivers are able to upgrade their experience on the day to drive another bus, subject to availability. Speak to us on site.
Personal Requirements
All participants must hold a current automatic or manual car UK, European or International driving license which must be presented on the day.
Minimum height of 5'1" (1.5 metres) and a maximum of 6'5" (2.0 metres). Maximum weight of 134kg (22 stone).
The Routemaster design requires the participant to climb up or use our steps platform to access the drivers cab.
“The Routemaster was iconic, but the Bendy bus is great fun to drive”
Terms and Conditions Summary
- Bookings can be cancelled free of charge with more than 14 days notice prior to the event. Less than 14 days notice of a cancellation can incur up to 30% cancellation fee. Cancelled bookings will be converted into a voucher for future redemption within 12 months from the original date of purchase.
- Bookings purchased in a sale or at a discounted rate will need to be re-booked at a similar time to the original booking
- Full refunds can be made within 14 days of the purchase date, unless the booked is taking place within 14 days in which case a 30% cancellation fee applies.
- All participants must hold a full current UK, European or International driving license which must be presented on the day in order to participate.