Can you still ride an original Routemaster in London?

Yes — the heritage route 15H runs original Routemasters between Trafalgar Square and Tower Hill on weekends and bank holidays during the warmer months (typically March–November).

How much does the heritage Routemaster cost?

Standard TfL fare — £1.75 with contactless or Oyster. Hopper transfers and the £5.25 daily cap apply.

What is the 'New Routemaster'?

A 2012-designed three-door, two-staircase hybrid double-decker (officially the LT-class, nicknamed Borismaster) built by Wrightbus. The hop-on rear platform was scrapped in 2016. They run on multiple central London routes including the 9, 38, 159 and 453.

London Routemaster Routes — Heritage 15H Service & New Routemaster

Heritage Route 15H

Withdrawn from regular service in December 2005, the original Routemaster was given a stay of execution on a short central London tourist circuit. Today the 15H heritage route uses a small fleet of restored RM-class buses to run between Trafalgar Square and Tower Hill via Aldwych and Fleet Street.

Days: Weekends and bank holidays, March to November (subject to TfL operations).
Frequency: Roughly every 20 minutes between 09:30 and 18:30.
Conductor on board: Helps with the open rear platform, won't sell tickets — pay with contactless/Oyster at the door.
Fare: Standard £1.75, Hopper & daily cap apply.

The 'New Routemaster' (Borismaster)

Designed by Heatherwick Studio and built by Wrightbus, the LT-class New Routemaster entered service in 2012. Three doors, two staircases, hybrid diesel-electric drivetrain and an iconic curved rear silhouette that nods to the original. Until 2016 it also had an open rear platform; this was removed for safety and staffing reasons.

You'll still see New Routemasters on routes 9, 11, 38, 159 and 453.

London Routemaster Routes

Heritage Route 15H

The 'New Routemaster' (Borismaster)

Related London bus pages