Free Heritage Bus Day: Ride London’s Historic 38 Route

The London Bus Museum, in collaboration with private owners, is presenting a unique opportunity to journey back in time with free heritage bus rides on Saturday, March 14, 2026. This special “Route 38 Heritage Day” will feature an array of vintage buses, primarily iconic Routemasters and RT-types dating from the 1930s to the 1980s. These historically significant vehicles, which once constituted the world's largest standardized bus fleet in the 1950s, will operate along the enduring 38 bus route between Victoria and Hackney from approximately 10 am to 5 pm. Buses will travel in both directions, with an expected frequency of every 10 minutes, and a detailed timetable will be released closer to the event date.

The primary benefit of this event is the entirely free access to a unique historical experience. Passengers can simply flag down a heritage bus, board, and might even be issued an old-school paper ticket by a conductor, enhancing the nostalgic charm. This offers a delightful contrast to the modern TfL services on the same route, which will continue to charge standard fares. The 38 route itself boasts a rich history, having been operational since June 1912, and traverses many of London's popular tourist destinations, making the free rides an attractive option for both locals and visitors.

However, potential considerations include the anticipated high demand; services are expected to be very busy, especially if the weather is favorable. It's also important to note a key limitation: due to the vintage design of these buses, they are regrettably unable to accommodate wheelchairs or most modern buggies, which restricts accessibility for some potential passengers. Despite these constraints, the event provides an exceptional and accessible way for the public to engage with London's rich transport heritage and enjoy a memorable day out without any cost.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/things-to-do/free-heritage-bus-rides-london-bus-museum)