Research the type of bus you require for your specific needs. There are the famous London red buses (called Routemasters), with rear stairs, or newer versions with stairs a third of the way from the front.
Determine what you want the inside of the bus to be like and what facilities you require. For example, you might require a working kitchen or a wet bar, or external panel advertising if you are hiring the bus to promote your business, or specialized equipment such as computer workstations or shelves. Such amenities will come at an extra cost, Make sure the double-decker bus you are hiring is perfectly suited to your needs.
Choose a double-decker bus rental company depending on where you live, how far you are prepared to travel, how much you can spend and which type of bus you are interested in. In London, for example, there are several companies offering traditional Routemaster buses for a variety of uses like weddings, parties or children's entertainment on a hire basis. For example, the London Bus Export Company (based in Chepstow), offers unique services including a "mobile British pub." If you wish to travel abroad or hire a tour bus in America, for instance, you need to look into different companies offering buses abroad. The British Bus Company of San Diego is one of America's primary sources for double-decker bus hire in the Americas. The company is available locally or for national tours.
Research whether you wish to hire a covered double-decker bus or the open-top version. This depends on a number of factors including the time of year, the weather, the number of guests, the time of day the bus will be used and the location. The Imperial Bus Company (based in Essex) offers vintage models such as a 1948 Routemaster with 56 seats.
Pick the double-decker bus you wish to hire or travel in by visiting at least four company websites and getting quotes. Visit at least two buses in person before paying a deposit or a hire price. Many websites have photographs of the buses available, but it is highly recommended to visit the companies' holdings to see the buses and, if you will be driving one, to test it out.
Contact the hire company you are interested in dealing with and discuss price options, hire options and facilities before making a final decision. New customers are usually required to pay a deposit. There can be cleaning fees of around $50 -- about 40 British pounds. It is advisable to book early when dealing with particularly popular companies.
