The longest bus route in the world was a pioneering service that connected London to Sydney, spanning three continents and covering an immense distance. This ambitious journey was made possible by the Albert Tours, a travel service initiated in 1968. The double-decker bus, named Albert, was purchased and modified by British traveler Andy Stewart to provide a unique and luxurious overland travel experience. The first trip commenced from Sydney on 8 th October 1968, and concluded in London on 17 th February 1969, taking a total of 132 days to complete the journey.
Route and Itinerary
The London-Sydney route traversed through Europe, Asia, and Australia, offering travellers a once-in-a-lifetime overland adventure. [A company in India was planning to resume the bus service (in April 2021) from India to England spanning 18 countries (20,000 kilometres/12,427 miles) in 70 days, but had to postpone the service due to the global onslaught of COVID-19. Read here for updates on this
postponed journey].
Europe and Asia Segment
The bus began its journey in London and made its way through multiple countries, including Belgium, West Germany, Austria, Yugoslavia^, and Bulgaria. From there, it entered Turkey and continued through Iran, Afghanistan, and West Pakistan~ [West and East Germany were separate countries during that time. ^Yugoslavia eventually split-up into Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. ~West Pakistan is present day Pakistan; while East Pakistan is now Bangladesh].
Upon reaching India, the bus travelled through major cities such as New Delhi, Agra, Allahabad (now Prayagraj), and Varanasi before arriving in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). From India, the journey continued through Burma (now Myanmar), Thailand, and Malaysia, finally reaching Singapore.
Australia Segment
Since an overland route was impossible between South-East Asia and Australia, the bus was transported by ship from Singapore to Perth (Western Australia). Upon arrival in Perth, the journey resumed on the road, crossing the vast landscapes of the country (Nullarbor) before reaching the final destination of Sydney.
A Journey in Luxury
Unlike typical bus journeys, Albert Tours provided an exceptional level of comfort for its passengers. The double-decker bus was designed to offer a home-like experience, complete with sleeping bunks for overnight travel, a dining lounge, and an observation deck for panoramic views. The bus also had a fully equipped kitchen, heating facilities, and entertainment systems, including a radio and a music setup. The cosy interiors, featuring carpets and curtains, further enhanced the travel experience, making it a luxurious alternative to traditional backpacking or train travel.
Cost and Ticketing
At the time, traveling on this route was considered expensive, with a one-way ticket from London to Kolkata costing around £145 in 1973 (equivalent to £2,215 in 2023) which included food, travel, and accommodation. A full journey from London to Sydney was priced at £290 (equivalent to £4,430 in 2023). Despite the high cost, the experience attracted adventurous travellers who were eager to explore the world through an extensive overland route, witnessing diverse cultures and breath-taking landscapes along the way.
History and Legacy
The bus service successfully operated multiple trips between Kolkata and London, as well as a few complete journeys between London and Sydney. However by 1976, the service was discontinued due to increasing geopolitical tensions in some of the transit countries, particularly in regions like Iran and the India-Pakistan border.
Despite its eventual cessation, the Albert Tours bus remains a legendary symbol of long- distance overland travel. It marked a unique era in history when adventurous travellers could cross vast continents by road, experiencing an extraordinary blend of cultures, landscapes, and historical landmarks. Click here to read another article about this incredible journey.
The journey continues to inspire modern-day travellers who dream of similar epic adventures across the world. As at today (2025), there are no buses that travel from London to Kolkata to Sydney; although the Albert bus which was used on the route, was refurbished in 2009 and made a one-off trip from the UK to Australia in 2012.
Read about the “The Longest Train Journey in the World: Portugal to Singapore by Rail” by YPT Legend Gareth Johnson. Although YPT do not offer such trips (as yet), the company is working on a few things. For now keep an eye on YPT’s Worldwide Adventures.
About Post Author
