New Bus Trip Will Take You From Delhi to London in 70 Days

Adventures Overland invites travelers to embark on an extraordinary journey by bus from Delhi to London. Spanning 18 countries over 70 days, this groundbreaking trip offers a novel way to traverse continents without stepping on an airplane.

The brainchild of entrepreneurs Tushar Agarwal and Sanjay Madan, Adventures Overland designed this expedition to cater to adventurers who crave overland travel experiences without the hassle of driving themselves. Their modified luxury bus, accommodating 20 passengers, promises comfort for long-distance travel while paying homage to the spirit of Hippie Trail buses from decades past.

Passengers will witness an ever-changing landscape, from the ornate pagodas of Myanmar to the imposing Great Wall of China. Historic cities like Moscow and Prague await exploration, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences along the route. This journey presents an opportunity to see the world transform before your eyes, one mile at a time.

The Concept Behind “Bus to London” 

“Bus to London” offers a hop-on/hop-off service connecting Delhi and London over a 70-day journey. Travelers can join for the entire trip or select specific segments, allowing flexibility in their adventure. Adventures Overland designed this service to blend comfort with the thrill of cross-continental travel.

Agarwal, while talking to CNN, said: “There are a lot of people, travelers, who want to experience these overland journeys, but they don’t want to drive,” says Agarwal. “So, we came up with the idea of putting together a bus in which people can sit comfortably and go on long distance journeys. And that’s how the idea of the Bus to London was born.”

Two sources inspired this venture: the iconic Hippie Trail buses of the 1950s and 1960s, which carried intrepid travelers across Asia and Europe, and founder Tushar Agarwal’s experience driving solo from London to Delhi in 2010. Agarwal describes that journey as “absolutely fantastic,” sparking the idea to share similar experiences with others.

Adventures Overland has previously organized self-drive expeditions from India to London, where participants drove their vehicles in a convoy. They’ve also led trips across Iceland’s snowy landscapes and Russia’s frozen lakes. “Bus to London” marks a shift from these self-drive tours, catering to travelers who want to experience overland journeys without the responsibility of driving. This new concept aims to make long-distance travel more accessible while maintaining the spirit of adventure that defines Adventures Overland’s previous expeditions.

The Journey Details

Travelers will spend 70 days on the road, crossing 18 countries from Delhi to London. This extensive journey covers a significant portion of Asia and Europe, offering a comprehensive overland experience. Adventures Overland’s modified luxury bus accommodates 20 passengers and provides comfort for long-distance travel. While specific details about the vehicle’s amenities remain undisclosed, the company emphasizes its suitability for extended journeys.

Route highlights showcase diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks. In Myanmar, passengers will marvel at ancient pagodas, their gilded spires piercing the sky. China’s segment features a visit to the Great Wall, where travelers can walk along centuries-old fortifications. European stops include historic cities like Moscow and Prague, each offering a glimpse into rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban life.

“The best time to do this journey is between April and June, because that’s when the weather is favorable to start the journey from India through to Myanmar, and to cross the high mountains of China and Kyrgyzstan,” explained Agarwal to CNN

Throughout the journey, passengers will witness dramatic changes in scenery, from bustling Asian metropolises to the vast steppes of Central Asia and the varied landscapes of Eastern and Central Europe. This gradual transition provides a unique perspective on how geography, culture, and history interconnect across continents.

The Minds Behind the Adventure

Entrepreneurs and avid travelers Tushar Agarwal and Sanjay Madan founded Adventures Overland, bringing their passion for cross-continental journeys to a broader audience. Agarwal’s solo drive from London to Delhi in 2010 sparked the idea for organized expeditions, which he and Madan have since turned into a successful venture. Adventures Overland specializes in crafting extraordinary road trips across challenging terrains and diverse cultures. Their expertise lies in organizing self-drive convoys and guided tours that push the boundaries of conventional travel.

Before the “Bus to London” concept, the company orchestrated three India-to-London expeditions where participants drove their vehicles in a group. These trips allowed adventure seekers to experience the thrill of long-distance driving while benefiting from an organized convoy’s safety and logistics support. Adventures Overland has led excursions to less conventional destinations. They’ve taken groups across Iceland’s icy landscapes, allowing travelers to drive over frozen terrain and witness the country’s stark beauty. In Russia, they’ve organized trips across frozen lakes, offering a unique driving experience in extreme conditions.

Logistics and Practicalities of the Trip

Plan carefully for a 70-day Delhi to London trip. Adventures Overland handles logistics for a smooth journey. Here is what travelers need to know:

• Trip Timing and Weather: The first “Bus to London” trip starts in mid-2021, pending world events. Adventures Overland picked April to June for good weather. This period suits travel through the mountains of India, Myanmar, China, and Kyrgyzstan. Good weather means fewer travel disruptions.
• Trip Cost and Value: The complete 70-day trip costs about $20,000. This price covers transport, lodging, and the unique experience of cross-continent travel. Contact Adventures Overland to confirm the latest pricing.
• Flexible Travel Options: Seventy days is a long time. Adventures Overland offers shorter trip segments; travelers can join for parts of the journey. The bus returns from London to Delhi, giving travelers two starting points. This flexibility lets travelers tailor the trip to their time and interests.
• Trip Safety and Support: Passenger safety is key. Local guides join at each border. Guides help with paperwork and local knowledge. Adventures Overland tested the route on prior trips. This experience helps reduce risks. The company’s focus on safety and support ensures a worry-free journey.
• Trip Visas and Documentation: Many countries have complex visa needs. Adventures Overland helps with paperwork. Travelers must get visas early. Check visa rules with embassies and Adventures Overland. Proper paperwork is crucial for smooth border crossings.
• Bus Details and Comfort: The bus can accommodate 20 passengers, which Adventures Overland describes as “luxury.” Ask Adventures Overland about bus features, including sleeping, meals, and daily life. A comfortable bus is key for a long journey.

The Experience

Overland travel offers a gradual immersion into changing landscapes and cultures. Agarwal highlights how passengers witness the countryside transform before their eyes, an experience exclusive to ground-level journeys. From bustling Asian cities to remote mountain passes and European capitals, travelers absorb the nuances of each region they pass through.

Passengers encounter diverse landscapes and cultures across the 18-country route. They might start their day amid the pagodas of Myanmar and end it gazing at China’s Great Wall. As the journey progresses, travelers transition from the steppes of Central Asia to the architectural marvels of Eastern Europe, experiencing a rich mosaic of human heritage and natural wonders.

Adventures Overland’s previous expeditions have attracted a wide age range of participants, from 5-year-olds to 75-year-olds. This diversity suggests that the Bus to London journey could appeal to adventurers of all ages, from families to retirees seeking a comprehensive travel experience.

While specific testimonials for the Bus to London trip are unavailable, participants from previous Adventures Overland expeditions have described their experiences as life-changing. Agarwal advises potential travelers to approach the journey with an open mind and heart, promising memories that will last a lifetime. He emphasizes how the shared experience of such an extensive trip often creates lasting bonds among participants, adding a social dimension to the adventure.

Public Response and Interest

 Since announcing the Bus to London journey, Adventures Overland has received an overwhelming response. A staggering 40,000 people have registered their interest, surpassing the company’s initial expectations. Agarwal expressed surprise at the magnitude of the response, indicating a strong appetite for this type of travel experience.

Interest in the journey has come from around the world, demonstrating its global appeal. People from various countries and cultures have shown enthusiasm for this overland adventure, suggesting a universal desire for immersive, cross-continental travel experiences.

Such widespread interest highlights a shift in travel preferences. Many seem drawn to slow travel, valuing the journey as much as the destination. It also indicates a growing desire for experiences that offer a more comprehensive worldview, allowing travelers to witness the gradual changes in landscapes, cultures, and ways of life across multiple countries.

The high number of registrations poses both opportunities and challenges for Adventures Overland. While it validates their concept, it also creates pressure to meet the expectations of a diverse and enthusiastic group of potential travelers. How the company manages this interest and scales its operations will be crucial for the success of future Bus to London journeys.

A 70-Day Bus Odyssey Across Continents

Bus to London represents a bold reimagining of long-distance travel, blending the romance of overland journeys with modern comforts. It allows travelers to experience the gradual shifts in landscapes, cultures, and people across two continents, fostering a deeper understanding of our interconnected world.

For those seeking an alternative to rapid air travel, this journey provides a slower, more immersive way to traverse the globe. It allows passengers to form lasting connections with fellow travelers and the places they visit, creating memories far beyond typical vacation experiences.

As global interest in this venture grows, it may shift how people view travel. Moving away from quick, destination-focused trips, many now value the journey, embracing the transformative power of slow, intentional movement across borders.