Birmingham No. 11 Bus Celebrates 100 Years

Birmingham's No. 11 bus route, Europe's longest urban service, turns 100 in 2026

Birmingham No. 11 Bus Marks 100 Years

Birmingham's No. 11 bus route, Europe's longest urban bus service, celebrates its 100th anniversary April 26, 2026. The Birmingham Outer Circle covers a 27-mile loop around the city's outer suburbs, serving approximately 36,000 bus journeys daily. The route connects neighborhoods that were traditionally only linked through the city center, making it essential infrastructure for residents across Birmingham's diverse communities.

From Two Routes to One Iconic Service

The No. 11 began as two separate routes in 1923 before being combined into one comprehensive circular service. Over the past century, the route has become deeply embedded in Birmingham's culture, inspiring songs by local band Woodbine and featuring in author Jonathan Coe's bestselling novel. The service's longevity reflects its importance to the city's public transport network, connecting areas from Acocks Green to Selly Oak that would otherwise require transfers through the congested city center.

Serving 260 Stops Across Birmingham

The route serves over 260 bus stops throughout its 27-mile journey, connecting 233 educational institutions, 40 pubs, 19 retail centers, and six hospitals. Passengers pass notable landmarks including Cadbury World and Villa Park stadium during the complete loop. However, since July 2021, riders can no longer complete the entire circle on one bus due to roadworks and congestion, with services now terminating at different points along the route.

Centennial Celebrations Planned

Transport Museum Wythall is hosting special celebrations for the route's 100th anniversary, including an Outer Circle Exhibition and heritage bus trips during the late May bank holiday weekend. The museum's events will showcase the route's history and its evolution over the past century. Officials haven't announced whether additional celebrations will take place on the actual anniversary date of April 26, 2026.

Essential Link for Birmingham Riders

The No. 11 remains a vital connection for Birmingham residents despite recent service modifications. The route's cultural significance and practical importance continue to make it one of the city's most recognized transit services. Riders can track real-time bus locations and plan trips on the Outer Circle using Moovit's transit app, which provides live updates for Birmingham's entire bus network.