The longest buses in the world: giants on wheels and their technical secrets

When it comes to passenger transport, the length of the bus becomes a critical parameter that determines its capacity, maneuverability and even economic efficiency. The longest buses in the world - these are not just vehicles, but real engineering masterpieces, capable of carrying up to 300 passengers in one trip. Their creation was made possible thanks to innovations in the field of articulated structures, control systems and body materials.

In this article we will analyze not only the rating of the longest models for 2026, but also technical nuances, which make them unique: from multi-link joints to dynamic stabilization systems. We will pay special attention to issues operation in Russia — what restrictions the legislation imposes on the dimensions of buses, and how operators circumvent these restrictions by legal means. If you are planning to purchase such transport for city routes or tourist transportation, here you will find answers to key questions about selection and maintenance.

Top 10 longest buses in the world: 2026 ranking

Leaders in length among buses usually exceed standard 12-meter models by 2–3 times. They are created for megacities with high passenger traffic, where it is necessary to transport thousands of people per hour. Here is the current ranking for 2026:

1. Autotram Extra Grand (Poland) - 30.7 meters, 5 sections, capacity up to 250 passengers.
2. Van Hool ExquiCity 24 (Belgium) - 24.5 meters, trolleybus version with hybrid drive.
3. Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated (Sweden) - 24 meters, fully electric, with an autonomous range of up to 200 km.
4. Mercedes-Benz CapaCity L (Germany) - 19.5 meters, but with a record width of 2.55 m to increase capacity.
5. Hess Light Tram 19 (Switzerland) - 19.2 meters, an articulated hybrid with an energy recovery system.
6. Scania Citywide LF (Sweden) - 18.7 meters, adapted for northern climatic conditions.
7. Solaris Urbino 24 (Poland) - 24 meters, one of the most popular in Europe due to its modular design.
8. BYD K12A (China) - 25 meters, an electric bus with a 500 kWh battery.
9. Irizar ie.tram (Spain) - 18 meters, but with a unique system air suspension for comfort.
10. MAN Lion’s City 19C (Germany) - 19.2 meters, diesel-electric hybrid.

The only bus in the world more than 30 meters long - Autotram Extra Grand — was created specifically for Warsaw and was certified by the EU as a “tram on tires.” Its uniqueness is that it combines the flexibility of a bus with the capacity of a tram, without requiring rails.

Design features: how to achieve record lengths

The main secret of long buses is articulated design. Unlike rigid bodies, articulated models consist of several sections connected by flexible “accordions” and hinge mechanisms. This allows you to:

• 🔄 Increase length without loss of controllability (due to the rotating sections).
• 🚪 Optimize passenger flow — doors are located in each section for quick boarding/disembarking.
• ⚡ Distribute the load evenly along the axes, reducing wear on the road surface.
• 🔧 Simplify repairs — sections can be dismantled separately.

Key technologies used in long buses:

Technology	Application	Model example
Electric drive on all axes	Increased traction and maneuverability	BYD K12A, Volvo 7900 Electric
Dynamic stabilization system	Preventing rollovers when cornering	Mercedes-Benz CapaCity
Composite body materials	Reduces weight while maintaining strength	Solaris Urbino 24
Electronically controlled air suspension	Automatic clearance adjustment	Irizar ie.tram

One of the main engineering solutions is all-axis control system (in buses over 20 meters long there may be 3–4). For example, in Autotram Extra Grand the rear axle turns synchronously with the front, but in the opposite direction, which reduces the turning radius to 21 meters - like a regular 12-meter bus!

Restrictions on the length of buses in Russia and the world

In Russia there are strict standards for the dimensions of vehicles, prescribed in Appendix No. 3 to the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union 018/2011. According to him:

• 📏 Maximum bus length - 13.5 meters (for articulated ones - 18.75 m).
• 🚫 Exceptions possible only for special routes in agreement with the traffic police.
• ⚖️ Fines for exceeding dimensions - up to RUB 500,000 for legal entities.

For comparison, in EU countries buses up to 24 meters (directive EU 2015/719), and in some cities (for example, Hamburg, Berlin) 30-meter models are operated under special permits. In China and the USA, the restrictions are even softer - there are buses up to 25 meters on intercity routes.

⚠️ Attention: In Russia, to operate a bus longer than 18.75 m, not only a traffic police permit is required, but also special certification vehicle as "unique". The process can take up to 6 months and includes testing at the NAMI test site.

Bypassing restrictions is possible in two ways:

1. Decorating the bus as a “tram on tires” (as is the case with Autotram Extra Grand in Poland). In Russia, such a status is not provided, but a similar mechanism can be implemented through changing the classification of the vehicle.
2. Use of bus trains - when two buses are connected by a flexible coupling (practised in Switzerland and Germany). In the Russian Federation this is prohibited by traffic rules.

Pros and cons of operating extra-long buses

The benefits of long buses are obvious to carriers, but there are also hidden risks. Let's look at them in detail:

Benefits	Disadvantages
✅ Capacity up to 300 passengers (saving on the number of drivers and fuel).	❌ Limited routes — not all roads and stops are designed for 25-meter buses.
✅ Reducing traffic jams — one bus replaces 50–60 cars.	❌ High maintenance costs (for example, replacing tires costs 2–3 times more).
✅ Environmental friendliness (electric buses reduce CO₂ emissions by 30–40% compared to diesel buses).	❌ Difficulty parking and washing — specialized depots are required.
✅ Comfort — smooth running due to the multi-link design.	❌ Increased wear of brake systems due to the large mass.

One of the main hidden disadvantages — psychological factor. Passengers are often wary of riding long buses for fear of capsizing or getting stuck in traffic. For example, in Moscow there is an attempt to introduce 24-meter Solaris Urbino 24 on route No. 75 in 2022 led to complaints of “inconvenience” - despite the fact that the bus technically complied with all standards.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a long bus for Russia, check availability of a certificate of conformity TR CU 018/2011. Even if the model is certified in the EU, a separate confirmation is required for the Russian Federation - otherwise the bus will not receive a title and will not be allowed to operate.

How 30-meter buses are driven: driver assistance systems

Driving a bus the length of a 10-story building is not an easy task. For this we use:

• 🎛️ Electronic stabilization systems (ESP), which automatically adjust braking on each axle.
• 👁️ Surround cameras with image display on the dashboard (for example, a system Mobileye in Volvo 7900).
• 📡 Radars and lidars to control “blind spots” (especially important when changing lanes).
• 🔄 Parking assistance systems, which calculate the trajectory taking into account the dimensions.

Interesting fact: in Autotram Extra Grand system installed Predictive Cruise Control, which analyzes the road terrain 1 km ahead and optimizes energy consumption. Thanks to this, the bus consumes 15% less electricity than analogues without such a system.

Training drivers to operate extra-long buses takes up to 3 months and includes:

1. Simulators that simulate emergency situations (for example, sudden braking on a wet road).
2. Practice on closed training grounds with imitation of narrow streets.
3. Studying the specifics multi-link brake system.

How is the Long Bus Driver Test?

The exam includes three stages: testing for knowledge of the design (30 questions), practice at the training ground (turning around in a limited space) and a city route with passengers. Mistakes at any stage lead to a retake in a month.

Economics of operation: how much does it cost to maintain a giant bus?

The cost of owning a long bus consists of several factors. Let's look at an example Solaris Urbino 24 electric (24 m, electric):

Expense item	Cost (per year, ₽)	Notes
Bus cost	45,000,000 (one-time)	Price of the new model with a 500 kWh battery.
Electricity	1 200 000	With a mileage of 60,000 km/year and a tariff of 5 ₽/kWh.
Maintenance	3 500 000	Includes changing tires (every 80,000 km), brake pads, and oils.
Driver salary	1 800 000	Taking into account increased qualification requirements.
Insurance (CASCO + OSAGO)	2 000 000	The fare is 30–40% higher due to the high cost of the bus.

For comparison: maintaining a standard 12-meter diesel bus costs 8–10 million ₽/year. Thus, savings on fuel and drivers (one bus replaces two standard ones) offsets higher maintenance costs.

The payback period for a long electric bus in Russia is 7–9 years, which is 2–3 years longer than in Europe. This is due to:

• High interest rates on loans (12–15% versus 3–5% in the EU).
• The absence of government subsidies for the purchase of environmentally friendly vehicles (unlike Germany or France).
• High cost of spare parts (imported components are subject to duties).

Prospects for long buses in Russia: what awaits the industry

In Russia, pilot projects to introduce long buses have been launched in only three cities:

• 📍 Moscow - tested Solaris Urbino 24 on route No. 75 (2022).
• 📍 St. Petersburg — purchase is being considered Van Hool ExquiCity for resort routes.
• 📍 Kazan — it is planned to launch 18-meter MAZ-206 on suburban lines.

Main barriers to distribution:

1. Infrastructure limitations — 70% of stops in Russia are not designed for buses longer than 12 m.
2. No benefits — unlike Europe, where subsidies of up to 40% are given for the purchase of electric buses, in the Russian Federation the support is minimal.
3. Conservatism of carriers — many companies are not willing to take risks by purchasing non-standard equipment.

However, experts predict an increase in demand for long buses by 2027–2030when:

• The regulatory framework will be updated (the length limit may be increased to 20 m).
• Domestic analogues will appear (for example, LiAZ-6292 with articulated version).
• Passenger traffic in megacities will increase (according to Ministry of Transport forecasts, by 15–20%).

Some regions are already working on concept of BRT systems (Bus Rapid Transit) with dedicated lanes for long buses. The pilot project can be implemented in New Moscow by 2026.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about long buses

🚍 Is it possible to legally operate a 25-meter bus in Russia?

No, the maximum permitted length is 18.75 m (for articulated ones). For longer models, a change in legislation or registration of the bus as “special equipment” with an individual permit from the traffic police is required. In practice this is almost impossible.

⚡ How much does the longest bus in the world cost (Autotram Extra Grand)?

The price of the new model is approx. 8–10 million euros (≈700–900 million ₽). The cost depends on the configuration: for example, the version with autonomous running (without overhead contact line) is 20% more expensive.

🔋 What is the range of electric long buses?

Modern models (for example, BYD K12A or Volvo 7900 Electric) have a power reserve 180–250 km on one charge. For comparison: a diesel bus of the same length travels 800–1000 km on a full tank, but costs more to operate.

🛠️ What breakdowns most often occur in articulated buses?

The most vulnerable nodes:

1. Joints ("accordions") — wear of seals and hinges (requires replacement every 100,000 km).
2. Brake system — uneven wear of the pads due to different loads on the axles.
3. Electronics — failures in the axle control system (especially in cold weather).

The average downtime for repairs is 15 days a year (versus 7 days for regular buses).

📈 Is it profitable to buy a long bus for commercial transportation?

Beneficial if:

• The route has passenger traffic from 20,000 people per day.
• It is possible to get government subsidies (for example, within the framework of the Clean Air program).
• The city's infrastructure allows the operation of buses 18+ m long.

In other cases, it is better to consider alternatives - for example, bus trains (two 12-meter buses with flexible coupling).