The Ultimate Guide To LEGO Double-Decker Buses: Why The 2024 Sightseeing Set Is A Must-Have

The charm and architectural ingenuity of a double-decker bus have long made it a favorite subject for LEGO designers and builders worldwide. As of December 2025, the focus has shifted to the accessible and fun-filled LEGO City Red Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus, a fresh 2024 release that brings the iconic two-story vehicle to a new generation of brick enthusiasts. This deep dive will explore the newest sets, revisit the legendary retired models, and analyze why these towering transport titans remain a cornerstone of any serious LEGO vehicle collection, from the casual fan to the dedicated Master Builder.

Whether you are hunting for the perfect addition to your sprawling LEGO City layout or searching for a challenging, display-worthy model, the world of LEGO double-decker buses offers an impressive range of detail and scale. From the vibrant red of a classic London Routemaster to the modern open-top tourist coach, these sets capture the essence of urban travel and offer a fantastic building experience that is both nostalgic and technically engaging.

The Latest Ride: LEGO City Red Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus (Set 60407)

The most current official LEGO double-decker offering, the LEGO City Red Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus (Set 60407), hit shelves in mid-2024, immediately becoming a popular choice for its playability and modern design. This set is a perfect entry point for younger builders and those looking to populate their LEGO City with a contemporary vehicle. Released under the LEGO City theme, it focuses on the fun of a tourist experience rather than the deep complexity of a Creator Expert model.

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• Set Number: 60407
• Theme: LEGO City
• Release Year: 2024
• Piece Count: 384 pieces
• Minifigures: 5 (including a driver, passengers, and a woman with a baby in a stroller)
• Key Features: Open-top second deck, accessible interior, and a focus on a tourist sightseeing experience.
• Intended Audience: Ages 7+

The 60407 set is a departure from the classic London aesthetic, presenting a generic, bright red sightseeing bus that could fit into any major metropolitan LEGO City. Its open-air top deck is a fantastic play feature, allowing minifigures to enjoy the view, while the inclusion of a stroller and other passenger details adds a layer of realism and storytelling to the model. The build is straightforward but satisfying, providing a sturdy final product that is ready for play.

Why the 60407 Set is Essential for 2024 Builders

For builders who prioritize current availability and seamless integration into a City layout, the 60407 is unmatched. It’s a standard 6-stud-wide vehicle, which fits perfectly on LEGO City roads, unlike the much larger and more detailed Creator Expert version. The set’s price point also makes it an affordable way to own a modern double-decker bus, an iconic vehicle that adds immediate visual interest and a sense of bustling activity to any urban scene. The pieces are also excellent for MOC (My Own Creation) builders looking for red slopes and curved elements for their own custom bus designs.

The Legend: LEGO Creator Expert London Bus (Set 10258)

No discussion of LEGO double-decker buses is complete without revering the LEGO Creator Expert London Bus (Set 10258). This highly detailed, large-scale model is an homage to the classic, iconic London Routemaster bus, a symbol of British engineering and design. Although officially retired from production in December 2021, its legacy and secondary market value continue to soar, making it a coveted piece for serious collectors.

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• Set Number: 10258
• Theme: LEGO Creator Expert (now LEGO Icons)
• Release Year: 2017
• Retirement Date: December 2021
• Piece Count: 1,686 pieces
• Scale: Large-scale, non-minifigure scale (closer to 1:12)
• Key Features: Opening hood with engine detail, detailed driver's cabin, removable roof and upper deck for interior access, and a classic open rear boarding platform.

The 10258 model is a masterpiece of brick design, utilizing advanced building techniques to capture the unique curves and angles of the Routemaster. The model features reversible transit advertising posters—a clever detail that allows builders to choose between a 1950s-era or a modern-day London promotion. The interior is fully furnished with seating, a forgotten umbrella, a ticket bin, and even a half-eaten lollipop, showcasing the level of detail expected from the Creator Expert line.

The Collector’s Dilemma: Hunting for a Retired Icon

Since its retirement, the price of a new, sealed LEGO 10258 London Bus has significantly increased, with estimates for a new set now averaging around $150 or more on the secondary market. For those who missed the initial release, acquiring this set is a testament to their dedication as a collector. The size, piece count, and historical accuracy establish it as the definitive LEGO representation of the classic double-decker bus. It is a display piece first and foremost, designed to sit alongside other large-scale vehicle models in the LEGO Icons collection.

Topical Authority: The Double-Decker Bus in the LEGO Ecosystem

The history of the double-decker bus in LEGO extends far beyond just these two flagship sets. It is a recurring vehicle type that appears across multiple themes and scales, solidifying its status as an essential entity in the LEGO universe. This consistent presence demonstrates the vehicle's universal appeal and its importance in creating a realistic urban landscape.

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The Role of MOCs (My Own Creations)

The LEGO fan community, or AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO), constantly innovates with the double-decker bus concept. The release of the 2024 Sightseeing Bus (60407) has sparked a new wave of MOCs, as builders use the new parts and structure to create custom versions. Popular MOC trends include:

• British Road Adaptations: Modifying the 60407 to feature right-hand drive and closed rear doors to better resemble a local UK service bus.
• Micro-Scale Buses: Creating highly detailed, yet tiny, versions of double-deckers, which is a significant technical challenge due to the piece limitations.
• Articulated Buses: Combining the double-decker structure with articulated sections for a longer, more modern public transport vehicle.

These MOCs highlight the versatility of the core "double-decker" design, allowing builders to explore different eras, countries, and functions—from transit buses to mobile libraries or even food trucks. The double-decker bus is not just a set; it's a building platform for endless creative possibilities.

Choosing Your Double-Decker: City vs. Collector

When deciding which LEGO double-decker is right for you, the choice boils down to your primary intention:

If you are a City Builder/Player, the LEGO City 60407 is the clear winner. It's affordable, readily available, includes minifigures, and is scaled perfectly for play and integration into a larger city scene. It represents the modern, accessible face of the double-decker.

If you are a Collector/Display Enthusiast, the Retired LEGO Creator Expert 10258 is the ultimate prize. Its massive piece count, intricate detail, and status as a retired London icon make it a magnificent display piece and a valuable investment. It represents the iconic, historical face of the double-decker.

Ultimately, the LEGO double-decker bus, in all its forms—the 2024 Sightseeing Bus, the classic Routemaster, or a fan-built MOC—continues to be a fascinating subject that bridges history, travel, and the boundless creativity of the brick.