Birmingham’s most iconic bus, the legendary No. 11, turns 100 years old this Sunday (April 26, 2026). Known as Europe’s longest bus route, the service covers a 27-mile (43 km) route that runs all the way around the outer circle of Birmingham—with up to 36,000 bus journeys made it on every day.
What started as two routes initially, in 1923, was later combined into one. Most bus routes at the time just went in and out of the city centre; the No. 11 linked the suburbs of Birmingham together. There were even guides to the ‘Outer Circle’ route, which encouraged people to “See Birmingham’s charming suburbs by bus”.
The Birmingham band Woodbine’s 1999 album features a track called ‘Outer Circle’ as a tribute to the No.11 bus route, while West Midlands author Jonathan Coe’s satirical bestseller ‘Number 11’ is also inspired by it. You can also buy a collection of short stories, written by Birmingham-based writers, called the ‘Outer Circle Project’.
“Bus is by far the most popular form of public transport here in the West Midlands, and our iconic 11 service has long been a Brummie favourite since it first started some 100 years ago,” said Adam Rideout, Head of Customer Experience and Marketing at NX Bus.
Where does the no 11 bus stop in Birmingham?
Serving over 260 bus stops, 233 schools, colleges and universities, 40 pubs, 19 retail centres, six hospitals, and one prison, a full circuit on the 11 service can take up to three hours to complete. It also has links to some 15 commercial centres, and passes Cadbury World in Bournville and the Villa Park football stadium.
Unfortunately, you can’t loop the entire city anymore on one bus. Since July 2021, 11A services have terminated at Perry Barr and then return as an 11C to Acocks Green, with 11C buses terminating at Erdington, returning as an 11A service to Acocks Green due to roadworks and congestion along the route.
But it still has the potential to take you anywhere from Acocks Green to Selly Oak, Yardley to Bearwood. To Dudley Road Hospital (or Birmingham City Hospital if you prefer) if you have an accident; to Sarehole Mill for a The Lord of the Rings-inspired walk; to Stirchley’s craft breweries; or to relax by Edgbaston Reservoir.
How can I celebrate 100 years of the 11?
Transport Museum Wythall is currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of Birmingham’s iconic 11 bus service with an Outer Circle Exhibition, but it will also hold special trips on different buses through the ages of the 11 route over the late May bank holiday weekend.
