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About The Bus

The Bus is a single player and multiplayer open world racing game with economy and kids themes. It was developed by TML-Studios and was released on March 25, 2021. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

The Bus is the next generation of city bus driving simulation. Sell tickets and transport passengers with various buses on different lines across the German capital Berlin on a realistic scale of 1:1.

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Games Like The Bus

Looking for games like The Bus? Here are top open world racing recommendations with a economy and kids focus, selected from player-similarity data — start with Fernbus Simulator, Bus Simulator 18 or Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop.

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Reviews

67%Audience ScoreBased on 1,846 reviews
graphics216 positive mentions
optimization106 negative mentions

  • Highly realistic and immersive bus driving simulator set in an accurate 1:1 scale Berlin map with outstanding graphics.
  • Extensive modding support with potential for more buses, maps, and community-made content.
  • Detailed buses with interactive controls, dynamic weather, and real-time day/night cycles, making driving enjoyable and relaxing.
  • Poor performance and optimization issues causing frequent crashes, lag, and stuttering even on high-end PCs.
  • Underdeveloped AI traffic and passengers with unrealistic behavior disrupting immersion.
  • Game still feels incomplete after years in early access, lacking features such as career mode, multiplayer, and realistic physics and sounds.
  • graphics

    438 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    49% positive mentions, 46% neutral mentions, 5% negative mentions

    The game boasts stunning, highly detailed graphics with impressive realism, especially notable weather effects like rain and 4K visuals, powered by Unreal Engine 5. However, many users report significant optimization issues causing poor performance and lag even on mid-to-high-end PCs, alongside occasional graphical glitches and bugs that affect immersion. While the visuals surpass older sims like OMSI 2, the demanding hardware requirements and inconsistent performance limit the overall enjoyment for many players.

    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning, with very high detail!”
    • “The bus offers a visually impressive experience, with highly detailed graphics that really stand out.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, and the gameplay is smooth and immersive.”
    • “You are greeted by a menu where 90% of the options are 'not yet available' (game's been out for 4 years btw), the visuals look like a blurry mess with most of anti-aliasing options (the only one that looks decent dropped my RTX 4080's FPS to 50), the dashboard constantly looks smeared and unreadable due to abysmal post-processing implementation, the world is twitching and bugging out non-stop.”
    • “Look, I don't know, it's supposed to be a fully released game and well I see a lot of bugs, a lot of things missing that should be there. It feels like there are way too few things and yeah, I mean it's a bus simulator, what do you expect? But I mean come on, you go around seeing the same faces everywhere on people, buses stopping at stops and not moving making you late for no reason, traffic bugging in traffic lights and everyone standing there looking at each other, nobody and I mean nobody gives priority to the bus, cars and trucks move like Formula 1 the moment the light goes on, NPCs stuck in weird places or shoes going into the floor of the bus. Up until 2 days ago there was rain falling inside the cabin, lighting also feels off, there's a bug also with the steering wheel that makes it feel completely flimsy and then you alt-tab and back again so it feels okay again (G29 Logitech). Then there's lagging here and there and like problematic graphics on buildings like one of them being a mirror until I got close, then those stupid random images on windows of restaurants or whatever like I'm playing a game from 2008. I don't know, I expected better for this money and also thought this game was fully released but it feels like an open beta honestly.”
    • “Bugs everywhere, graphics straight from 2005, zero optimization, and the bus drives like it’s stuck on invisible train tracks.”
  • optimization

    365 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    13% positive mentions, 58% neutral mentions, 29% negative mentions

    Optimization remains the biggest criticism for the game, with many users reporting severe performance issues including frequent stuttering, FPS drops, and lag even on high-end PCs. Although some improvements were noted post-release and with DLSS support, overall optimization is still poor, causing frustration and detracting significantly from the experience. The game demands very powerful hardware to run smoothly, and despite ongoing patches, optimization problems and crashes persist, making it feel unfinished to many players.

    • “But when the game was released and left early access, the optimization unexpectedly improved, and magically, all the lag, freezing, and stuttering problems were solved. I recommend it, it's a great game.”
    • “Performance has steadily improved with updates, and the developer’s commitment to polishing and expanding the experience is clear.”
    • “After the 3.1 update which added DLSS, the game runs smoothly on the highest settings at 60 fps on my 3070 Ti card!”
    • “This is the worst optimized game I have ever played. Despite being in early access, RTX 3060 12GB, 16GB RAM, and i5 12th gen can't run this game without constant stuttering and lag. Even on mid settings it's not enjoyable.”
    • “All the past updates stated 'performance improvements' or 'performance optimizations', yet the game performs horribly with frequent stutters and frame drops, making it frustrating to play.”
    • “Performance is extremely bad. The game is unplayable for me due to poor optimization, causing random freezes and stuttering even on high-end hardware like RTX 4080, 4090, 5080, and 5090.”
  • gameplay

    167 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    16% positive mentions, 79% neutral mentions, 5% negative mentions

    Gameplay offers a realistic and immersive bus driving simulation with detailed mechanics and beautiful environments, but it is currently limited in content and depth, with many bugs, optimization issues, and a lack of core features like career mode. While modding extends its appeal, repetitive routes and technical problems can detract from the experience, making it feel unfinished and frustrating for some players despite its potential. Overall, the gameplay is promising but still feels like an early access product requiring further development.

    • “The career mode has a pretty in depth economy, as well as bus ownership and maintenance mechanics.”
    • “Driving mechanics are thoughtfully designed, leaning heavily into realism without becoming inaccessible.”
    • “Its blend of beautifully rendered urban environments, detailed bus mechanics, and the relaxing rhythm of city driving makes it a standout choice for simulation fans and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the life of a bus driver.”
    • “In this state, the game offers only a few hours of gameplay and after that it becomes hard to play because you'll be more and more bothered about the physics and the sounds.”
    • “The performance issues are still present, the gameplay feel is off in ways that are hard to ignore for a bus simulator, and it simply doesn't justify its price tag when far more refined alternatives exist.”
    • “Awful gameplay – the buses feel consistently light with no weight. Gameplay stutters no matter what graphics setting you're using, I have to set up my G29 every time I wish to play and the game crashes midway during your journey.”
  • stability

    83 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    4% positive mentions, 1% neutral mentions, 95% negative mentions

    The game's stability is widely criticized due to frequent bugs, glitches, freezes, and poor optimization, even on high-end PCs. While the early access status explains some issues, many users find performance drops and crashes detract significantly from the experience. However, the game shows potential and ongoing updates may improve stability in the future.

    • “Almost no glitches and runs pretty smoothly.”
    • “Still in beta but runs great.”
    • “But with a new, powerful PC it runs great.”
    • “I say this based on 1 main reason, the game's a buggy mess like almost Cyberpunk level, not quite but not far off.”
    • “Frame drops every 2 seconds, freezes constantly, and after 45 minutes it crashed (tried all settings on a high-range gaming laptop).”
    • “It froze so badly that I thought the game had crashed with an error behind the game window, but it turned out the game did not crash; it was just so badly optimized that it freezes with a frozen picture and stays like that for 5-10 minutes before responding again.”
  • story

    62 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    5% positive mentions, 61% neutral mentions, 34% negative mentions

    The game currently lacks a story or narrative progression, with most players noting the absence of missions or a career mode. As an early access title, it focuses primarily on gameplay elements like driving and exploration, with hopes expressed for a story to be added in future updates.

    • “It is easy for a route to take 2 or 3 hours if you pick multiple runs in one mission!”
    • “It's really nice game I thought there were missions but I forgot that it's early access. This game does have future if the developers will do a good job with it and I hope they will because I love driving buses and I'm telling you this one is realistic AF. I like it and I hope by the time it will be out there will be quests and everything. Good job!”
    • “We still can't access the garage and we can't start the story because there are still many missing... yes I know it's early access!”
    • “This game never ends, there are no story and therefore no end.”
    • “Ok so here it is this is early access the game has nothing free mode and one bus so if like me you are expecting to do some career mode or story mode with progress and unlocking new buses, then forget it.”
    • “It's like getting GTA 5 with no story mode, no missions, one character unlocked with one weapon, very boring very quick.. wait for the full game because this is early early early early access..”
  • grinding

    22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    14% positive mentions, 68% neutral mentions, 18% negative mentions

    Grinding in the game is described as excessively slow and tedious, particularly in economy mode where business building becomes a repetitive grind. Players feel the progression is frustratingly drawn out, to the point where it feels like a "second life" is needed to endure the grind.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
  • atmosphere

    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    50% positive mentions, 29% neutral mentions, 21% negative mentions

    The game excels in creating an authentic and immersive atmosphere, capturing the essence of Berlin with detailed visuals, dynamic weather, and realistic sound design that enhances the bus driving experience. The bustling city environment, complete with traffic noise and pedestrian activity, adds to the immersive feel, though some players note room for improvement in liveliness and stability. Overall, the atmosphere is praised for its realism and potential, making the gameplay engaging and believable.

    • “The absolute atmosphere, it truly feels like being in Berlin, operating as a bus driver.”
    • “Dynamic weather is excellent too and really adds to a great atmosphere.”
    • “The city's atmosphere is amazing, with a lot of traffic noise and narrow streets, heavy traffic and parked cars, reckless drivers and pedestrians.”
    • “I do hope people will start to speak, and that the city will get a bit of an atmosphere as I felt that was dead in the previous games (Fernbus/TBS).”
    • “They’re a bit too cautious right now, like they’re still learning the route, but it’s still a great sign of progress and adds some much-needed atmosphere.”
    • “The difference of atmosphere from the relaxing Fernbus simulator to the hectic The Bus is great.”
  • humor

    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The humor in the game largely stems from its quirky and unpredictable AI behavior, such as erratic traffic and funny vehicle interactions, which players find amusing despite some frustrations. While some glitches and character animations feel unintentionally funny, these moments add to the game's early-access charm and lighthearted appeal.

    • “I was driving around like crazy laughing.”
    • “Sometimes the AI of other cars and buses lacks intelligence, but that's actually pretty funny lol.”
    • “Don't usually do reviews but reading how many people complain knowing this is early access is too funny.”
  • monetization

    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 100% negative mentions

    The monetization of this game is widely criticized as an aggressive cash grab, with players frustrated by expensive add-ons and unfinished content being sold prematurely. Many feel the developers are prioritizing profit over delivering a polished product, with concerns about ongoing paid DLC despite the base game’s incomplete state.

    • “Don't buy this 'simulator', it is nothing more than a cash grab with great promises that are not being delivered on.”
    • “I only played under an hour and am getting a refund; I will never play this heap of bung again. What a waste of 30 pounds for a game like this, what a cash grab.”
    • “And on top of all this, they're already advertising an upcoming DLC for their base game which they haven’t even finished yet.”
  • music

    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    50% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 50% negative mentions

    The music in the game is well-received, especially the in-game radio stations that enhance the driving experience in busy city routes. Users appreciate the concept and atmosphere created by the soundtrack, though some wish for the option to add their own music to the radio. Overall, the music complements the gameplay without being overwhelming.

    • “This is highly recommended if you want to put on some music while driving and follow a route through a busy city.”
    • “I love the concept of the game, especially the music with their radio stations, and I love the economy mode which helps your bus company grow.”
    • “I fire up my Bluetooth speaker and listen to music as I do my route.”
    • “The game is good, but using the steering wheel is a bit buggy and I want them to add an option to add your own music to the radio.”
    • “There is no loud music or other interactions with customers. The experience is very bare bones: just drive the bus and dish out tickets.”
    • “"Doom" music starts playing, which can be out of place for the game atmosphere.”
  • replayability

    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    75% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 25% negative mentions

    Users note that recent updates have significantly improved the game's playability by reducing stuttering and optimizing performance, enhancing replayability. However, many feel there is still untapped potential and more content is needed to fully realize its replay value. Overall, it is more playable now than some comparable simulators even in beta.

    • “It would be great if they really make the game more playable as a whole, because the game has a lot of potential.”
    • “It is now a lot more playable.”
    • “Even in its beta stage, this game is much more playable than some bus simulators out there.”
  • emotional

    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    Players express strong emotional investment in the game's detailed simulation of Berlin's public transport, appreciating the realistic physics. However, some frustrations arise from occasional unrealistic bus movements, especially when navigating sharp turns that challenge authenticity.

    • “It has now been 157.1 hours and I am emotionally invested in Berlin’s public transport system.”
    • “Touching a curb will make the bus jump around for 30 seconds, giving the overall feeling that the bus isn't heavy.”
    • “Physics works well, though I have encountered unrealistic movement and bouncing when lightly touching curbs.”
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Play Times

34h Median play time
110h Average play time
9-233h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 10 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Bus is a open world racing game with economy and kids themes. Common tags for The Bus include first-person, driving, realistic, exploration, relaxing and others.

The Bus is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, Windows and others.

On average players spend around 110 hours playing The Bus.

The Bus was released on March 25, 2021.

The Bus was developed by TML-Studios.

The Bus has received mostly positive reviews from players. Most players liked The Bus for its graphics but disliked it for its optimization.

The Bus is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Fernbus Simulator, Bus Simulator 18, Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop, CityDriver, Tourist Bus Simulator and others.