Bus
- Players
- 3-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.0 / 5
- Year
- 1999
About the game
Bus is a classic Splotter Spellen route-building game where three to five players deliver passengers to their destinations by extending bus routes across a growing city. Players buy more buses, expand routes, bring new passengers in via trains, and build up the city itself, all while trying to spoil rivals' routes with well-placed buildings. A clever turn-order mechanism means the first player to choose certain actions is actually resolved last, creating tense games of chicken over expansion and building. It's a lean but brutally interactive network game beloved by heavy-euro enthusiasts.
Hobbli's Notes
Bus is a cult classic among heavy-euro fans for its spiteful, highly interactive network-building: the reverse turn-order twist on expansion and building actions creates real psychological tension every round. This is a niche, out-of-print-feeling title that we don't have extensive firsthand table time with, so treat our comparisons as informed but not definitive.
What we like
- Clever route-building puzzle with a distinctive reverse turn-order twist.
- High player interaction through direct blocking and spoiling of routes.
- Rewards deep strategic planning over multiple rounds.
- Considered a landmark design among heavy-euro enthusiasts.
Keep in mind
- Can feel mean-spirited or spiteful for players who dislike direct blocking.
- Long playtime paired with noticeable downtime between turns.
- Steep learning curve that can be unwelcoming for newcomers.
Who it's for
Best for experienced euro gamers 14+ who enjoy cutthroat network-building and don't mind a steep, spiteful learning curve, in groups of 3-5.
