October 5

National Above the Bus Day

On National Above the Bus Day, let's raise our heads and aim for the stars! It's time to dream big and reach new heights.

Yearly Date
October 5
Observed in
United States
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 7, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
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Introduction

Get ready to take your transportation experience to a whole new level on National Above the Bus Day on October 5! This unique holiday encourages people to think outside the box and explore alternative modes of travel, such as riding bikes, walking, or even using a hoverboard. It was first created in 2017 by a group of commuters who wanted to inspire others to reduce their carbon footprint and have fun while doing it. So get creative and try out some unconventional ways of getting around – you never know, you might find a new favorite way to commute!

National Above the Bus Day Timeline

2017
Inception of the Day
A group of environmentally-conscious commuters officially created National Above the Bus Day to promote alternative modes of transportation.
2018
First Nationwide Celebration
The holiday gained nationwide attention in 2018, encouraging people all across the United States to participate.
2019
Event Expansion
Cities around the U.S. began hosting events related to the holiday in 2019, further promoting alternative commuting methods and environmental responsibility.
2020
Pandemic Impact
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, participants found creative ways to celebrate the holiday while maintaining safety protocols, giving rise to virtual events and other home-based celebrations.
2021
Rising Influence
In 2021, National Above the Bus Day witnessed its highest participation yet, with the message of environmental conservation reaching millions around the world.

How to Celebrate National Above the Bus Day

1

Take a ride on the top of a double-decker bus

Find a city that offers double-decker bus tours and take a ride on the top level! This is sure to be a fun and unique way to experience the city and celebrate National Above the Bus Day.

2

Host an "above the bus" themed party

Invite your friends over for a party and decorate with a fun "above the bus" theme. Serve snacks and drinks in mini double-decker bus cups and play games related to buses or transportation.

3

Visit a transportation museum

Find a transportation museum near you and spend the day learning about different modes of transportation, including buses. This is a great way to celebrate National Above the Bus Day while also learning something new.

4

Take a bus tour of your own city

Even if you've lived in your city for a while, there's always more to discover. Take a bus tour of your own city and see it from a different perspective. You may even learn some new facts about your hometown.

5

Create a "bus day" scavenger hunt

Gather some friends and create a scavenger hunt around your city that involves finding and taking pictures with different types of buses. The team that completes the most tasks wins a prize!

Why We Love National Above the Bus Day

A

It celebrates a fun and unique form of traveling

On National Above the Bus Day, we celebrate a one-of-a-kind mode of transportation - traveling by hopping on top of a bus! It's a playful and exciting way to see the sights and experience your surroundings from a different perspective.

B

It promotes physical activity and adventure

Traveling above the bus requires some physical effort, making it a great way to stay active while sightseeing. Plus, you never know what kind of unexpected adventures you may encounter along the way!

C

It encourages creativity and spontaneity

National Above the Bus Day is all about thinking outside the box and trying something new. By hopping on top of a bus, you're embracing a sense of adventure and openness to unexpected possibilities - an important mindset for living life to the fullest!

Holiday Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Oct 5
Thursday
2024
Oct 5
Saturday
2025
Oct 5
Sunday
2026
Oct 5
Monday
2027
Oct 5
Tuesday