Why do we say 'on a bus' but 'in a car'?

[Tan Elaine]

Why do we say 'on a bus' but 'in a car'? 'On a bus' gives me a picture of being on top of a bus.

Thanks.

 

[renard]

For prepositions of transportation, we use "in" for cars and "on" for the others. The car is the exception and "on" is the general rule. You can also use "by" for all methods (and eliminate the article - travel by car/by bus).

 

[SoothingDave]

Why do we say 'on a bus' but 'in a car'? 'On a bus' gives me a picture of being on top of a bus.

Thanks.

Some things just are.

 

[konungursvia]

The original omnibus had no roof, whereas the first cars did. Also, we tend to use "on" when the original vehicle was large, or tall, and one had to "mount" or "get up onto" the thing.