KMB was founded on 13 April 1933 as a result of the reformation of public transport by the Hong Kong Government.

All passengers would board from the front door and pay the fare by putting money into the collection box next to the driver.

[7] On 1 June 1997, KMB formed a subsidiary, Long Win Bus, to provide service on the Lantau Link to the new Hong Kong International Airport and Tung Chung.

[8][9] In 1998, KMB extended its business into mainland China with a co-operative joint venture, Dalian Hong Kong Macau Company.

To enable elderly people and eligible persons with disabilities to travel on the general Mass Transit Railway (MTR) lines, franchised buses and ferries are charged concessionary fare of $2 per trip, starting from 2012.

The scheme aims to help build a caring and inclusive society by encouraging these groups to participate more in community activities.

Fares are fixed at HK$780, and are not applicable to MTR Feeder Bus services operated by KMB.

Passes can be purchased using an Octopus card at machines installed at major public transport interchanges and bus terminals.

[2] KMB traditionally purchased buses from English manufacturers including AEC, Daimler, Dennis, Guy Motors, Leyland, Metro Cammell Weymann and Seddon, that either were bodied in England or locally.

[25] Some of the newer third-generation buses have solar photovoltaic panels installed on the roof which reduces fuel use by 5-8% which would otherwise be used for the air conditioner.

[31][32] KMB expects to have 500 battery electric buses by the end of 2025, which will account for an eighth of the total bus fleet.

The team attained its peak in the 1950s and 1960s when the "South China - Kowloon Motor Bus Co. crash" (南巴大戰) was one of the highlighted rival matches in Hong Kong.