The LAZ-697 Soviet Tourist Buses of the Lvov Bus Factory

Soviet LAZ-697 bus, manufactured by the Lvov Bus Factory, 1970

The LAZ-697 “Tourist” was a Soviet two-axle middle-class intercity coach produced in Lvov, Ukrainian SSR, from 1959 to 1985, designed for enhanced passenger comfort on long-distance and tourist routes.

The LAZ-697 was developed as a more comfortable variant of the LAZ-695 city bus series, using the same mechanical base but optimized for intercity travel and tourism. Initial prototypes were created in 1958 in collaboration with the NAMI Institute, featuring 33–34 soft adjustable seats, reclining backs, individual reading lights, ashtrays, luggage nets, and heating and ventilation systems including a humidifier. The design emphasized passenger comfort over urban capacity, with a rear-engine layout, semi-autonomous 4x2 chassis, and a single front passenger door for easy access.

It was produced at the Lvov Bus Factory (Ukrainian: Львівський автобусний завод, LAZ) based in Lvov, Ukrainian SSR, and established in 1945 soon after World War II. Originally, the factory focused on assembling and producing vehicles for public transportation to support the growing urban transport needs in the Soviet Union. Over time, it became one of the most significant bus manufacturers in Eastern Europe.

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Production History and Variants:

LAZ-697 (1959–1963): The original prototype and first serial buses were powered by a ZIL-158L 109 hp inline-six gasoline engine, carried 33 passengers plus a guide, and measured approximately 9.22 m long, 2.5 m wide, and 3.05 m tall. A sunroof and roof glazing provided ventilation and natural light.

LAZ-697E (1961–1969): Upgraded to a ZIL-130Ya2 V8 engine with 150 hp, boosting maximum speed to 87 km/h and improving ground clearance. Side moldings were removed and wheel arches rounded on later production

LAZ-697M (1969–1975): Introduced hydraulic power steering, a Hungarian Rába rear axle, larger side windows, and enhanced chassis clearance for rural routes. Roof glass panes and rear engine air intake pipe were removed, replaced with deflectors.

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LAZ-697N (1975–1978): Refined ventilation with roof intakes and updated front styling, initially with a rear entry door that reduced seating capacity, later removed in the LAZ-697R.. Export versions like LAZ-697NE and LAZ-695NT were adapted for different climates.

LAZ-697R (1978–1985): Final revision; removed rear entry door, added roof air conditioning, and featured rectangular indicators above driving lights. Production ceased in 1985, replaced by the larger LAZ-699 coach.

A LAZ-697R used as a transfer bus from the railway station to the port of Nakhodka, 1985

Overall, the LAZ-697 series produced an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 units, although exact figures remain approximate.

Technical Specifications

Engine: ZIL-158L I6 (109 hp) or ZIL-130Ya2 V8 (150 hp) depending on model

Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-engine configuration

Dimensions: Length ~9.19–9.22 m, width ~2.37–2.5 m, height ~2.95–3.05 m depending on variant.

Seating: 33 passengers plus guide; reclining, soft seats with individual lights and ashtrays

Suspension: Dependent springs with semi-elliptical leaf springs; hydraulic shock absorbers added in M variant.

Max Speed: 80–87 km/h depending on engine.

Fuel Consumption: Approximately 37 L/100 km with a 150 L tank.

Other Features: Air heater, humidifier, radio with microphone, underfloor luggage compartment (~3.5 m³), expanding ventilation systems including roof vents or sliding hatches in earlier versions.

The LAZ-697, designed primarily for touristic routes and intercity travel, offered a significant comfort improvement over urban LAZ-695 buses. It also gained cultural significance, appearing on a 1960 Soviet postage stamp and was even tested in air transport via the Mil Mi-10 helicopter in 1965.

Some restored units exist today in Ukrainian museums and private collections, though few original LAZ-697M examples survive.

The bus remains a symbol of Soviet-era engineering with a focus on passenger comfort and long-distance capability.

The Lvov Bus Factory itself played a vital role in the post-war rebuilding of public transportation infrastructure, supplying vehicles to cities across Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. During its peak, LAZ buses were exported internationally, including to countries in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

The factory also contributed to innovation in Soviet bus designs, experimenting with articulated buses, improved suspension systems, and comfortable interiors suitable for long-distance travel.

With the counterrevolution that led to the overthrow of the Soviet Union, LAZ faced challenges related to market competition, economic instability, and modernization. The factory continued limited production of buses for domestic and export markets until 2014 when all production ceased.