Hi Steve, cheers mate and credit where it’s due that seat 2A is well worth the extra few quid! Like Scott says, the secret’s out now 😂 👍 You didn’t miss much with the loo- very unexciting affair. Overall though, yeh decent enough. Berry’s coaches next weekend if you’ve ever heard of them - supposed to be one of the best 🤔
I'm from Mexico and I'm taking notes for my firt trip to Scotland the next year wich it's a dream for me, thank you so much, your guide help me so much
Mine was Nottingham to Heathrow our bus broke down at notts station we had to wait over an hour before a replacement arrived, but boy did that driver put his foot down on the motorway, got us there at the correct arrival time, I was so worried I’d miss my flight back to South Africa
£11 for that journey is very good value and worth the money. Tickets bought on the day with Nat Ex tend to me more expensive. I used to commute daily with them to London from Dorset. Nat Ex are pretty reliable on the whole. I can't say I'm a fan of their Portuguese Levante coach bodies nor their seats but at the end of the day you can't really beat their combination of value/reliability if ticket bought in advance.
Cheers for the comment Nicholas. Agree buying in advance is the best way. I normally try to do it at least a month before the journey for the best prices, can't go wrong then.
I featured the magic seat 2A back in May, and quite a few TH-camrs have mentioned it since. It was a great discovery, but I think it's going to be more difficult to get in future now that the secret is out! :-) Great video.
Love your channel, this channel and Steve's. My current favourites. Love the bewilderment. And fascinatiion of the underbelly of the UK' s less glamorous side of infrastructure videos
Are we allowed to say that it’s almost disappointing as a viewer when one of your coach rides goes well? As ever, great vid and a superhuman effort to make that round trip in such a short time
Lol, I know! I’m under no illusions, this won’t get anywhere near as many views as my last disastrous trip up there. Gotta be honest though, it was a pretty-good trip all-in-all. 👍
It's good to hear about good experiences if you are planning the same trip, though, tells you which operator will give a good experience and what you need to be prepared for. Saves "I wish I'd known" and "I should have brought..."
Makes coach travel sound almost appealing! I need to visit Manchester in the new year. After my last Megabus trip I swore never again! And always paid the extra for the train. This was both interesting and informative and has changed my perception on coach travel.
I have travelled this route, prefer the train, but financial difficulties! I have always found the drivers fantastic, they are utterly brilliant. Hoping to sleep, but only managed to occasionally doze. Will concur though, that being able to travel such a long way so cheaply, accepted the challenges!
Hi Jill, thanks for the comment. Yep the drivers (in my experience) have been excellent and if you can manage to get seat 2a too - you can’t go far wrong for the money 👍
I used National Express for Dover to Kings Cross then on to Paris (yeah, should have just done a ferry!) in August 2018. Clean, tidy, comfortable, and I found the staff to be accomodating and excellent safe drivers. It was good value all round even tougher I burned a whole day of my trip somewhat foolishly! But I don't mind the sights from a bus tbh.
Yeh I’m the same with the sights, it’s quite relaxing looking out of those big windows. I have thought about the Manchester to Paris direct service with Flixbus but haven’t plucked up the courage yet! 14+ hours that one!
Great video. I was looking for this very thing. I'll be in Edinburgh in October and I didn't know which transport to choose to go to London. But now it's decided.
Yeh you have finally uploaded the video after a bit of a delay hope your doing well my bud great video as always I really do like your coach videos as there really enjoying to watch keep up the good work and have a nice day.:)
Cheers FG, yep, just so busy with stuff atm but plenty of opportunities to do some more coach travel. Finding the time is the biggest issue really. Onwards 😊👍
I had forgotten that I watched this a year ago. Very good for the price again. It looks as though your seat neighbour was following you for a while at the far end.
Hi Maggi, ta for the comment. Love your use of the word ‘doozy’ - I must try and incorporate that into one of my future vids! All the way to Aberdeen I reckon a sleeper bus would be ok but yep, a long trip in a seat.
Loved this !! I've actually done this trip with National express they are good and buses are good unfortunately megabus isn't so good now hope you enjoyed my home town Edinburgh!!
I'm so pleased to have had this video pop up on my TH-cam suggestions because two days ago I was told that the direct London to Edinburgh coach has been discontinued! I was told it now goes through Birmingham with a 3 1/2 hour wait at Birmingham and getting to Edinburgh at 17:15! I was gutted as I used to go to Edinburgh once a month this way, just for the day, and couldn't afford the train. Thank you for the video! 👍🙂
Hi April, glad you found it useful. Yes you can get to Edinburgh direct, either by day or night, plenty of choice: Nat Ex, Megabus, Flixbus all do it. Thanks for the nice comment - much appreciated 😊👍
Informative video. I would do this journey just for the experience, especially at the price you quoted. I'd stop in YHA for a couple of nights, and then homeward bound. Love your videos. You inspire me. Thanking you 🙏
Cheers Ian, I’m thinking of maybe the coach in the day and getting a premier inn or something in Edinburgh would be much cheaper than the sleeper. Another option if you have the time 👍
I didnt even know there is a coach for such a long journey! wow! in my case it'd be a problem as it's very hard for me to fall asleep when surrounded by other people with "no privacy". but it's good value, yeah. Thanks for the video
Yes is very good with national express iam going from Edinburgh to London Victoria end of this month. There is another root Golders green underground station to Glasgow which has alot of stops, my brother thought I lived in Glasgow booked that one and it takes about £10 to come to Edinburgh in the local buses.
Interesting, I wonder whether that’s a day or night route? I’ll probably try the day coach to Scotland at some point - see how it compares to the overnight service. Thanks for the comment 😊👍
Jimmy looks an awesome guy. Hope you run into him again. Liked that, lots of comedy potential, lol.. loved that stint about the hack: . from Scott, to Steve to yourself.. my current favourite TH-camrs!! Are there any others out there like you guys? Loved the video.. did you really just go to Edinburgh for an hour or two, as that's dedication to the channel. Lol
Thanks Brioche - he is and it really made the trip a lot more fun! The seat hack, like Scott says, is well-worth knowing but I reckon may be harder to come by the more people know about it. I don’t know of many other people doing bus/coach videos as regularly as myself and Scott. I’ll aim to get one out at least once a month together with my other stuff. And Edinburgh I timed my stay there at 13 minutes 😂 Cheers for your support 😊👍
I love the art deco facade of Victoria coach station. The fare is great value especially if you are on a tight budget but I'd sooner take the train especially for a journey of that distance.
I've done this journey myself, I found it comfortable and even got some sleep. My journey back was also fairly good too, I managed to break my foot while out in the Scottish mountains and was given seat 2A for my journey back. When you consider the train can cost over £150 and a couch only around £30 return I think you're getting value for money with National Express.
@@scott1506 I've donee flight as well but only when visiting friend's and family, also cheaper than trains. They do have their drawbacks though. You can't take a 30ltr backpack with ice axes strapped to it on a plane but you can on a coach/bus. It's swings and roundabouts when it comes to couch/bus and planes. Even driving can cost more than a bus or plane these days and it's so tiring. Personally, I think train lines need to seriously revise their prices.
I think if you can get some sleep and bag 2a you can’t go far wrong with the coach. I struggle to sleep on them tbh and probably prefer to fly especially if I do t have much time. Loganair in one of their sales if possible!
Id drive you mad completely blondie,, untill we got too the mountain an then you would warm too me even appreciate me,, but its a no go by then 🙋♂️🤣 im bored
@@paulone805 ha ha, I might be the one driving you mad... 🤪 If I travel with someone else then I'm more likely to drive as long as we can share the driving.
I have found myself using the coach a lot more since the on going issues with the railways. I try and always book 2A its also worth the extra cost also thanks to Steve Marsh and Scott for the tip there is normally a double usb socket underneath the seat. It is a bit hidden away when
Hi Shane, yes I can't help thinking I may have missed that double usb socket when looking at the seat - harder in the dark admittedly and I assumed it would be in the seat back. I'll find it next time mate!
That same journey would cost £75 in diesel alone in my car (Range Rover) and I'd have to drive!! For the minor inconveniences alone, that saving is well worth it. Enjoying your videos - only found you a week or so ago. Straight and honest. Now do one on the Orient Express! 😂😂
Cheers Shane! If more people like your good self sign up to the channel, maybe one day I’ll make the Orient Express! 😂 The coach thing Vs driving, well, here days it is expensive in fuel if you drive and tbh, I just can’t be bothered with a long drive and would rather just relax on the coach (or the train). The price certainly helps my mood too!
When I caught the overnight bus to Manchester the Megabus gate agent was having a very busy night. Not only was he dealing with a cancelled coach earlier, he had to load 2 full coaches to Scotland, deal with people who did not read where the coach was going, did not read what the date on their ticket was valued for, did not read which company they were travelling with, did not read what time departure was and did not read the luggage allowance. Thankfully the loading of the Manchester coach was easy by comparison.
Hi all. The last/first time I travelled on an overnight coach was about 1974-ish.; from Blackpool to London Vic. We were upstairs on the Gay Hostess coach. there were beer bottles rolilng beneath seats, and the smell of Fish & Chips . And what sleep we had produced stiff necks - Wonderful. But I certainly agree, the daylight sections would be best. Good and informative video though, thanks. All the best.
I've done it both ways (from Edin) a few years back - I had to change coaches coming back in Birmingham. Going down was fine, I had no issue. I had a seat reserved. Not the most comfy of travel, but as I had an interview in central London and didn't have much money it was fine. Going back however, awful. We were late leaving, but there was noone communicating with us when it be, and only knew it was late from fellow colleagues whispering. On board, I was told if I missed my connection tough, they wouldn't hold up it for a few minutes so we could connect - I'd say 3/4s of the coach were connecting so to me this was daft. Equally, where did they expect us to stay (as next one was not for another ten hours). We arrived with three minutes to spare in Birmingham (that included getting off and onto the next one). I needed the toilet as we hadn't had a toilet stop as they were running over an hour late. So had to hold on until Manchester, with severe stomach pains and trying not to wet myself. I was exhausted when I got back to Edin I felt like a zombie all day. So for me it has been a mixed experience. I'd do it again, but only ever book direct coaches.
Hi Fi, sounds quite a stressful experience but atm anyway, there’s a direct coach in the day going back to Edinburgh with Flixbus, Nat Ex and Megabus. I’m doing that next month so I’ll be interested to see how day compares to night (so to speak). Watch this space!
Wow. I used to travel from York to London on the train then bus from Victoria to Marlborough College. Nothing like this modern station and once the train was delayed and the buses left without us. Dad left work, hired a car and drove four of us to school.
only just found some of your videos mate after years watching Geoff, Tornado22 etc etc. you are growing on me and really enjoing yer stuff. the caledonian sleeper train was a greatwatch and i do like the way you present it all. thanks mate will stick with you and enjoy the rest. P.S. can you do merseyrail Hunts cross to Southport about 30 mile trip underneath Liverpool at one point on Merseyrail?
Hi Pete, many thanks for the kind words - really appreciate your support (you’re better off sticking with my comparatively lowly channel anyway as you’re more likely to get a reply 😂). Don’t know if you’ve seen it but I did one Merseyrail video which, tbh, was pretty bad. It was from Meols to West Kirby I think during the pandemic. I wouldn’t mind doing another one, it’s not far from me. Whether many people would watch it is another story I guess! All the best, Mark 👍
You may not have had a dedicated USB charging port, but check between your seats. There should be a standard 3 pin socket. Take a USB plug adapter along (I use one with two USB sockets just in case whoever I'm sat next to insists on getting to charge a device too) and just have a look down below between your seats
Hi Spudgun, yep I think you’re right. I missed that but others have pointed out there should be one there. Always a next time mate and I’ll be sure to check it out 👍
Thanks to cost of living increases, it looks like I make have to make a coach journey down to Devon from Scotland sometime next year. The last time I did this journey, the coach was so bad, I swore never to use coach travel ever again. Thanks to your tips, it might not be hell, next time!
Oh and the pillars were greenish then and we DID announce delays then . Note:the late Scots coaches didn't go via Heathrow then (they had their own Scots services).Random folk ask the same questions over and over because nobody tells anybody the answers they receive 🎩
I last took the coach from London to Edinburgh in about 1975., boarding at Tally Ho Corner in Finchley. The driver obviously had a sense of humour because when we reached the border with Scotland he told us all to have our passports ready! Only the foreigners started rummaging in their bags.
I have reserved seat 2A on my upcoming trip to Manchester on the 31st of July. I have done the same journey in April without any seat reservation but feeling a little cramped on the back seat. Why are just the first 5 rows can be reserved on national express? I have never heard a bad review of seat 2A in which I will see how well does this seat preforms to my standards.
Lovely video!! Question: how many stops do you get along the way? I'm planning to go to Edinburgh for Easter and was debating a coach/bus or just take the plane??
Hello Carina, thanks for the comment and good question. There will be a rest stop (which is the one you will have seen on the video) approx 45 mins that. Other than that, nothing on that particular route other than Heathrow earlier on. Depends though as you can get to Edinburgh up the M1 but that’ll maybe stop at Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle en route. Factor in about 9-10 hours. If you’re in a rush, take the plane. 😊👍
I remember when we were coming to Leicester from Paris in coach in 2004 and waiting to change at Canterbury station at 4/5 am in the cold outside for a German bus to pick up lol😅 those were the time when money was tight and nee to UK unforgettable experience who has pro and cons but the beauty of travel I think it took the same time also not too sure
Once I took the sleeper to Edinburgh from London, held some meetings, and then got the sleeper back that night. Worked well enough, but I suffered 'mal de mer' syndrome the next day. Also, I accidentally cleaned my teeth in the gloom with foot cream - not recommended, but my teeth have never had Athlete's Foot since.
Haha, great comment (though I wish I’d read it after dinner tbh)! I could do the sleeper both ways but with the new one, I’d have to have the double bed and that would be very expensive!
Thanks for another interesting video. There is certainly lots of travelllers taking the London-Edinburgh route just now. You probably read about rail overtaking air on this route and the endless rail disruption, as you say, must mean a rise in coach bookings. Interesting that Ryanair has restarted its STN-EDI route and doubtless seeks to lure budget conscious travellers.
Hi Alex and cheers for the comment. The disruption on the railways is certainly making me reconsider my options. I’ve had to change my plans for early November so expect more bus videos! 😂 And STN - EDI for as little as £10, well, it’s not a bad price is it!
I feel you fella. Back about 25 years a go, I met a nice girl who lived in Grimsby (I lived in Slough). Now, I rode a Motorbike at the time, but, at first, thought, I'll take the train (Langley to Kings Cross,, then a tube to another station, then train up to Doncaster, then another train to Grimsby), when I asked at Langley station how much for the return, the lass at the counter said £99 (off peak), I was shocked, so I said, how much one way... Ready for this? £98!!! £1 for the return!!! HUH?? WTF???? But, it would take about 3 hours. So, next idea was National Express. Train from Langley station to Kingscross, tube to Victoria, then N.E. Coach to grimsby/Cleethorpes direct. £27, WOOOOOHOOO! I thought... BUT... OVER DOUBLE the time... Many ambling, meandering stops, with a mini 'Breather' at Peterborough (Often a change of coaches, so bags off, wait half hour, then onto another coach etc), and then finally, Grimsby, Cleethorpes! SHEEEEESH!!!! Well, that CERTAINLY made me start packing my saddle bags and top box and do it myself! So, i'd get up and, start my bike at 5am, to get to her Market stall (Freeman Street Market) for just before 8 am. Roads lovely and clear (This was BEFORE the A46 extension, so M4, M25, M1 to and through Leicester, then A46 to Grimsby (sometimes from M25 I took A1M to Newark, then onto A46). One of my best times was 2Hr 39Mins (average and maximum journey speeds... Ermmmm 😉). Back then cameras were extremely rare, leaving home at 5 am (sometimes 4:30 am) traffic was sparse, and in the summer, OOOOHHHH those country roads from Leicester (A46) were FRICKEN ACE to carve through (at the time I had a Suzuki GSX400F 4 Cyl, then moved onto a Kawasaki GPZ600R). OH THEM WERE THE DAYS!!! (He smiles with fondness lol) 👌👍.... And, back then, N.E. Coaches had nothing, were BASIC coaches, no WiFi, no 'Entertainment', just seats and a toilet at the back (which I used ONLY once yuck!! But I made do with my headphones and my personal MD player to while away the hours... 😏 😎🇬🇧
Hello dark knight of the 1971 era (the best year for dark knights I always think). Really enjoyed reading this. Tell you what, you’ve got a better memory than me remembering all this stuff. I struggle to remember what I was doing last week these days! And I think all your experience of putting yourself through the various options is what is commonly known as ‘paying your dues’ 😂 Great comment, cheers mate 😊👍
Yep, I think they can be a true adventure and there’s a few more routes I’m looking at. Need to leave sufficient ‘recovery gap’ between each one though I reckon!
I've used National Express for so long, maybe about 7 years, to travel about England. Never had any real issues, except for maybe busses running a little bit late on occasion, or having to wait longer than anticipated for late passengers. Pretty cheap too, I always use them to get up to Heathrow, as, like you stated in the vid, the rain network is so unreliable and expensive, a bus is a better option.
Not to mention, in Victoria, coaches can regularly be late depending on traffic in Central London. I was told by a driver years ago, that essentially if "One coach is late, they're all late" as the service is supposed to sort of run in sync.
Yep, cheers Battenburg, agree with what you say. And I think you need to be a bit relaxed about the timings to a point. They don’t seem to depart very much on time in my limited experience so far. But that’s no big issue is it if they try to run them in sync. And yes value for money for sure and if you can sleep better than me, it’s a real bargain 👍
Tip: when driving up the m6 the services charge £1.75 for petrol (Jan 23) but take the Sandbach exit and literally 400 yards off the m way there's petrol for normal money, currently £1,.50. On a forty litre fill up that's gonna save a TENNER.
Living in Edinburgh I’ve often seen the National Express service for Penzance leaving late at night. If there’s any volunteers out there that’d be a cracking watch 😆
My experience, particularly with older people, suggests that only students on a budget will entertain overnight coach travel. Unless you've got a bed to go to at say 8 or 9 o'clock in the morning, after arrival, you need youthful stamina to get you through the next day which will be a wash-out, heavy with drouzyness all day.
The other reason you may not get the bus company you ordered is . When I had my tourist and transport business I would take a booking I could not do and sell it on to a friend with a similar business. Then if they were a regular customer and one of my friends charged more than me I would discount the customers fare on their next trip with me. Keeps your customer coming back to you. If I was coming back empty I would charge half price. Most people paid me full price anyway .
I used to do London to Middlesbrough. The only issue, and what put me off for life, were the other passengers. Often get noisy passengers being disrespectfully loud on their phones. Not fun for that length of journey. I suppose some noise-cancelling headphones would solve that problem.
I hate that. Had some guy watching videos on his phone next to me the other day. I was in such a grumpy mood I told him to put headphones on or turn it off. I wouldn’t normally bother to say anything tbh but yeh, was tired! Tbf, he turned it off 😂
I did the same journey on the night before the Queens funeral. There are some similarities - the bus was late and the coach station was absolutely heaving. We left about 10.50 and I booked 2A and when we got to Heathrow someone got on and said they had booked it too so this seems like a longstanding issue with no resolution in sight, something I find baffling as they obviously know all about it. I think it was the same drivers who were very professional and, from memory we reached Edinburgh a bit early. I travelled back the next day on the train and there was a problem on the line and I had to get out at York and change at Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham. Just about managed to get the last train out of London so it was not a happy experience.
Sounds a bit stressful all round tbh. Mind you I reckon it’s a bit of a risk booking 2A and getting on at Heathrow knowing the majority of passengers would already be on the coach and if no-one’s already booked it, someone will chance their arm sitting in that seat!
Great vid from you. I love coaches. Main reason coach travel is 'popular' is because its cheap. Most people are on a budget and the train is not a viable alternative. Thanks
Hi Keith, thanks for the kind words. I’m certainly getting a bit more used to coach travel and yes cost is the primary consideration isn’t it. I think I may have said in previous videos, if you have the time, just relax and it’ll get you there eventually 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Thanks a lot. I have lnly just fund you. Been following Steve Marsh and the nice guy on Planes, Trains, Everything for a while. Now its Let;s Make a Trip.
I went to see the Le Man 24 hour race via an organised coach trip from Victoria station. Going was ok, bit cramped, but soon had plenty of time walking around the race track. Suring the night some of us wandered back to the coach which had been left open so we could get a few winks. Return trip went ok but once home, within an hour or so my legs had swollen up like balloons and walking was extremely uncomfortable. I've never travelled by coach since!
Sounds painful! Yep the thing with coach travel is you don’t get much opportunity to stretch your legs and the trains always going to have the advantage there. Those kind of organised trips would be good on coaches with tables/bunks. But gets expensive then doesn’t it.
If you do it from Birmingham you can go east or west coast but I don't know if you can from London it may just be west.The west coast might originate in London and goes to Edinburgh via Glasgow the east coast comes from Bournemouth and I occasionally got it from Oxford to Newcastle and goes to Glasgow via Edinburgh.
The times I've gone from London now it's been up the M6. I thought they might use the M1 to Edinburgh but I leave it to the coach company as they know what they're doing and the driver change may be one of the reasons why they do it the way they do.
The 591 runs from London to Edinburgh via the M1 and Newcastle. Unfortunately the Bournemouth to Edinburgh coach has been discontinued. Just runs Birmingham to Edinburgh or Glasgow
I used mega bus and national express before. Megabus was awful, everything you said and a 10 minute stop with no toilet on board for the whole trip. NX was comfortable, clean, had a toilet and included 2 30 minute stops at services.
Hi Dave, yep sorry these were the guys operating the route yep - thought he drivers were really good. Patient, which I guess you need to be with some passengers!
Don't know why faux leather seats are so popular on public transport nowadays - in my opinion at least it's never as comfortable as traditional wool moquette.
Hi Keith, I very rarely travel with anyone tbh but I agree it does help if you have nice neighbours. In this case, that was Jimmy who’d come up to London for the ride. He’s in one or two of my other videos, a nice guy I met through doing TH-cam.
I've recently started using National Express and copped the 2A seat whilst I sat the opposite side behind the driver. My next trip, I booked that seat but sadly got put on an 'overflow' bus without reservation, NationalExpress were happy to refund my £3 seat reservation fee but I am yet to enjoy the 2A seat! Due to tomorrow on my return trip though! X
I forgot to leave a comment on this one!! Great review as I thought it would be! Reliving this journey makes my back ache though!! 😂 Hope we can do it again soon, but something nicer and shorter.. oh and not overnight please!! 😂
Hey Jimmy, no worries, it's only been out a couple of days! Appreciate your support (and company on this trip). I think the hovercraft may be a thing for next year sometime! Cheers mate.
at the end of he day it doesn't matter what you pay, the point is you have paid for a long distance journey and you should expect a decent trip, like ie comfy seats, maybe a stop off to stretch your legs and helpful staff
I'll be travelling to Edinburgh from London and was looking at these overnight coaches for my trip. Since I am travelling for the first time wanted to know is it safe for solo travelers to opt these overnight coaches or are the coaches that go out during the day better?
Hi Shilpa, personally I’d do it in the day now I’ve experienced both. Not that it’s particularly unsafe at night but I struggle with the sleep deprivation aspect. With National Express, if you did travel at night, I would book the seat behind or very close to the driver if you wanted extra reassurance.
I got kicked out of the seat for people with mobility issues, when I travelled with NA, because they wanted to put a suitcase in the space! I explained that I had mobility issues, evidenced by my walking stick and was told I still had to move, as it was the only space they had available!
Not good! Couldn’t they have put it down the side then the person in seat 2A could’ve used it as a footrest. You should complain Wanda - the person in front of us had mobility issues and she was made very welcome to sit there by the drivers.
Lovely video, glad you reviewed this trip! Just a suggestion but could you possibly review the Oxford Tube coach service? It runs between London and Oxford. Once again lovely video, I liked!
Would be interesting to know if these reservations are available on all journeys on the route or if it just depends on the coach used. Doing the opposite leg from Edinburgh back to London in March I haven't been given an option to reserve seats so looking forward to a free for all 😂
That’s interesting. I assumed with National Express there’s always the option to reserve the front few rows (it’s extra cash for them). I guess you just need to be near the front of the queue mate. Good luck! 😊👍
I commented on the Megabus trip, so I had to this time. You are such a glutton for punishment. Full respect for doing it not just once, but twice. Great video though, and glad that you had a better experience this time.
Cheers Steven and thanks for commenting again - much appreciated! I don’t know if I’ll be doing anymore overnighters quite yet - viewing figures are good though so never say never! It was definitely better with National Express 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip How about you go crazy then. I'm not sure if they still run, because I haven't been in and out of Victoria for a few years now, but there were services out of that coach station to Paris, and to Poland. (I've just checked) Autokarpolska from London Vic to Centrum 15, Poland, 4 times a week. Around £60 and it takes an eye watering 27hrs 30mins. Then there's Flixbus, Blablabus and Infobus from London Vic to Paris, France running every 30mins between them in the morning, every hour or so during the afternoon, and simultaneous services in the evening. Priced at between £30-£50. I couldn't tell you what they are like. You know you're tempted though hahaha Journey time to Paris (9-10hrs)
@@stevenmacdonald9619 I’ve never heard of Autokarpolska tbh but yeh, I’ll look them up. Not sure I’m tough enough for that one though 😵💫. The Paris thing I probably will do at some point and I think there are plenty of options. Ultimately, I think there’ll be plenty more coach trips coming up - for better or worse!
When my life is a mess, I always take the National Express and it puts a smile on my face.
I see what you did there 😉👍
And the National Express in the Divine Comedy song refers to the nickname for the NHS in Northern Ireland.
There’s something extremely satisfying about living vicariously through you and these bleak, tiring journeys…
Haha, cheers I’m glad you enjoy it even when I don’t 😊
@@LetsMakeaTrip Err.. fall asleep on a bus at 10pm, wake up in London at 7am in your destination. What's bleak?
@@ianinkster2261 Teach me this wizard ability of falling asleep while travelling please
Absolute class review mate and cheers for the shout-out! And you were braver than me reviewing the coach toilet as well. Now GET OOT MY SEAT :D
Hi Steve, cheers mate and credit where it’s due that seat 2A is well worth the extra few quid! Like Scott says, the secret’s out now 😂 👍 You didn’t miss much with the loo- very unexciting affair. Overall though, yeh decent enough. Berry’s coaches next weekend if you’ve ever heard of them - supposed to be one of the best 🤔
@@LetsMakeaTrip Looking forward to it!
The rerouting via Heathrow adds considerable journey time to an already considerable journey time 🎩
I'm from Mexico and I'm taking notes for my firt trip to Scotland the next year wich it's a dream for me, thank you so much, your guide help me so much
When I watch this video clips I always remember my first boarding of National Express Bus from Heathrow to Sheffield in December 2000.
Coaches better or not then these days (in your opinion)?
Mine was Nottingham to Heathrow our bus broke down at notts station we had to wait over an hour before a replacement arrived, but boy did that driver put his foot down on the motorway, got us there at the correct arrival time, I was so worried I’d miss my flight back to South Africa
Getting out of the house and taking a long trip for 14 notes is good therapy.
Certainly is 👍
£11 for that journey is very good value and worth the money. Tickets bought on the day with Nat Ex tend to me more expensive. I used to commute daily with them to London from Dorset. Nat Ex are pretty reliable on the whole. I can't say I'm a fan of their Portuguese Levante coach bodies nor their seats but at the end of the day you can't really beat their combination of value/reliability if ticket bought in advance.
Cheers for the comment Nicholas. Agree buying in advance is the best way. I normally try to do it at least a month before the journey for the best prices, can't go wrong then.
I featured the magic seat 2A back in May, and quite a few TH-camrs have mentioned it since. It was a great discovery, but I think it's going to be more difficult to get in future now that the secret is out! :-) Great video.
Love your channel, this channel and Steve's. My current favourites. Love the bewilderment. And fascinatiion of the underbelly of the UK' s less glamorous side of infrastructure videos
Thanks Scott. Yes it was truly a relief and much appreciated after my earlier, disastrous overnight experience!
Is it possible to book seats aboard the National Express? If so, how is that process? I can´t find that option in their web page. Thanks in advance
Yes, I have noticed that on a number of routes across the country. Not just Glasgow to London .
Are we allowed to say that it’s almost disappointing as a viewer when one of your coach rides goes well? As ever, great vid and a superhuman effort to make that round trip in such a short time
Lol, I know! I’m under no illusions, this won’t get anywhere near as many views as my last disastrous trip up there. Gotta be honest though, it was a pretty-good trip all-in-all. 👍
It's good to hear about good experiences if you are planning the same trip, though, tells you which operator will give a good experience and what you need to be prepared for. Saves "I wish I'd known" and "I should have brought..."
Makes coach travel sound almost appealing! I need to visit Manchester in the new year. After my last Megabus trip I swore never again! And always paid the extra for the train. This was both interesting and informative and has changed my perception on coach travel.
Cheers Joe and good luck with your future coach trips 👍
Wow! £11 ... wasn't expecting that. I pay the same amount to get a return bus ticket to my neighbouring town 10 miles away!
Yep, great fare. I did book approx 3 months in advance tbh but that’s what you have to do sometimes!
I have travelled this route, prefer the train, but financial difficulties!
I have always found the drivers fantastic, they are utterly brilliant.
Hoping to sleep, but only managed to occasionally doze.
Will concur though, that being able to travel such a long way so cheaply, accepted the challenges!
Hi Jill, thanks for the comment. Yep the drivers (in my experience) have been excellent and if you can manage to get seat 2a too - you can’t go far wrong for the money 👍
I used National Express for Dover to Kings Cross then on to Paris (yeah, should have just done a ferry!) in August 2018. Clean, tidy, comfortable, and I found the staff to be accomodating and excellent safe drivers. It was good value all round even tougher I burned a whole day of my trip somewhat foolishly! But I don't mind the sights from a bus tbh.
Yeh I’m the same with the sights, it’s quite relaxing looking out of those big windows. I have thought about the Manchester to Paris direct service with Flixbus but haven’t plucked up the courage yet! 14+ hours that one!
Why am I engrossed? I have just stumbled upon this channel and it's very satisfying to watch.
Thank you Sheryl, I hope you enjoy your time here 😊
Great video. I was looking for this very thing. I'll be in Edinburgh in October and I didn't know which transport to choose to go to London. But now it's decided.
Yeh you have finally uploaded the video after a bit of a delay hope your doing well my bud great video as always I really do like your coach videos as there really enjoying to watch keep up the good work and have a nice day.:)
Cheers FG, yep, just so busy with stuff atm but plenty of opportunities to do some more coach travel. Finding the time is the biggest issue really. Onwards 😊👍
I had forgotten that I watched this a year ago. Very good for the price again. It looks as though your seat neighbour was following you for a while at the far end.
I once went all the way to London from Aberdeen by bus. No matter how comfortable the bus is, it is an absolute DOOZY. Godspeed.
Hi Maggi, ta for the comment. Love your use of the word ‘doozy’ - I must try and incorporate that into one of my future vids! All the way to Aberdeen I reckon a sleeper bus would be ok but yep, a long trip in a seat.
@@LetsMakeaTrip I’ve done that trip many a time
I'm glad to see you had a decent overnighter this time around. Jimmy looked like a good laugh too!
He was! And yep, much much more comfortable than last time!
Loved this !! I've actually done this trip with National express they are good and buses are good unfortunately megabus isn't so good now hope you enjoyed my home town Edinburgh!!
I didn’t have much time on this occasion Jake - but I’ve been there many times in the past and love it!
I'm so pleased to have had this video pop up on my TH-cam suggestions because two days ago I was told that the direct London to Edinburgh coach has been discontinued! I was told it now goes through Birmingham with a 3 1/2 hour wait at Birmingham and getting to Edinburgh at 17:15! I was gutted as I used to go to Edinburgh once a month this way, just for the day, and couldn't afford the train. Thank you for the video! 👍🙂
Hi April, glad you found it useful. Yes you can get to Edinburgh direct, either by day or night, plenty of choice: Nat Ex, Megabus, Flixbus all do it. Thanks for the nice comment - much appreciated 😊👍
The 591 goes from London to Edinburgh via Newcastle
@@s125ish Thanks for that! 🙂
You're a sucker for punishment mate 😂 Still no jolly hostess tho 😆
Still hoping for Elaine to turn up?
There will be one in my next coach video - I pretty-much guarantee it 😂
It has been a while since I seen one of your videos. And this was a great one in which to reacclimate to your channel.
Hi Debra, good to hear from you again! Thanks for keeping the faith 😊👍
Thanks to your advice, I used 2A for both my trips in September!! So much leg room and I was able to get a seatbelt extension too. Very pleased indeed
Hi Lilly, glad I could help and I hope you have a great time on your trips 😊
I travelled this route in 1953! I was four. It was a real adventure.
I would love to hear about that Joe! How long did it take?
@@LetsMakeaTrip How the fuck do you think he's gonna remember that?
@@HaydnG266 well I’m assuming he didn’t do it on his own. Thanks Haydn, great comment 👏
@@LetsMakeaTrip 😂 Touché
@@HaydnG266 😉
Informative video. I would do this journey just for the experience, especially at the price you quoted.
I'd stop in YHA for a couple of nights, and then homeward bound.
Love your videos. You inspire me. Thanking you 🙏
Cheers Davie and thanks very much for the comments, much appreciated mate 😊👍
1:24 am and im watching 🤣(sleeping must wait), very cool vid. true home- made video
Cheers Jon, appreciate you putting the hard yards in there mate!
@@LetsMakeaTrip You should treat to yourself to one of those sleeper trains one day! 🤣
Thanks for the video. I am seriously considering this ad an alternative to either a flight or the sleeper train.
Cheers Ian, I’m thinking of maybe the coach in the day and getting a premier inn or something in Edinburgh would be much cheaper than the sleeper. Another option if you have the time 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Thanks - but wrong direction. :-)
Most enjoyable, thanks Mark. Took me back to my early '70s Victoria to Teesside coaching days. At least now you've got loos on those coaches!
Cheers Paul, glad it brought back some good(?) memories for you 👍😊
I didnt even know there is a coach for such a long journey! wow! in my case it'd be a problem as it's very hard for me to fall asleep when surrounded by other people with "no privacy". but it's good value, yeah. Thanks for the video
Hi Vanessa, yep lots of coach’s from London up to Glasgow/Edinburgh around this time of night. And yes, sleep is my problem too!
Very good Mark as always.
Cheers Michael, appreciate the comment 😊👍
Yes is very good with national express iam going from Edinburgh to London Victoria end of this month.
There is another root Golders green underground station to Glasgow which has alot of stops, my brother thought I lived in Glasgow booked that one and it takes about £10 to come to Edinburgh in the local buses.
Interesting, I wonder whether that’s a day or night route? I’ll probably try the day coach to Scotland at some point - see how it compares to the overnight service. Thanks for the comment 😊👍
Jimmy looks an awesome guy. Hope you run into him again. Liked that, lots of comedy potential, lol.. loved that stint about the hack: . from Scott, to Steve to yourself.. my current favourite TH-camrs!!
Are there any others out there like you guys?
Loved the video.. did you really just go to Edinburgh for an hour or two, as that's dedication to the channel. Lol
Thanks Brioche - he is and it really made the trip a lot more fun! The seat hack, like Scott says, is well-worth knowing but I reckon may be harder to come by the more people know about it. I don’t know of many other people doing bus/coach videos as regularly as myself and Scott. I’ll aim to get one out at least once a month together with my other stuff. And Edinburgh I timed my stay there at 13 minutes 😂 Cheers for your support 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip 13minutes, that’s insane 😂!,!!
I love the art deco facade of Victoria coach station. The fare is great value especially if you are on a tight budget but I'd sooner take the train especially for a journey of that distance.
Interesting video as always. Im surprised the coach didn't go straight up the A1 from London
I've done this journey myself, I found it comfortable and even got some sleep. My journey back was also fairly good too, I managed to break my foot while out in the Scottish mountains and was given seat 2A for my journey back.
When you consider the train can cost over £150 and a couch only around £30 return I think you're getting value for money with National Express.
well thats it 30 quid return. if your savvy can get a flight for under 60 return unless youre afriad of flying.
@@scott1506 I've donee flight as well but only when visiting friend's and family, also cheaper than trains. They do have their drawbacks though. You can't take a 30ltr backpack with ice axes strapped to it on a plane but you can on a coach/bus.
It's swings and roundabouts when it comes to couch/bus and planes. Even driving can cost more than a bus or plane these days and it's so tiring.
Personally, I think train lines need to seriously revise their prices.
I think if you can get some sleep and bag 2a you can’t go far wrong with the coach. I struggle to sleep on them tbh and probably prefer to fly especially if I do t have much time. Loganair in one of their sales if possible!
Id drive you mad completely blondie,, untill we got too the mountain an then you would warm too me even appreciate me,, but its a no go by then 🙋♂️🤣 im bored
@@paulone805 ha ha, I might be the one driving you mad... 🤪
If I travel with someone else then I'm more likely to drive as long as we can share the driving.
I have found myself using the coach a lot more since the on going issues with the railways. I try and always book 2A its also worth the extra cost also thanks to Steve Marsh and Scott for the tip there is normally a double usb socket underneath the seat. It is a bit hidden away when
Hi Shane, yes I can't help thinking I may have missed that double usb socket when looking at the seat - harder in the dark admittedly and I assumed it would be in the seat back. I'll find it next time mate!
That same journey would cost £75 in diesel alone in my car (Range Rover) and I'd have to drive!! For the minor inconveniences alone, that saving is well worth it. Enjoying your videos - only found you a week or so ago. Straight and honest. Now do one on the Orient Express! 😂😂
Cheers Shane! If more people like your good self sign up to the channel, maybe one day I’ll make the Orient Express! 😂 The coach thing Vs driving, well, here days it is expensive in fuel if you drive and tbh, I just can’t be bothered with a long drive and would rather just relax on the coach (or the train). The price certainly helps my mood too!
Travelled on the same route with my disabled wife on the 22 October 2022 we had a good journey so no complaints
Yep, no complaints here either and I must say, I'm very pleased about that after the last time!!
Informative clear and well presented well done 👍🇬🇧
Cheers Ronald, appreciate the kind words 😊
Thanks for never making me want to go on a coach for anything longer than 30 mins 😂
😂 I did my best!
Cheers for video Just London to
Ramsgate Kent was Brutal you are a Legend
Cheers MB, thanks for the comment and the kind words 😊👍
When I caught the overnight bus to Manchester the Megabus gate agent was having a very busy night. Not only was he dealing with a cancelled coach earlier, he had to load 2 full coaches to Scotland, deal with people who did not read where the coach was going, did not read what the date on their ticket was valued for, did not read which company they were travelling with, did not read what time departure was and did not read the luggage allowance. Thankfully the loading of the Manchester coach was easy by comparison.
The passengers certainly don’t help sometimes ‘headless chickens’ springs to mind for some of them 😂
Hi all. The last/first time I travelled on an overnight coach was about 1974-ish.; from Blackpool to London Vic. We were upstairs on the Gay Hostess coach. there were beer bottles rolilng beneath seats, and the smell of Fish & Chips . And what sleep we had produced stiff necks - Wonderful. But I certainly agree, the daylight sections would be best.
Good and informative video though, thanks. All the best.
Cheers Jack - sounds great! At least you got something to eat and drink.
@@LetsMakeaTrip No, the beer & chips were someone elses. I much prefer to drive, or go by train now.
Done this trip and that driver is amazing … glad they took the MK stop off!! That was awful!!
Glad we had this driver and yes, the less stops the better as far as I’m concerned!
I've done it both ways (from Edin) a few years back - I had to change coaches coming back in Birmingham. Going down was fine, I had no issue. I had a seat reserved. Not the most comfy of travel, but as I had an interview in central London and didn't have much money it was fine.
Going back however, awful. We were late leaving, but there was noone communicating with us when it be, and only knew it was late from fellow colleagues whispering. On board, I was told if I missed my connection tough, they wouldn't hold up it for a few minutes so we could connect - I'd say 3/4s of the coach were connecting so to me this was daft. Equally, where did they expect us to stay (as next one was not for another ten hours). We arrived with three minutes to spare in Birmingham (that included getting off and onto the next one). I needed the toilet as we hadn't had a toilet stop as they were running over an hour late. So had to hold on until Manchester, with severe stomach pains and trying not to wet myself. I was exhausted when I got back to Edin I felt like a zombie all day.
So for me it has been a mixed experience. I'd do it again, but only ever book direct coaches.
Hi Fi, sounds quite a stressful experience but atm anyway, there’s a direct coach in the day going back to Edinburgh with Flixbus, Nat Ex and Megabus. I’m doing that next month so I’ll be interested to see how day compares to night (so to speak). Watch this space!
Been to poole Dorset numerous times. National express is a good way to go...never had a problem.
Agree George, thanks for the comment.
Wow. I used to travel from York to London on the train then bus from Victoria to Marlborough College. Nothing like this modern station and once the train was delayed and the buses left without us. Dad left work, hired a car and drove four of us to school.
only just found some of your videos mate after years watching Geoff, Tornado22 etc etc. you are growing on me and really enjoing yer stuff. the caledonian sleeper train was a greatwatch and i do like the way you present it all. thanks mate will stick with you and enjoy the rest. P.S. can you do merseyrail Hunts cross to Southport about 30 mile trip underneath Liverpool at one point on Merseyrail?
Hi Pete, many thanks for the kind words - really appreciate your support (you’re better off sticking with my comparatively lowly channel anyway as you’re more likely to get a reply 😂). Don’t know if you’ve seen it but I did one Merseyrail video which, tbh, was pretty bad. It was from Meols to West Kirby I think during the pandemic. I wouldn’t mind doing another one, it’s not far from me. Whether many people would watch it is another story I guess! All the best, Mark 👍
You may not have had a dedicated USB charging port, but check between your seats. There should be a standard 3 pin socket. Take a USB plug adapter along (I use one with two USB sockets just in case whoever I'm sat next to insists on getting to charge a device too) and just have a look down below between your seats
Hi Spudgun, yep I think you’re right. I missed that but others have pointed out there should be one there. Always a next time mate and I’ll be sure to check it out 👍
Thanks to cost of living increases, it looks like I make have to make a coach journey down to Devon from Scotland sometime next year. The last time I did this journey, the coach was so bad, I swore never to use coach travel ever again. Thanks to your tips, it might not be hell, next time!
That’s a big journey Linda. Good luck!
Worked at VCS from 1990-2014...some of the outlets like Pret weren't there when I was there,but much the same otherwise 👍❤️🎩
Oh and the pillars were greenish then and we DID announce delays then . Note:the late Scots coaches didn't go via Heathrow then (they had their own Scots services).Random folk ask the same questions over and over because nobody tells anybody the answers they receive 🎩
Extremely good value, how far would you get on eleven pounds of petrol in the cheapest car.
Not very far these days. Agree it is great value and a nice coach too 👍
New subscriber, just discovered your channel :) sat here with a cup of tea and enjoying your videos :)
Hi Jonathan, cheers for the sub (and comment). Great to hear from you and I hope you enjoy the content 😊
I last took the coach from London to Edinburgh in about 1975., boarding at Tally Ho Corner in Finchley. The driver obviously had a sense of humour because when we reached the border with Scotland he told us all to have our passports ready! Only the foreigners started rummaging in their bags.
Haha, great comment 😊👍
I have reserved seat 2A on my upcoming trip to Manchester on the 31st of July. I have done the same journey in April without any seat reservation but feeling a little cramped on the back seat. Why are just the first 5 rows can be reserved on national express? I have never heard a bad review of seat 2A in which I will see how well does this seat preforms to my standards.
Lovely video!! Question: how many stops do you get along the way? I'm planning to go to Edinburgh for Easter and was debating a coach/bus or just take the plane??
Hello Carina, thanks for the comment and good question. There will be a rest stop (which is the one you will have seen on the video) approx 45 mins that. Other than that, nothing on that particular route other than Heathrow earlier on. Depends though as you can get to Edinburgh up the M1 but that’ll maybe stop at Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle en route. Factor in about 9-10 hours. If you’re in a rush, take the plane. 😊👍
You look knackered. This is like an ad for easyjet
Haha, I was a bit.
I remember when we were coming to Leicester from Paris in coach in 2004 and waiting to change at Canterbury station at 4/5 am in the cold outside for a German bus to pick up lol😅 those were the time when money was tight and nee to UK unforgettable experience who has pro and cons but the beauty of travel I think it took the same time also not too sure
Once I took the sleeper to Edinburgh from London, held some meetings, and then got the sleeper back that night. Worked well enough, but I suffered 'mal de mer' syndrome the next day. Also, I accidentally cleaned my teeth in the gloom with foot cream - not recommended, but my teeth have never had Athlete's Foot since.
Haha, great comment (though I wish I’d read it after dinner tbh)! I could do the sleeper both ways but with the new one, I’d have to have the double bed and that would be very expensive!
WOW...Cheap as Chips. Good Journey too...Thank You.
No probs, thanks for watching and commenting 😊
Glad you like enjoyed the ride Paul
Cheers mate, yep not too bad this time round!
14 squid is crazy cheap for that distance..happy you had a nice trip
I did Mike thanks 😊👍
National Express. Love You Guys.
The coach tracker shows this route taking the A702 but the coach takes the A1 and M1 all the way and stopped at services near Durham.
Thanks for another interesting video. There is certainly lots of travelllers taking the London-Edinburgh route just now. You probably read about rail overtaking air on this route and the endless rail disruption, as you say, must mean a rise in coach bookings. Interesting that Ryanair has restarted its STN-EDI route and doubtless seeks to lure budget conscious travellers.
Hi Alex and cheers for the comment. The disruption on the railways is certainly making me reconsider my options. I’ve had to change my plans for early November so expect more bus videos! 😂 And STN - EDI for as little as £10, well, it’s not a bad price is it!
@@LetsMakeaTrip Yes usual keen fares from Ryanair. Let us hope Ryanair stays on the route this time.
Rather you than me but thanks for taking us along 👍🏻😀
Lol, no worries, appreciate the comment and thanks for watching 😊👍
I feel you fella. Back about 25 years a go, I met a nice girl who lived in Grimsby (I lived in Slough). Now, I rode a Motorbike at the time, but, at first, thought, I'll take the train (Langley to Kings Cross,, then a tube to another station, then train up to Doncaster, then another train to Grimsby), when I asked at Langley station how much for the return, the lass at the counter said £99 (off peak), I was shocked, so I said, how much one way... Ready for this? £98!!! £1 for the return!!! HUH?? WTF???? But, it would take about 3 hours.
So, next idea was National Express. Train from Langley station to Kingscross, tube to Victoria, then N.E. Coach to grimsby/Cleethorpes direct. £27, WOOOOOHOOO! I thought... BUT... OVER DOUBLE the time... Many ambling, meandering stops, with a mini 'Breather' at Peterborough (Often a change of coaches, so bags off, wait half hour, then onto another coach etc), and then finally, Grimsby, Cleethorpes! SHEEEEESH!!!!
Well, that CERTAINLY made me start packing my saddle bags and top box and do it myself! So, i'd get up and, start my bike at 5am, to get to her Market stall (Freeman Street Market) for just before 8 am. Roads lovely and clear (This was BEFORE the A46 extension, so M4, M25, M1 to and through Leicester, then A46 to Grimsby (sometimes from M25 I took A1M to Newark, then onto A46). One of my best times was 2Hr 39Mins (average and maximum journey speeds... Ermmmm 😉). Back then cameras were extremely rare, leaving home at 5 am (sometimes 4:30 am) traffic was sparse, and in the summer, OOOOHHHH those country roads from Leicester (A46) were FRICKEN ACE to carve through (at the time I had a Suzuki GSX400F 4 Cyl, then moved onto a Kawasaki GPZ600R). OH THEM WERE THE DAYS!!! (He smiles with fondness lol) 👌👍....
And, back then, N.E. Coaches had nothing, were BASIC coaches, no WiFi, no 'Entertainment', just seats and a toilet at the back (which I used ONLY once yuck!! But I made do with my headphones and my personal MD player to while away the hours... 😏 😎🇬🇧
Hello dark knight of the 1971 era (the best year for dark knights I always think). Really enjoyed reading this. Tell you what, you’ve got a better memory than me remembering all this stuff. I struggle to remember what I was doing last week these days! And I think all your experience of putting yourself through the various options is what is commonly known as ‘paying your dues’ 😂 Great comment, cheers mate 😊👍
National Express hasn't returned to Grimsby /Cleethorpes /Louth since they were cancelled in March 2020. We live in hope (but not much)!
These night busses are always an adventure, aren't they? Glad this one turned out better than megabus...though pretty tough not to!
Yep, I think they can be a true adventure and there’s a few more routes I’m looking at. Need to leave sufficient ‘recovery gap’ between each one though I reckon!
I've used National Express for so long, maybe about 7 years, to travel about England. Never had any real issues, except for maybe busses running a little bit late on occasion, or having to wait longer than anticipated for late passengers. Pretty cheap too, I always use them to get up to Heathrow, as, like you stated in the vid, the rain network is so unreliable and expensive, a bus is a better option.
Not to mention, in Victoria, coaches can regularly be late depending on traffic in Central London. I was told by a driver years ago, that essentially if "One coach is late, they're all late" as the service is supposed to sort of run in sync.
Yep, cheers Battenburg, agree with what you say. And I think you need to be a bit relaxed about the timings to a point. They don’t seem to depart very much on time in my limited experience so far. But that’s no big issue is it if they try to run them in sync. And yes value for money for sure and if you can sleep better than me, it’s a real bargain 👍
Tip: when driving up the m6 the services charge £1.75 for petrol (Jan 23) but take the Sandbach exit and literally 400 yards off the m way there's petrol for normal money, currently £1,.50.
On a forty litre fill up that's gonna save a TENNER.
Nice one Tom. I drive an EV so could do with a few tips on cheapest chargers too 👍
Living in Edinburgh I’ve often seen the National Express service for Penzance leaving late at night.
If there’s any volunteers out there that’d be a cracking watch 😆
Coach change in London?
My experience, particularly with older people, suggests that only students on a budget will entertain overnight coach travel.
Unless you've got a bed to go to at say 8 or 9 o'clock in the morning, after arrival, you need youthful stamina to get you through the next day which will be a wash-out, heavy with drouzyness all day.
Completely agree John. Yes day rooms are the ‘plan B’ for me but that wastes at least half a day and min extra £50 aswell.
Last time I took the Edinburgh coach out of Victoria in the late 90s, it was via Glasgow. So could understand those people asking the question.
The other reason you may not get the bus company you ordered is . When I had my tourist and transport business I would take a booking I could not do and sell it on to a friend with a similar business. Then if they were a regular customer and one of my friends charged more than me I would discount the customers fare on their next trip with me. Keeps your customer coming back to you. If I was coming back empty I would charge half price. Most people paid me full price anyway .
I used to do London to Middlesbrough. The only issue, and what put me off for life, were the other passengers. Often get noisy passengers being disrespectfully loud on their phones. Not fun for that length of journey. I suppose some noise-cancelling headphones would solve that problem.
I hate that. Had some guy watching videos on his phone next to me the other day. I was in such a grumpy mood I told him to put headphones on or turn it off. I wouldn’t normally bother to say anything tbh but yeh, was tired! Tbf, he turned it off 😂
An excellent, informative video, really enjoyed it,
Thanks Alan, appreciate you taking the time to comment 😊👍
Great video thanks.
Thanks for watching 😊
I did the same journey on the night before the Queens funeral. There are some similarities - the bus was late and the coach station was absolutely heaving. We left about 10.50 and I booked 2A and when we got to Heathrow someone got on and said they had booked it too so this seems like a longstanding issue with no resolution in sight, something I find baffling as they obviously know all about it. I think it was the same drivers who were very professional and, from memory we reached Edinburgh a bit early.
I travelled back the next day on the train and there was a problem on the line and I had to get out at York and change at Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham. Just about managed to get the last train out of London so it was not a happy experience.
Sounds a bit stressful all round tbh. Mind you I reckon it’s a bit of a risk booking 2A and getting on at Heathrow knowing the majority of passengers would already be on the coach and if no-one’s already booked it, someone will chance their arm sitting in that seat!
Great vid from you. I love coaches. Main reason coach travel is 'popular' is because its cheap. Most people are on a budget and the train is not a viable alternative. Thanks
Hi Keith, thanks for the kind words. I’m certainly getting a bit more used to coach travel and yes cost is the primary consideration isn’t it. I think I may have said in previous videos, if you have the time, just relax and it’ll get you there eventually 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Thanks a lot. I have lnly just fund you. Been following Steve Marsh and the nice guy on Planes, Trains, Everything for a while. Now its Let;s Make a Trip.
I went to see the Le Man 24 hour race via an organised coach trip from Victoria station. Going was ok, bit cramped, but soon had plenty of time walking around the race track. Suring the night some of us wandered back to the coach which had been left open so we could get a few winks. Return trip went ok but once home, within an hour or so my legs had swollen up like balloons and walking was extremely uncomfortable. I've never travelled by coach since!
Sounds painful! Yep the thing with coach travel is you don’t get much opportunity to stretch your legs and the trains always going to have the advantage there. Those kind of organised trips would be good on coaches with tables/bunks. But gets expensive then doesn’t it.
If you do it from Birmingham you can go east or west coast but I don't know if you can from London it may just be west.The west coast might originate in London and goes to Edinburgh via Glasgow the east coast comes from Bournemouth and I occasionally got it from Oxford to Newcastle and goes to Glasgow via Edinburgh.
The times I've gone from London now it's been up the M6. I thought they might use the M1 to Edinburgh but I leave it to the coach company as they know what they're doing and the driver change may be one of the reasons why they do it the way they do.
The 591 runs from London to Edinburgh via the M1 and Newcastle. Unfortunately the Bournemouth to Edinburgh coach has been discontinued. Just runs Birmingham to Edinburgh or Glasgow
I used mega bus and national express before. Megabus was awful, everything you said and a 10 minute stop with no toilet on board for the whole trip. NX was comfortable, clean, had a toilet and included 2 30 minute stops at services.
Agree, but if I could guarantee it was a branded Megabus up to Scotland maybe it wouldn’t be so bad? But yep, given the choice, NX every time 👍
Bruces coaches. Good set of lads.
Hi Dave, yep sorry these were the guys operating the route yep - thought he drivers were really good. Patient, which I guess you need to be with some passengers!
Jimmy was on this trip. He needs to be in more videos and say more.
He was, I’ll pass on your comments 😊
Don't know why faux leather seats are so popular on public transport nowadays - in my opinion at least it's never as comfortable as traditional wool moquette.
Thelad next to you seemed a nice fella. Does make a dfference if your travelling neighbours are nice.
Hi Keith, I very rarely travel with anyone tbh but I agree it does help if you have nice neighbours. In this case, that was Jimmy who’d come up to London for the ride. He’s in one or two of my other videos, a nice guy I met through doing TH-cam.
Your vids are very good to watch 🍻 subbed.
Thanks KK, I hope you enjoy your time here 😊
I've recently started using National Express and copped the 2A seat whilst I sat the opposite side behind the driver. My next trip, I booked that seat but sadly got put on an 'overflow' bus without reservation, NationalExpress were happy to refund my £3 seat reservation fee but I am yet to enjoy the 2A seat!
Due to tomorrow on my return trip though! X
Well you had a bit of bad luck last time Jenna but I hope you’re more successful tomorrow. Have a great trip 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip can confirm 2A is a great seat... ps: there are USB sockets for these seats under the seat!
@@jengetsherlifetogether 👍 sounds like you enjoyed it! Thanks for the tip re: the usb sockets btw, I’ll look out for them next time 😊
I forgot to leave a comment on this one!! Great review as I thought it would be! Reliving this journey makes my back ache though!! 😂 Hope we can do it again soon, but something nicer and shorter.. oh and not overnight please!! 😂
Hey Jimmy, no worries, it's only been out a couple of days! Appreciate your support (and company on this trip). I think the hovercraft may be a thing for next year sometime! Cheers mate.
at the end of he day it doesn't matter what you pay, the point is you have paid for a long distance journey and you should expect a decent trip, like ie comfy seats, maybe a stop off to stretch your legs and helpful staff
Totally agree👍
I'll be travelling to Edinburgh from London and was looking at these overnight coaches for my trip. Since I am travelling for the first time wanted to know is it safe for solo travelers to opt these overnight coaches or are the coaches that go out during the day better?
Hi Shilpa, personally I’d do it in the day now I’ve experienced both. Not that it’s particularly unsafe at night but I struggle with the sleep deprivation aspect. With National Express, if you did travel at night, I would book the seat behind or very close to the driver if you wanted extra reassurance.
I got kicked out of the seat for people with mobility issues, when I travelled with NA, because they wanted to put a suitcase in the space! I explained that I had mobility issues, evidenced by my walking stick and was told I still had to move, as it was the only space they had available!
Not good! Couldn’t they have put it down the side then the person in seat 2A could’ve used it as a footrest. You should complain Wanda - the person in front of us had mobility issues and she was made very welcome to sit there by the drivers.
Lovely video, glad you reviewed this trip! Just a suggestion but could you possibly review the Oxford Tube coach service? It runs between London and Oxford. Once again lovely video, I liked!
Hello Mr Supersperm! Yes someone else mentioned the Oxford Tube. Probably be next year now but I will get round to it yes.
I'm on the coach and it looked like that nobody else reserved a seat (probably as soon that 2A has been taken nobody else reserves a seat)
Would be interesting to know if these reservations are available on all journeys on the route or if it just depends on the coach used. Doing the opposite leg from Edinburgh back to London in March I haven't been given an option to reserve seats so looking forward to a free for all 😂
That’s interesting. I assumed with National Express there’s always the option to reserve the front few rows (it’s extra cash for them). I guess you just need to be near the front of the queue mate. Good luck! 😊👍
I commented on the Megabus trip, so I had to this time. You are such a glutton for punishment. Full respect for doing it not just once, but twice. Great video though, and glad that you had a better experience this time.
Cheers Steven and thanks for commenting again - much appreciated! I don’t know if I’ll be doing anymore overnighters quite yet - viewing figures are good though so never say never! It was definitely better with National Express 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip How about you go crazy then. I'm not sure if they still run, because I haven't been in and out of Victoria for a few years now, but there were services out of that coach station to Paris, and to Poland. (I've just checked) Autokarpolska from London Vic to Centrum 15, Poland, 4 times a week. Around £60 and it takes an eye watering 27hrs 30mins. Then there's Flixbus, Blablabus and Infobus from London Vic to Paris, France running every 30mins between them in the morning, every hour or so during the afternoon, and simultaneous services in the evening. Priced at between £30-£50. I couldn't tell you what they are like. You know you're tempted though hahaha Journey time to Paris (9-10hrs)
@@stevenmacdonald9619 I’ve never heard of Autokarpolska tbh but yeh, I’ll look them up. Not sure I’m tough enough for that one though 😵💫. The Paris thing I probably will do at some point and I think there are plenty of options. Ultimately, I think there’ll be plenty more coach trips coming up - for better or worse!
hello, is one stored luggage (20kgs) included in the price ticket for adult? thanks
Hi, tbh Nash I always advise with this kind of thing to check the National Express website. It will all be detailed on there.
As a Scot 50 pence is too
Expensive for a cattle truck
Journey.
Got a good thumb lol 😁
Haha, I've never hitched in the UK but in Ireland used to do it quite a bit. Don't see that many these days, I guess it's a sign of the times.