The NE is an amazing service now. I used to make the London to Glasgow journey around 15 times a year back in the 90s and it was hell. Cramped, full of smoke and the bus would overheat like a tin can. Took the journey recently after a 20 year break and I was vastly impressed. Boy has it moved on since then
Bad memories for me. Vic to Edinburgh with NE in the 90s. Midnight bus. Stank of backed up toilet even before we left. The stewardess came up the stairs and asked me to put my shoes back on! Unbelievable stupidity. Haven't used them since. Glad to hear they've improved.
They're very generous on leg rooms. And their bus have toilets on it too, so when you're in need you don't have to wait till you reach those service stations. There is one thing to note regarding the toilet. If this is long journey or a return journey (I mean back to Victoria or the bus's home depot), the tap in there can run out of water. So a bottle of water to wash your hands will be handy.
When I was a student, I used National Express almost every week from 1987 to about 1998 - mainly travelling on the London to Birmingham route (for 6 years) and then from Cambridge to Birmingham (5 years). In the late '80's - they were still doing the tea trolley and video on the Rapide coaches. I loved the double decker Rapide coaches - they were luxurious - blue velour seats and carpets. All the London to B'ham coaches had a toilet. The Cambridge to B'ham coaches were single deckers, a bit more spartan - and the journey was much longer (3 hours!). Anyway - it was cheap, reliable and stress-free.
i remember those days! the 525 to newcastle, gallowgate. the stewardess that came along with the trolley of sweets and drinks. shame they no longer do that
I always use National Express when travelling between London and any other city in England. The buses are comfortable and I have never had a single issue with the service. I will do the London-Glasgow route someday.
I do love the coach journey vlog's. It enables me to reminice about my non stop over journeys to Spain from Hull in the 80s with siesta travel. 33 hours with the occasional service station stop, and ferry crossing.
I travelled by coach from London to Munich, was a 24 hour ride but as I was under 25 at the time the cost was a big saving. I think then it worked out being something like £35. For what it was, a fantastic service, truly an experience I will never forget. I will do it again.
I've done return trips from Newcastle to London, Nottingham, Cardiff and Manchester (several times). Never had an issue. Tickets are always clear. The buses clean, the seats comfy and the traveling fine. Every aspect is 100% brilliant and far cheaper than the overrated and overpriced trains. No wonder on many videos I've seen recently about travelling on trains up and down the country, more than half the seats are empty
I travel between Scotland and England regularly, 2-4 times a month. And I've recently used a coach. I'm afraid I'll take the train every time. Its so much faster for the journeys I do (Retford to Perth) by HOURS not minutes. And it's far comfier. Horses fo course and each to their own though.
@@typhoon-7 I'm with you on this Mike. I go to Inverness 4 times a year, and for me the only way is by the overnight sleeper. I always arrive totally refreshed.
@@BibtheBoulder I'm thinking of taking the sleeper to fort William next year for my birthday. How does it compare now to the older stock? Better or worse?
Here is a tip for you on the national express coaches. On the drivers side towards the back of the bus, their are 2 seats with more legroom. Because of the toilet on the other side, their is enough room on that side for an extra row of seats but not enough room for 2 extra rows. If you don't believe me check it out next time you are on one of their coaches.
I know a few drivers on the National Express coaches and also some of the Mega bus drivers. My hubby is a bus driver in the west midlands 🙂. We have used national express coaches many times and they never let us down, always fair priced travel. All the best on your future travels my friend! Look forward to all of your new uploads 🙂
I use the National Express often, doing a Swansea - Birmingham run a few weeks back only cost me just under £10, it'd been treble that amount in fuel if I'd driven instead. Plus my son loves a "coach trip" on the National Express every so often too. Again, the price for 1adult and 1 child for the journey still works out cheaper than it would for petrol if taking the car.
I tried this for the first time the other night. Overall the quality of service is excellent. The driver and his colleagues were very friendly. Everything ran to time. Indeed we arrived into Glasgow early. Apparently our bus was one of the older fleet - but it was fine. Was assured the new fleet is better. I managed to acquire the desirable seat 2A. Thanks for the tip Scott. (Incidentally, seat 2A on the new fleet also has the best leg room.) I have no hesitation in recommending it. My only problem was that I could not sleep. It doesn’t matter if I use a train or plane, I cannot settle properly.
National Express's hidden jewel must be the quality and professionalism of their Driving Crews. Travelling from Portsmouth to Glasgow via Victoria Coach Station (on the day coach) my Coach got caught up in a traffic jam and was running slightly late but the driver called through to Dispatch at Victoria Departures explaining my position and where he was currently, keeping them informed all the way to Arrivals. On running (then I could do it!) to Departures across the road I arrived at the Stance to find the Coach had departed the Stance but had pulled in to the side nearby. On arriving breathless at the Coach I came across a smiling driver who said, "we knew you were coming" before taking my bag and stowing it in the hold". Brilliant Operators.
Your videos are always great, discovered your channel by accident, many years ago (early 2000’s) I was a driver for parks of Hamilton (based in Rochdale) doing national express services, we just had the neoplan skyliners when I started and I used to do Manchester airport to Aberdeen service, I’d go as far as Hamilton and then another driver took over from there to continue to Aberdeen, it seems like the modern day national express isn’t too bad at all, I don’t think I could do that job now but like how it works, keep up the great content, it’s just simple easy to understand and no nonsense, I really like that, all the best.
National Express will always beat the train on price. The coach from Whitehaven to London was ended by the pandemic, but when it ran, the fare was a third of what Virgin quoted and the coaches were quite nice.
I used to use that service. The 570 between Birmingham, Digbeth & Cockermouth Main Street to visit my Grandad & stay at his for a few days. It was always a pleasant journey between Birmingham & Cockermouth & back. Rapide service in the 90s too with coffee, tea & snacks served on board. & I was a smoker back then so Preston was my ciggie stop. So doesn't the 570 run anymore then? It may have been temporarily suspended like a lot of coach services because of the pandemic. But I'm pretty sure that the 570 London to Whitehaven service is running again now isn't it?
In 2002 I did Edinburgh to Penzance with National Express. The bus drivers were shocked that we were going all the way. 19 & 1/2 hours on the one coach leaving at 9:30pm & arriving into Penzance at 5pm. The worst part was when it was morning & realising that there was still hours & hours to go.
As a person with mobility issues I always ring ahead time and book one of the front seats as I need the leg room because of my spinal injury/surgery. Sitting for long periods of time is difficult.N express have been very good to me
National Express is great! I haven't taken a very long route, as I do London - Stansted Airport and Stansted to London, but always find it very comfortable and always manage to sleep a bit!
A long time ago (1983) I travelled with Stagecoach from Glasgow to London overnight. We stopped near Preston where you could get out and have a coffee, and had another stop at Toddington services. Slept for an hour or two. Can't remember how much I paid, maybe a fiver each way, but it was a good trip.
Remember getting national express from Manchester airport to Glasgow, Way back in 1994, Everything going to plan except old lady next to me would not shut up, sat window seat above the left back tyres, Looking out of window on the M6 towards Carlisle at 2am, I saw a massive tyre fly past the window and bounce into the field. Then the bus started swaying side to side doing 70mph. It was the second wheel coming off, how the bus driver controlled it to slow down from lane 3 to the lay-by I don't no. If it was day time it would have been different story. Replacement bus after 2 hours standing by the motorway then a taxi from Buchanan Street to kilbirnie never forget. But hail the driver 🙏
In the late 70's and 80's I worked for the Scottish Bus Group at a depot in Arbroath. We had a responsibility as a depot to provide a second driver for coaches from Aberdeen to London. The vehicles we used were without doubt the most comfortable for passengers of the many types I drove and travelled on. The chassis and driving position were old Leyland Leopards and were pretty tough so since they were running at 70mph for most of the time were very low-stressed. The body was built by Alexanders works in Edinburgh and the seats were huge. To start with there were only I think 42 or 44 seats which meant plenty of legroom. The seats themselves were very well padded and relatively soft and for me the best aspect was that the headrest wrapped around your head. With the soft cushioning it stopped your head rolling around so sleep was easy. The toilet was in the rear corner and also had plenty of room - for the teenage child who managed to get himself locked in. I still bear the scar from trying to break in to free him... The replacement vehicles looked nice from the outside but were much harder on the passengers feeble pink bodies so sleep was more difficult.
Wow...I remember those buses...they used to go past the end of my road every night on their way to join the M1...always wondered what it would be like to travel on them. They certainly looked special!
@@AntonyLvids We used to issue every passenger with a travel blanket for the journey. Always got most of them back too! People appreciated the effort we made to keep them comfortable back then.
I do think you could have done a bridge piece between the start and and end of your journey. Maybe you could have shown what it was like in the motorway services the coach stopped at for example. Just a minute of that would have be long enough.
Last time I got the bus from Glasgow to London was for a U2 Gig, possibly 1997 ish Was ok going down but nightmare coming home, pretty sure it was with Citylink Most drivers on those buses are extremely experienced drivers who sadly don't get the credit they deserve.
I sometimes got the National Express to and from uni (this was about 10 years ago now). I discovered it was cheaper if you went mid-week and bought a ticket from the start point to the end point. What I used to do though was (in London) get off 1 or 2 stops early near an overground station which meant I got home quicker. In relation to coaches the Caetano Levante the drivers always used to say 'These are a piece of plastic, uncomfortable to sit in - we prefered the Scania irzia's.' Megabus used to do a Gold Sleeper service to Scotland. They don't do that any more but it would have been nice to try.
Thanks Scott. I've only been on an overnight coach once in 1985, London Victoria to Glasgow. Looks like the coaches are much more modern now. I want to get to Edinburgh and may give NE a try, if I don't like it I can gly back to Gatwick. I enjoy your videos, keep them coming
I´ve used NE a lot of times to London either from Stansted or Luton airports, recencely I took NE to Bournemouth, Portsmouth and once to Plymouth and never had any issue. Good prices, comfortable buses, good ride.
Top tip usually if you go to rear of coach and sit by emergency exit door usually drivers side, Or offside , depending on vehicle they do vary, seats are removed by emergency door to allow for access, so you get huge space in front of you. ( yes I drive them for my job) unlimited leg room, although like I say vehicles do vary a little….
Have done the 595 London-Glasgow route a fair few times now. I always manage to get some sleep, I have never had a delay on any of the coaches and the drivers are always so friendly! NE do coach cards for some (young persons, disabled and pensioners I believe) and I pretty much made my money back in the first trip - well worth looking into if you use NE often!
10 years ago I swore I'd never get on a NE bus again - some kid threw up in the aisle, spent the 4 hour journey on a hot bus with the smell. I'm using it in a few weeks to Scotland so this has made me feel better. £30 direct, where train was £90 and I had to change 3 times.
I use them when going to London from Bristol - it's less than half the price of taking a train. Last time I went, NE was about £20 return and the train was £60. Edit: I forgot to say, NE coaches often have around 4 seats at the front and upstairs with more room and tables. It costs a little more, but it's not usually much extra.
I'm 6'3" and have no trouble at all on all the National Express coaches, plenty of leg room on all of the seats ..wifi and a usb point to keep your phone charged ,,I travel at least once a month to London and every 6 weeks down to Torquay and you can't beat them ..a bit slower than the train but the cost saving is substantial....off round the UK again with them nexxt week!
I relied on the National Express heavily when I lived in Manchester and had to visit my mum in Brighton . It was nice to see Victoria Coach Station again in this video , but I am very glad to be back home and not need the service anymore. But bless them , they saved me from shocking train fares .
@@s125ish No , there is a change at Victoria . Towards the end they were making me wait two hours between coaches in London ( if I travelled at my favourite times ).
In the late sixties, early seventies I traveled from Edinburgh to London every summer. It would take about 12 hours, no motorway then on the A1. Usually at least one puncture on the trip. Always remember passing a RAF base, I think in Yorkshire, with many V bombers on the base.
Bruce 1956. You must have been really unlucky to experience punctures on trips. I used the Night Eastern Scottish services between London & Edinburgh extensively in the mid 70's to mid 80's and yes, it was a 12 hour trip each way. But reliability was key to their success and I never experienced any issues. There were route variations through England but centred on the A1 then then with the opening of the Motorways, new routes used the M1 / M6 then using the A Roads linking Scottish Border towns. The fare then was £3 return!
About 8 years ago I had a car delivery job and I delivered a vehicle to the Norwich area coach depot. They sorted me out with a free ride back to London which was excellent sat behind the driver to learn the route!
The trouble with overnight to Manchester is the distance is quite short so the busses tend to stop quite a bit so they don’t arrive too early. I picked Megabus, with an extra leg room seat for £2 which should make for a more comfortable journey, as it stops the least. I am taking National Express on the way down as it virtually runs non stop during the daytime.
I did this trip three weeks ago though we only had one break at Knutsford for half an hour , still a good trip with National express I enjoy traveling with them.
I’ll be working for NX in a few weeks. Moving over from bus driving. Am looking forward to a new adventure, driving these nice vehicles and meeting nice people. I’ve traveled as a passenger on NX. They are lovely coaches and really cosy at night with the interior low lighting.
Thanks for your video and hard work. When NX are good they are very good, and cheaper than our overpriced rip-off rail services. You can't move around very much on a coach, and if you're travelling with shall we say 'iffy' passengers, it's no fun at all. Keeping rehydrated and some food, headphones, and a book are absolutely recommended for coach travel. They don't make it easy to complain, but you're guaranteed to get where you're going for a good price with NX. And in the past they've issued replacement train tickets when they were at fault. Tip, in case you lose your ticket: write down your ticket reference number maybe on your mobile. You may need it.
A friend of mine once travelled overnight from London to Glasgow with NX.Let's just say the trip was "eventful". InGlasgow his travelling companion bought a Celtic scarf and unknowingly wore it in a Rangers-supporting part of the city, which wasn't appreciated. With coach travel you have to weigh up the pros and cons. It's usually cheaper than the train, but the journeys usually take longer, there's less flexibility regarding tickets and there's usually fewer departures than the equivalent train service.
@@geoffpoole483 Fair comments. You just can't get away from bad passengers, and NX journey times have increased considerably since the pandemic. On another point the rates of Covid are shooting up again in UK (June-July 2022). One would hope that wearing masks is compulsory on board all coaches.
I’ve just come to watch this video, personally doing both journeys on megabus and nx, I find that megabus is cheaper, the busses are quiter. Nx tends to be noisy, cramped and the coaches have often been dirty and smelly. Either way it gets you a-b. Great video as usual 😊
I recommend national express I've traveled many times between Coventry and Basingstoke and found it an enjoyable experience every time. Good value at under £20 return! 👍👍
Great video, I tried Magabus & National Express, and think National Express tend to be better, but that's in part due to people are using Megabus due to it being generally cheaper, so different clientele.
Wow I used to do this travel 20 years ago it was £25 open return back then, always had a pleasant journey , tea trolleys and sandwiches available, 2 stops for 30-45mins each , National Express 👍🏻
Many Memories! Given that I worked in the Industry for many many years! All before privatation of local NBC bus companies, and then of Course actually National Express.... We were innovators back in the day!
We took a Megabus coach once from London to Glasgow. We left Victoria Coach Station at 9.30am and had a pie each from Gregg's. The bus did not make any stops and it took the coastal route via Newcastle! We had thought the bus would make rest stops. It stopped for a few minutes in Newcastle to drop off and pick up passengers. And worst of all was it ended its trip in Edinburgh!! We had to hop on another bus for the remainder of the journey! The entire ordeal lasted us 11 hours. No food, and we finished our water midway through the journey. Terrible part was we could see the drivers eating and drinking when they were being replaced. Ain't taking a Megabus anymore. Recently I travelled from London to Glasgow on a National Express. Was pleasant. The bus stopped for rest twice.
This is decent I suppose. Last time I used National Express (which was just London Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport) it had the tatty fabric seats like you find on the London Underground and it was somewhat cramped, but I do find it so disappointing that there is nothing more akin to the seats on the Eurostar for a reasonable price. Scott, you should check out the LUX coaches that go between Poland and Estonia. I went on the LUX Lounge between Riga and Tallinn in 2018 and it puts all UK public transport into sharp perspective. Plush lazyboy style recliner seats with a leg rest, a screen in the back of the seat with movies and music, a headset, complimentary water and cereal bar and free coffee on board. I promise even you will be able to fall asleep on them - and it only cost 20 Euros one way for a 4 and a half hour journey! I really don't know why the UK has nothing like those, and if it did I'm sure they would be charging £100+ with a straight face.
Travis: Agreed....back in the 1970s I travelled by coach from London to Edinburgh. It took 11 hours and the seats were very cramped. There was no on-board toilet and the coach only made one "rest stop".....at Doncaster !!
I used to do this journey frequently, like twice a month, as I was dating a girl in Glasgow who was from Norwich (where I live). I also traveled from Norwich to Cambridge by train and from Cambridge London Victoria by NatEx coach, changing at Victoria before heading up to Glasgow. I did this twice a month (sometimes 3 times) for well over a year! All for the princely sum of £36 return each time (before travel card discount)
I have used this many times between LHR and Glasgow----they have a National Express card for different age groups ie Senior etc. I agree seat 2A or B is the only way to go. I find the other seats a little cramped regarding leg room and I am not tall. They have several breaks along the way when you can have coffee. The price is great compared to air or train prices. The trick is to book as early as possible, pay extra to reserve your seat.
I generally don't like coach travel (although been to Spain on the coach a few times) as I suffer from toilet anxiety. However used the National Express from Manchester to Birmingham and back a few weeks ago and I could not fault the service. Both were on time but going it was very busy due to the strain strike on that day. It helped that both Manchester and Birmingham have a proper national express station so lots o staff around if there is any delays etc. I would never use Megabus again as I had too many bad experiences with it. I have used Flixbus in Europe on a couple of journeys with no issues.
I've no problems with coach travel either, and used it a lot before Covid struck. But even before that National Express were withdrawing services and coach routes that had been around since forever, and no-one has stepped in to replace them. Discussing the loss of two services in Kent with a NE driver on the very last day they ran in 2019 (London to Whitstable and Herne Bay and London to Maidstone, Ashford and Folkestone) he said he could not believe it, they used to be such busy coaches and still had respectable passenger numbers despite no attempt at marketing. In Scotland the 2 daily NE/Ulsterbus services from Belfast, Stranraer and Dumfries to London were reduced to a single daily night service in both directions - never popular, and have now gone completely.
@@s125ish I used to work for National Excuse head office and had a free pass, which I used every week down to Dover. The first 020 (Bluewater, Canterbury, Dover) was always packed. I tried to avoid the 021; I don't know how close these match the current services, but they were great. Then I passed my PSV and ended up driving them. But by then you could see the rot had really set in and where we were used to the better coaches, we ended up with Scotland's hand-me-downs, ageing Volvo B10s usually and the loadings were pitiful.
I don't know about the most recent batches of Levantes, but the earlier ones of 5-8??? years ago were horrible to travel in; the (false) leather seats at just the right angle to make sure you keep sliding off them, nothing to lean on. My one experience from London to Glasgow was so bad that I got off at Carlisle and waited for the first train of the day. PS I used to drive National Express 20 odd years ago. I loved it- the best job in the industry, even better than touring. But that was in the days of B10 Expressliners. PPS I heard a rumour that one Nat Ex Levante has actually been seen operating without its front fog lamps turned on. A miracle...
Great video. I always use seat 1B myself as I get ample legroom a great view and a chance to interact with the amazing coach drivers of Bruce coaches of salsbrough who operate most of the Scotland-England routes onbehalf of national express
Great videos Scott. I watched with curiosity as I could never face such a coach journey, even todays awful trains are more appealing for me anyway. As the Caledonian service is so bad maybe there’s an opportunity for an overnight sleeper coach service with lay flat seats/bunks as they have here in Asia. I’m sure Nat Express could charge double for a lay flat experience. You’re a hardened traveler Scott.. 👏
Actually, Megabus ran a Gold Sleeper service, running overnigh, both ways, between London and Glasgow from 2013 to 2017. I travelled on it twice and was favourably impressed. Bunks were provided in either Single or twin formation, on two levels. Each bunk had a privacy curtain on the central corridor side plus window curtains to block out lighting outside, a reading light and charge points for devices.It was rather comfortable too. On boarding, there was a small bag issued by the crew, consisting of a bottle of mineral water, and a snack item such as a Muffin. In the day time, the bunks were converted into seats, as the vehicles were used on more normal Megabus routes for the day. Conversion of the seats back into bunks apparently only took the crew about 45-60 minutes. The vehicles used were Van Hool double deckers, with the bunks on the upper deck, whilst recliner seats plus toilets were on the lower level. These routes finished in 2017, as demand had dropped to such a low level making the service unviable to continue, but the coaches continued on major Intercity Coach routes across Scotland for a few years; they may even be running still with Stagecoach or Megabus operations.
Thanks for this video! I've actually just booked a long trip from Dundee to Cardiff, using National Express for Glasgow to London and London to Edinburgh on your recommendation. It was only a few pound more and I got seat 2A too. Hoping for a better trip (and quieter clientele) than the Megabus.
Excellent bit of advice that pal, I've used megabus quite alot over the last few years and I'm 6'4" so yeah a bit cramped. I will definitely be giving National Express a go 👍
Great value for money and they are usually on time give or take a few mins. Easy to get on and off as well, drivers I have encountered have all been great and easy to talk too. Love National Express !
i love the national express cos i feel like wherever i go i can express myself nationally
take your upvote and leave.
😂😂
I hate everything about this. Take a like and sod off
Does the floor have carpets?
Nice one 😂
The NE is an amazing service now. I used to make the London to Glasgow journey around 15 times a year back in the 90s and it was hell. Cramped, full of smoke and the bus would overheat like a tin can. Took the journey recently after a 20 year break and I was vastly impressed. Boy has it moved on since then
Not as many party's up the back?
Bad memories for me. Vic to Edinburgh with NE in the 90s. Midnight bus. Stank of backed up toilet even before we left. The stewardess came up the stairs and asked me to put my shoes back on! Unbelievable stupidity. Haven't used them since. Glad to hear they've improved.
I think national express is doing great job, one of best transport services in uk. Even on other seats there is still some space for legs.
They're very generous on leg rooms. And their bus have toilets on it too, so when you're in need you don't have to wait till you reach those service stations.
There is one thing to note regarding the toilet. If this is long journey or a return journey (I mean back to Victoria or the bus's home depot), the tap in there can run out of water. So a bottle of water to wash your hands will be handy.
@@chnet968 all long bus trips have toilets on board
@@josephodonnell8982 but mega bus toilet is clean.. National bus toilet is derty
@@parmjitsingh4560 on
@@chnet968 sxnxyexxn
I've travelled National Express from London to Birmingham. Ontime, good value and comfortable journey. As a tourist I think they're great.
When I was a student, I used National Express almost every week from 1987 to about 1998 - mainly travelling on the London to Birmingham route (for 6 years) and then from Cambridge to Birmingham (5 years). In the late '80's - they were still doing the tea trolley and video on the Rapide coaches. I loved the double decker Rapide coaches - they were luxurious - blue velour seats and carpets. All the London to B'ham coaches had a toilet. The Cambridge to B'ham coaches were single deckers, a bit more spartan - and the journey was much longer (3 hours!). Anyway - it was cheap, reliable and stress-free.
i remember those days! the 525 to newcastle, gallowgate. the stewardess that came along with the trolley of sweets and drinks. shame they no longer do that
I always use National Express when travelling between London and any other city in England. The buses are comfortable and I have never had a single issue with the service. I will do the London-Glasgow route someday.
I do love the coach journey vlog's. It enables me to reminice about my non stop over journeys to Spain from Hull in the 80s with siesta travel. 33 hours with the occasional service station stop, and ferry crossing.
National express doing a great job. Had a wonderful experience travelling From Cardiff to London.
My go-to service directly from Uni of Notts to London every other week!
Cheap and reliable!
I travelled by coach from London to Munich, was a 24 hour ride but as I was under 25 at the time the cost was a big saving. I think then it worked out being something like £35. For what it was, a fantastic service, truly an experience I will never forget. I will do it again.
I've done return trips from Newcastle to London, Nottingham, Cardiff and Manchester (several times). Never had an issue. Tickets are always clear. The buses clean, the seats comfy and the traveling fine. Every aspect is 100% brilliant and far cheaper than the overrated and overpriced trains. No wonder on many videos I've seen recently about travelling on trains up and down the country, more than half the seats are empty
Very sad that they cant make prices for trains more affordable. It will see the end of trains
I travel between Scotland and England regularly, 2-4 times a month. And I've recently used a coach. I'm afraid I'll take the train every time. Its so much faster for the journeys I do (Retford to Perth) by HOURS not minutes. And it's far comfier. Horses fo course and each to their own though.
@@typhoon-7 I'm with you on this Mike. I go to Inverness 4 times a year, and for me the only way is by the overnight sleeper. I always arrive totally refreshed.
Coach might be cheaper but it takes longer and less space
@@BibtheBoulder I'm thinking of taking the sleeper to fort William next year for my birthday. How does it compare now to the older stock? Better or worse?
Here is a tip for you on the national express coaches. On the drivers side towards the back of the bus, their are 2 seats with more legroom. Because of the toilet on the other side, their is enough room on that side for an extra row of seats but not enough room for 2 extra rows. If you don't believe me check it out next time you are on one of their coaches.
It's because it is the emergency exit door row
Unless I was really tall, I'd always avoid being next to the toilet door.
I know a few drivers on the National Express coaches and also some of the Mega bus drivers. My hubby is a bus driver in the west midlands 🙂. We have used national express coaches many times and they never let us down, always fair priced travel. All the best on your future travels my friend! Look forward to all of your new uploads 🙂
I use the National Express often, doing a Swansea - Birmingham run a few weeks back only cost me just under £10, it'd been treble that amount in fuel if I'd driven instead. Plus my son loves a "coach trip" on the National Express every so often too. Again, the price for 1adult and 1 child for the journey still works out cheaper than it would for petrol if taking the car.
I travel National Express every couple of weeks on the overnight London to Scotland service and they are so much better than the opposition.
I use the sleeper train. Always sleep like a log....
@@BibtheBoulder expensive now
@@s125ish Certainly not cheap, but you enjoy a far superior experience...
@@BibtheBoulder do you get a cabin or the seat?
I hitch hike the same driver picks me up he goes to Aberdeen to see his girlfriend I just buy him a coffee and sandwiches cost about £15 beat that !
Used the 2A tip for a rail-strike avoiding trip from Heathrow to South Wales this weekend - made the journey so much better - cheers.
I tried this for the first time the other night. Overall the quality of service is excellent. The driver and his colleagues were very friendly. Everything ran to time. Indeed we arrived into Glasgow early.
Apparently our bus was one of the older fleet - but it was fine. Was assured the new fleet is better.
I managed to acquire the desirable seat 2A. Thanks for the tip Scott. (Incidentally, seat 2A on the new fleet also has the best leg room.)
I have no hesitation in recommending it.
My only problem was that I could not sleep. It doesn’t matter if I use a train or plane, I cannot settle properly.
National Express's hidden jewel must be the quality and professionalism of their Driving Crews. Travelling from Portsmouth to Glasgow via Victoria Coach Station (on the day coach) my Coach got caught up in a traffic jam and was running slightly late but the driver called through to Dispatch at Victoria Departures explaining my position and where he was currently, keeping them informed all the way to Arrivals. On running (then I could do it!) to Departures across the road I arrived at the Stance to find the Coach had departed the Stance but had pulled in to the side nearby. On arriving breathless at the Coach I came across a smiling driver who said, "we knew you were coming" before taking my bag and stowing it in the hold". Brilliant Operators.
They are very courteous and professional, aren't they.
@@JK_Clark; Yes, 100% I would say.
Your videos are always great, discovered your channel by accident, many years ago (early 2000’s) I was a driver for parks of Hamilton (based in Rochdale) doing national express services, we just had the neoplan skyliners when I started and I used to do Manchester airport to Aberdeen service, I’d go as far as Hamilton and then another driver took over from there to continue to Aberdeen, it seems like the modern day national express isn’t too bad at all, I don’t think I could do that job now but like how it works, keep up the great content, it’s just simple easy to understand and no nonsense, I really like that, all the best.
National Express will always beat the train on price. The coach from Whitehaven to London was ended by the pandemic, but when it ran, the fare was a third of what Virgin quoted and the coaches were quite nice.
A lot of national express service s have been culled
That route should have them Japanese overnight coaches, so you can lie flat and sleep in relative comfort
@@v1v3k31 Megabus had sleeper coaches to Scotland
a lot of their shorter distance journeys are more expensive than trains I've discovered recently
I used to use that service. The 570 between Birmingham, Digbeth & Cockermouth Main Street to visit my Grandad & stay at his for a few days. It was always a pleasant journey between Birmingham & Cockermouth & back. Rapide service in the 90s too with coffee, tea & snacks served on board. & I was a smoker back then so Preston was my ciggie stop. So doesn't the 570 run anymore then? It may have been temporarily suspended like a lot of coach services because of the pandemic. But I'm pretty sure that the 570 London to Whitehaven service is running again now isn't it?
In 2002 I did Edinburgh to Penzance with National Express. The bus drivers were shocked that we were going all the way. 19 & 1/2 hours on the one coach leaving at 9:30pm & arriving into Penzance at 5pm. The worst part was when it was morning & realising that there was still hours & hours to go.
Epic! Well done!
They stopped that service now. Only run to Birmingham from Scotland
The service (once it gets brought back) is still the 332 & it goes from Edinburgh to Plymouth.
@@markmcniven2625 not sure if they are ever bringing back the Scotland to south coast and southwest services
@@s125ish They run to London
As a person with mobility issues I always ring ahead time and book one of the front seats as I need the leg room because of my spinal injury/surgery. Sitting for long periods of time is difficult.N express have been very good to me
National Express is great! I haven't taken a very long route, as I do London - Stansted Airport and Stansted to London, but always find it very comfortable and always manage to sleep a bit!
Love National Express... Many a Good Journey. Thank You.
A long time ago (1983) I travelled with Stagecoach from Glasgow to London overnight. We stopped near Preston where you could get out and have a coffee, and had another stop at Toddington services. Slept for an hour or two. Can't remember how much I paid, maybe a fiver each way, but it was a good trip.
Remember getting national express from Manchester airport to Glasgow, Way back in 1994, Everything going to plan except old lady next to me would not shut up, sat window seat above the left back tyres, Looking out of window on the M6 towards Carlisle at 2am, I saw a massive tyre fly past the window and bounce into the field. Then the bus started swaying side to side doing 70mph. It was the second wheel coming off, how the bus driver controlled it to slow down from lane 3 to the lay-by I don't no. If it was day time it would have been different story. Replacement bus after 2 hours standing by the motorway then a taxi from Buchanan Street to kilbirnie never forget. But hail the driver 🙏
In the late 70's and 80's I worked for the Scottish Bus Group at a depot in Arbroath. We had a responsibility as a depot to provide a second driver for coaches from Aberdeen to London.
The vehicles we used were without doubt the most comfortable for passengers of the many types I drove and travelled on. The chassis and driving position were old Leyland Leopards and were pretty tough so since they were running at 70mph for most of the time were very low-stressed. The body was built by Alexanders works in Edinburgh and the seats were huge. To start with there were only I think 42 or 44 seats which meant plenty of legroom. The seats themselves were very well padded and relatively soft and for me the best aspect was that the headrest wrapped around your head. With the soft cushioning it stopped your head rolling around so sleep was easy.
The toilet was in the rear corner and also had plenty of room - for the teenage child who managed to get himself locked in. I still bear the scar from trying to break in to free him...
The replacement vehicles looked nice from the outside but were much harder on the passengers feeble pink bodies so sleep was more difficult.
Wow...I remember those buses...they used to go past the end of my road every night on their way to join the M1...always wondered what it would be like to travel on them. They certainly looked special!
@@AntonyLvids We used to issue every passenger with a travel blanket for the journey. Always got most of them back too! People appreciated the effort we made to keep them comfortable back then.
I do think you could have done a bridge piece between the start and and end of your journey. Maybe you could have shown what it was like in the motorway services the coach stopped at for example. Just a minute of that would have be long enough.
And their drivers actually like and enjoy the driving, and having passengers too!
Some other companies don't!
🙂🙂🙂🙂
Last time I got the bus from Glasgow to London was for a U2 Gig, possibly 1997 ish
Was ok going down but nightmare coming home, pretty sure it was with Citylink
Most drivers on those buses are extremely experienced drivers who sadly don't get the credit they deserve.
Used to be Eastern Scottish and Western Scottish did the routes into the UK, when Scottish Bus Group was Nationalised
It wouldn't have been Citylink in 1997. The other options apart form National Express back then were Bruce's Londonliner and Silver Choice Coaches.
@@katbryce Old memory not the same lol
I sometimes got the National Express to and from uni (this was about 10 years ago now). I discovered it was cheaper if you went mid-week and bought a ticket from the start point to the end point. What I used to do though was (in London) get off 1 or 2 stops early near an overground station which meant I got home quicker. In relation to coaches the Caetano Levante the drivers always used to say 'These are a piece of plastic, uncomfortable to sit in - we prefered the Scania irzia's.' Megabus used to do a Gold Sleeper service to Scotland. They don't do that any more but it would have been nice to try.
A lovely , gentle video for a Sunday morning
Thanks Scott. I've only been on an overnight coach once in 1985, London Victoria to Glasgow. Looks like the coaches are much more modern now. I want to get to Edinburgh and may give NE a try, if I don't like it I can gly back to Gatwick.
I enjoy your videos, keep them coming
Done the seat 2A trick myself. It worked . Completely worth an extra £3 for a 7 1/2 hour journey.
I travelled two three time national bus very bored journey.. Now I traveld liner train London to edunburg great train great journey I love liner coach
I´ve used NE a lot of times to London either from Stansted or Luton airports, recencely I took NE to Bournemouth, Portsmouth and once to Plymouth and never had any issue. Good prices, comfortable buses, good ride.
Top tip usually if you go to rear of coach and sit by emergency exit door usually drivers side, Or offside , depending on vehicle they do vary, seats are removed by emergency door to allow for access, so you get huge space in front of you. ( yes I drive them for my job) unlimited leg room, although like I say vehicles do vary a little….
Have done the 595 London-Glasgow route a fair few times now. I always manage to get some sleep, I have never had a delay on any of the coaches and the drivers are always so friendly! NE do coach cards for some (young persons, disabled and pensioners I believe) and I pretty much made my money back in the first trip - well worth looking into if you use NE often!
10 years ago I swore I'd never get on a NE bus again - some kid threw up in the aisle, spent the 4 hour journey on a hot bus with the smell. I'm using it in a few weeks to Scotland so this has made me feel better. £30 direct, where train was £90 and I had to change 3 times.
I use them when going to London from Bristol - it's less than half the price of taking a train. Last time I went, NE was about £20 return and the train was £60.
Edit: I forgot to say, NE coaches often have around 4 seats at the front and upstairs with more room and tables. It costs a little more, but it's not usually much extra.
That seat has tons of legroom. 2A is a great tip for everyone!
So many memories of trips to Scotland and the North of England and using Scottish Citylink Anglo-Scottish services.
I'm 6'3" and have no trouble at all on all the National Express coaches, plenty of leg room on all of the seats ..wifi and a usb point to keep your phone charged ,,I travel at least once a month to London and every 6 weeks down to Torquay and you can't beat them ..a bit slower than the train but the cost saving is substantial....off round the UK again with them nexxt week!
Thanks for the upload, I find your cadence and videos in general very calming for some reason. Keep up the good work
Like how you can see the border in the road at 4:31 with the visible change in road standard...
I relied on the National Express heavily when I lived in Manchester and had to visit my mum in Brighton . It was nice to see Victoria Coach Station again in this video , but I am very glad to be back home and not need the service anymore. But bless them , they saved me from shocking train fares .
Was that a direct Brighton to Manchester service?
@@s125ish No , there is a change at Victoria . Towards the end they were making me wait two hours between coaches in London ( if I travelled at my favourite times ).
National Express coach for the journey
Coach interior looks nice - apart from the ghastly blue lights.
In the late sixties, early seventies I traveled from Edinburgh to London every summer. It would take about 12 hours, no motorway then on the A1. Usually at least one puncture on the trip. Always remember passing a RAF base, I think in Yorkshire, with many V bombers on the base.
A1 road perhaps you meant?
The only Yorkshire airfield visible from a trunk road was RAF Dishforth, right near to the A1.
Bruce 1956. You must have been really unlucky to experience punctures on trips. I used the Night Eastern Scottish services between London & Edinburgh extensively in the mid 70's to mid 80's and yes, it was a 12 hour trip each way. But reliability was key to their success and I never experienced any issues. There were route variations through England but centred on the A1 then then with the opening of the Motorways, new routes used the M1 / M6 then using the A Roads linking Scottish Border towns. The fare then was £3 return!
@@s125ish yes, fat fingers 😎
@@the_once-and-future_king. did they have V bombers based there.
About 8 years ago I had a car delivery job and I delivered a vehicle to the Norwich area coach depot.
They sorted me out with a free ride back to London which was excellent sat behind the driver to learn the route!
That was surprisingly relaxing to watch.
The trouble with overnight to Manchester is the distance is quite short so the busses tend to stop quite a bit so they don’t arrive too early. I picked Megabus, with an extra leg room seat for £2 which should make for a more comfortable journey, as it stops the least. I am taking National Express on the way down as it virtually runs non stop during the daytime.
Assumedly at least some of that extra time is also to cover for any diversions/roadworks etc?
I did this trip three weeks ago though we only had one break at Knutsford for half an hour , still a good trip with National express I enjoy traveling with them.
Traveled to Bradford ..best service from National Express
Did Leeds to Stockport many times as a kid…..loved them
I’ll be working for NX in a few weeks. Moving over from bus driving. Am looking forward to a new adventure, driving these nice vehicles and meeting nice people. I’ve traveled as a passenger on NX. They are lovely coaches and really cosy at night with the interior low lighting.
Thanks for your video and hard work. When NX are good they are very good, and cheaper than our overpriced rip-off rail services. You can't move around very much on a coach, and if you're travelling with shall we say 'iffy' passengers, it's no fun at all. Keeping rehydrated and some food, headphones, and a book are absolutely recommended for coach travel. They don't make it easy to complain, but you're guaranteed to get where you're going for a good price with NX. And in the past they've issued replacement train tickets when they were at fault. Tip, in case you lose your ticket: write down your ticket reference number maybe on your mobile. You may need it.
A friend of mine once travelled overnight from London to Glasgow with NX.Let's just say the trip was "eventful". InGlasgow his travelling companion bought a Celtic scarf and unknowingly wore it in a Rangers-supporting part of the city, which wasn't appreciated. With coach travel you have to weigh up the pros and cons. It's usually cheaper than the train, but the journeys usually take longer, there's less flexibility regarding tickets and there's usually fewer departures than the equivalent train service.
@@geoffpoole483 Fair comments. You just can't get away from bad passengers, and NX journey times have increased considerably since the pandemic. On another point the rates of Covid are shooting up again in UK (June-July 2022). One would hope that wearing masks is compulsory on board all coaches.
I’ve just come to watch this video, personally doing both journeys on megabus and nx, I find that megabus is cheaper, the busses are quiter. Nx tends to be noisy, cramped and the coaches have often been dirty and smelly. Either way it gets you a-b. Great video as usual 😊
I recommend national express I've traveled many times between Coventry and Basingstoke and found it an enjoyable experience every time. Good value at under £20 return! 👍👍
Great video, I tried Magabus & National Express, and think National Express tend to be better, but that's in part due to people are using Megabus due to it being generally cheaper, so different clientele.
Wow I used to do this travel 20 years ago it was £25 open return back then, always had a pleasant journey , tea trolleys and sandwiches available, 2 stops for 30-45mins each , National Express 👍🏻
Good looking Bus seats looked real comfortable always love your adventures 😁😁😁💟
I always want to go on a long coach / train journey for the day . I'm in London . I love nice scenery of places . £21.50 feels cheap
Great price and a new bus looked way more comfortable than i thought
I use the same seat for my trips,,, loads of leg room 👍
Many Memories! Given that I worked in the Industry for many many years! All before privatation of local NBC bus companies, and then of Course actually National Express.... We were innovators back in the day!
We took a Megabus coach once from London to Glasgow. We left Victoria Coach Station at 9.30am and had a pie each from Gregg's. The bus did not make any stops and it took the coastal route via Newcastle! We had thought the bus would make rest stops. It stopped for a few minutes in Newcastle to drop off and pick up passengers. And worst of all was it ended its trip in Edinburgh!! We had to hop on another bus for the remainder of the journey! The entire ordeal lasted us 11 hours. No food, and we finished our water midway through the journey. Terrible part was we could see the drivers eating and drinking when they were being replaced. Ain't taking a Megabus anymore. Recently I travelled from London to Glasgow on a National Express. Was pleasant. The bus stopped for rest twice.
Thank you for all your work. When I get myself organised, i
This is decent I suppose. Last time I used National Express (which was just London Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport) it had the tatty fabric seats like you find on the London Underground and it was somewhat cramped, but I do find it so disappointing that there is nothing more akin to the seats on the Eurostar for a reasonable price. Scott, you should check out the LUX coaches that go between Poland and Estonia. I went on the LUX Lounge between Riga and Tallinn in 2018 and it puts all UK public transport into sharp perspective. Plush lazyboy style recliner seats with a leg rest, a screen in the back of the seat with movies and music, a headset, complimentary water and cereal bar and free coffee on board. I promise even you will be able to fall asleep on them - and it only cost 20 Euros one way for a 4 and a half hour journey! I really don't know why the UK has nothing like those, and if it did I'm sure they would be charging £100+ with a straight face.
Nice video, u look very rested at the end, good for u, love your videos, lol.
Wow. They look a lot better than the old cramped seats with fuzzy covering type that I last went on - about 30 years ago
Travis: Agreed....back in the 1970s I travelled by coach from London to Edinburgh. It took 11 hours and the seats were very cramped. There was no on-board toilet and the coach only made one "rest stop".....at Doncaster !!
@@paganphil100 Ooof not good!
I used to do this journey frequently, like twice a month, as I was dating a girl in Glasgow who was from Norwich (where I live). I also traveled from Norwich to Cambridge by train and from Cambridge London Victoria by NatEx coach, changing at Victoria before heading up to Glasgow. I did this twice a month (sometimes 3 times) for well over a year! All for the princely sum of £36 return each time (before travel card discount)
I have used this many times between LHR and Glasgow----they have a National Express card for different age groups ie Senior etc. I agree seat 2A or B is the only way to go. I find the other seats a little cramped regarding leg room and I am not tall. They have several breaks along the way when you can have coffee. The price is great compared to air or train prices. The trick is to book as early as possible, pay extra to reserve your seat.
We always sit there too travel all over the uk to see our artists gigs , much better than standing up on a train
I used to work in Birmingham and used Digbeth coach station almost weekly for football and for trips back to Dublin (Where I'm from).
I recently did Sunderland to Manchester on national express couple of weeks back was really comfortable & cheap aswell about £20
Really enjoyed that 🏴🏴
I used to get the bus from Kings Cross to Buchanan St early 90’s £22 return.
Thank you for the info I think its something a lot people might find useful cheers.
Enjoyed the video, and glad this travel arrangement is now a very distant memory. Mind you, the price is compelling.
I generally don't like coach travel (although been to Spain on the coach a few times) as I suffer from toilet anxiety. However used the National Express from Manchester to Birmingham and back a few weeks ago and I could not fault the service. Both were on time but going it was very busy due to the strain strike on that day. It helped that both Manchester and Birmingham have a proper national express station so lots o staff around if there is any delays etc.
I would never use Megabus again as I had too many bad experiences with it. I have used Flixbus in Europe on a couple of journeys with no issues.
I've no problems with coach travel either, and used it a lot before Covid struck. But even before that National Express were withdrawing services and coach routes that had been around since forever, and no-one has stepped in to replace them. Discussing the loss of two services in Kent with a NE driver on the very last day they ran in 2019 (London to Whitstable and Herne Bay and London to Maidstone, Ashford and Folkestone) he said he could not believe it, they used to be such busy coaches and still had respectable passenger numbers despite no attempt at marketing. In Scotland the 2 daily NE/Ulsterbus services from Belfast, Stranraer and Dumfries to London were reduced to a single daily night service in both directions - never popular, and have now gone completely.
Just two services to Kent now. 002 to ramsgate and 007 to Dover. I wonder how these services fare as the train is so much faster
@@s125ish I used to work for National Excuse head office and had a free pass, which I used every week down to Dover. The first 020 (Bluewater, Canterbury, Dover) was always packed. I tried to avoid the 021; I don't know how close these match the current services, but they were great.
Then I passed my PSV and ended up driving them. But by then you could see the rot had really set in and where we were used to the better coaches, we ended up with Scotland's hand-me-downs, ageing Volvo B10s usually and the loadings were pitiful.
I don't know about the most recent batches of Levantes, but the earlier ones of 5-8??? years ago were horrible to travel in; the (false) leather seats at just the right angle to make sure you keep sliding off them, nothing to lean on. My one experience from London to Glasgow was so bad that I got off at Carlisle and waited for the first train of the day.
PS I used to drive National Express 20 odd years ago. I loved it- the best job in the industry, even better than touring. But that was in the days of B10 Expressliners.
PPS I heard a rumour that one Nat Ex Levante has actually been seen operating without its front fog lamps turned on. A miracle...
Great video. I always use seat 1B myself as I get ample legroom a great view and a chance to interact with the amazing coach drivers of Bruce coaches of salsbrough who operate most of the Scotland-England routes onbehalf of national express
Do you usually get the seat free next to you at the front
@@s125ish 1B is on its own so yes
Great videos Scott. I watched with curiosity as I could never face such a coach journey, even todays awful trains are more appealing for me anyway.
As the Caledonian service is so bad maybe there’s an opportunity for an overnight sleeper coach service with lay flat seats/bunks as they have here in Asia.
I’m sure Nat Express could charge double for a lay flat experience.
You’re a hardened traveler Scott.. 👏
Actually, Megabus ran a Gold Sleeper service, running overnigh, both ways, between London and Glasgow from 2013 to 2017. I travelled on it twice and was favourably impressed. Bunks were provided in either Single or twin formation, on two levels. Each bunk had a privacy curtain on the central corridor side plus window curtains to block out lighting outside, a reading light and charge points for devices.It was rather comfortable too. On boarding, there was a small bag issued by the crew, consisting of a bottle of mineral water, and a snack item such as a Muffin.
In the day time, the bunks were converted into seats, as the vehicles were used on more normal Megabus routes for the day. Conversion of the seats back into bunks apparently only took the crew about 45-60 minutes.
The vehicles used were Van Hool double deckers, with the bunks on the upper deck, whilst recliner seats plus toilets were on the lower level. These routes finished in 2017, as demand had dropped to such a low level making the service unviable to continue, but the coaches continued on major Intercity Coach routes across Scotland for a few years; they may even be running still with Stagecoach or Megabus operations.
@@iainjones5002 9
Thanks for this video! I've actually just booked a long trip from Dundee to Cardiff, using National Express for Glasgow to London and London to Edinburgh on your recommendation. It was only a few pound more and I got seat 2A too. Hoping for a better trip (and quieter clientele) than the Megabus.
So was Dundee to Cardiff a direct service?
@@garethludowich3768No, I changed in Edinburgh and London.
I've travelled National Express London to Cardiff and London to Blackpool in the past. Absolutely fine. Comfortable, clean, cheap, on time. Good.
I miss the jolly hostess. I regularly use NE derby to Southampton and it’s great
Planning this journey and thanks for your advice.
Strange watching this getting dejavu at start as I regularly come in and out of Victoria working for Megabus
Excellent bit of advice that pal, I've used megabus quite alot over the last few years and I'm 6'4" so yeah a bit cramped. I will definitely be giving National Express a go 👍
Good information
Interesting information thank you, and for a previous video where I wasn't even aware flixbus had UK operations ! Thanks again, safe travels 👍
Thank you, Scott. You seem pretty happy with it.
When I firstly visited the UK, I traveled from Heathrow Terminal 4 to Sheffield by national express.
My favourite seat is 2A with unlimited legroom always worth paying that couple extra pounds to reserve it I have slept well in national express before
Happy to see you so happy doing something you love! Still see your face and think @rustynails is ye name! lol Sending you my best Scott!
Thanks for your sharing!
I love video . Devon is good to visit 😀 😀
Great value for money and they are usually on time give or take a few mins. Easy to get on and off as well, drivers I have encountered have all been great and easy to talk too. Love National Express !