A mega-journey on the Megabus. But is it any good?

After going Exeter-Leeds on the train with Cross Country, I'm returning Leeds-Exeter with Megabus. I've not been on such a long coach trip before, but at just over twenty quid, it's a lot cheaper than the train. But is it any good? Will I regret it and say "never again!"?
Come along as I try out this long distance (or at least long for me) coach ride.
Departure: Leeds, England, UK
Destination: Exeter, England, UK
Operator: Megabus
Vehicles: Volvo B11R
Price: £21.37 / €25,00
Distance: 496 km / 308 miles
Duration: 9 hrs 25 mins
Average speed: 53 km/h 33 mph
Date of Travel: April 2024
Thank you to everyone that supports the channel by subscribing, liking, commenting or just watching these videos. I really appreciate it!

[@Timstravels01]

I’d always look to travel by train but it’s hard to argue with the prices offered by the likes of Megabus and FlixBus. A very enjoyable watch as always.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Tim 👍

[@JohnFekoloid]

First heard about Megabus when the journeys were £1. A colleague introduced me. A long time ago.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Crikey yes. I remember those £1 deals on very dodgy buses as I recall. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@FiremanSamBoy2008]

Nice, I live in Exeter and I love seeing all the Falcon buses.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes they are cool buses 👍

[@kennethmohan7637]

Great video as always Johnny the only gripe I have re bus travel is the onboard facilities eg toilets leg room for long journeys

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes the legroom can be tight and the toilets can be a bit dodgy and always extremely small! Thanks for watching 👍

[@colinriley123]

Its odd the way we see things. Tonight I have just arrived back in Minehead from Aberdeen, via London, with LNER, GWR, and First Bus 28. I left Aberdeen before 8 this morning and arrived home at about 8 this evening. I was sat on the LNER train alone, for over 7 hours.... and yes I was in First Class, but it was never a chore.... Once we are on a road our perception changes somehow. Its a bit like the way we see a harbour, or even a marina as picturesque, and a car park is an eyesore. Its all in the eye of the beholder. Good video!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Colin. You are feeling very philosophical today for sure. That sounds like a nice trip to Minehead. I'll be in Minehead on 8 July (probably coming in on the 28) if you fancy a coffee!

[@colinriley123]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Perhaps i would have been less philosophical if I had spent 7 hours plus on one of LNER's standard class seats. Sadly on the 8th July i am engaged. I am booked to be travelling to Bradford; again via London, and using LNER. I appreciate the invitation.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@colinriley123 enjoy the trip. Are there still 225s on the route? Ah daft question... i read Bradford and thought Wakefield...

[@colinriley123]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels I have booked to Leeds because it appears cheaper than putting in Bradford, and on the return trip judging by the seating it is a 225. Leaving Kings Cross for Aberdeen, 921001 was standing resplendent in its renewed livery ready to depart, I guess for Leeds . The star of the show. Magnificent!

[@colinriley123]

Are you doing a round trip using the Exmoor Coaster?

[@wanderingorganist]

Thank you for venturing out to new things. You'll always upset some by doing that, but I enjoyed it, along with many others.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! And thanks for coming along 👍

[@paulmark63]

Hi Johnny great video megabus are ok gets you from A to B I was wondering if you could do a poll megabus v flixbus v National express be interesting to see the results any way take care keep up the great work Paul in Kent

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

That's a great idea! And thanks too for watching 👍

[@sandiandgregh]

That was a mega journey. Big price difference though definitely makes it an attractive option. I’m sure Let’s Make a Trip Mark is proud. :)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. Mark has a lot to answer for 😀

[@andrewclark8630]

I don't like buses or coach trips, but quite like watching youtubers doing coach trips.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

We do them so you don't have to! 😉 Thanks for watching 👍

[@ampersand.]

Crikey, that was a long day cooped up in coaches. Well done Mr. H - I think my back would`ve seized up, hope you didn`t suffer the next day.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

As i say in the video, the seats were not too bad and i suffered no ill effects on the day or the following day 😁 Thanks for coming along 👍

[@enricomonti156]

I did use Megabus twice on the upper front seat, once between Heathrow and London and the other one between Manchester Shudehill. Yes they were overall lovely journeys, but for longer coach journeys National Express is far better

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes that seems to be the general view. People prefer NX. Thanks for watching 👍

[@tarikakidil1816]

Done Leeds-Exeter many times, Cross Country and National Express. Best way to do it is LNER to King’s Cross, and GWR down to Exeter. 1 hour longer than XC but half the price with a break in London. Great vid👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@tarikakidil1816 Yes, I agree that going via London on the train is the most pleasant way 👍 Best wishes to you and thanks for watching 👍

[@BALHAM69]

First time viewer, nice watch Johnny 😮 A very long bus journey suggestion from me would be, London to Inverness by coach😅

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Crikey! I might just look at that then! Thanks for climbing on board. Lots more to see on the channel now you are here 😀 In the meantime, thank you so much for watching this one 👍

[@BALHAM69]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels you’re welcome 😊

[@WINGSANDRAILS]

What a journey!! fun!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha. Quite fun, but long 😉

[@paulgibsonphotography]

Great Video Johnny

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Cheers Paul 👍

[@ernestbailey9194]

Hats off to you. I wouldn't normally watch a bus ride video,but I wanted to see what you thought about it, it would be too long for me to sit on a bus seat, mind you the cross country train seats aren't comfortable, but as you said it's the price that matters to a lot of people.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Indeed. I would avoid doing it again, but i would do it if i had to! Thanks for coming along 👍

[@samcadwallader2899]

Thumbs up just because you dared to go Leeds-Exeter on a bus. I've done some terrible bus journeys but yours is deffo a crap one.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha. It wasn't too bad. Got me home at a reasonable price in reasonable comfort 🤷‍♂️ Thanks for watching 👍

[@johncarr712]

Thanks for reviewing this. As I drive the Megabus Falcon, I agree it is good value and as with all coach journeys, you have to be patient depending on the length and distance of travel. Fyi, as some of the Falcon have done 1 to 2 million miles plus, they are looking into replacing the entire fleet within 2 years. However, the reliability of keeping them on the road has come into question on a regular basis and the new coach orders I hear have been escalated to be delivered and in service within 12 months. Time will tell. As I driver, I know we need a new fleet. Also, Plymouth to London on Megabus is returning starting in a couple of weeks I believe. Cheers

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Oh thanks for that very interesting background. As a regular flyer, and hence user of the Falcon, I find it very handy. I will be looking out for those new coaches when they come. I have been twice now when the air con has failed, so that does indicate to me that they are ready for replacement. My old Saab did over 300,000 miles but that's nowt compared to commercial vehicles! Thanks for watching 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Another commenter just pointed out the bus no longer stops at Sowton P+R. As i use the railway station to connect to the Exmouth rail line, the lack of this connection makes the journey less attractive. I will now probably stay on the train and go up to Weston to get the airport bus from there. Going into Exeter by bus and then back out to Honiton Road is a real pain...

[@johncarr712]

Yes I forgot to point that out. People have walked to the station from Honiton Rd, that I can tell you. The reason for this is the railway bridge by sowton P&R has become listed so no coaches/lorries/double decker buses are allowed through anymore. There has been an increase in bridge strikes there too. (No idea how if you dominate the road and get your road position right). As for heading to Weston to get the airport bus, the A3 will still run but Megabus are apparently shelving their run from Barnstaple, Tiverton, Taunton, Weston, Airport to Bristol (lack of footfall). Plymouth to London is returning instead.

[@s125ish]

How busy is the falcon during the night?

[@johncarr712]

It varies depending on the time of year you go. Going to Bristol Airport is fairly busy this time of year for obvious reasons particularly for the first flights of the morning. Generally overnight you shouldn't have issues getting a seat

[@trailwayt9H337]

Sir. I am really enjoyed is your this very Beautiful Bus ride.. and appreciate to your good efforts. Carry-on your greate job❤️

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks 👍

[@reddwarfer999]

Let's face it. coaches are for people who can't afford the train. I used to use them quite a bit in my student days. Once went from Leeds to Dundee and that was pretty gruelling. No idea how long it took (this was the late 80s) but really once you have enough moneyto take the train you never look back. I also remember one trip when they played a perpetually looped tape of George Formby's greatest hits. Oh the horror. The pain & the cries of anquish. By the end of the journey conditions on the coach resembled a field hospital on the Burma Railway. The lucky ones merely rocked gently in their seats. Imagine me on the Maginot Line, sitting on a mine on the Maginot Line. Oh yes George, we can.......

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha what great memories... or maybe not that great if you had to live them. Yes, the bus is a cheaper option, but it can work better than the train. As an airport link it takes you to the door without you lugging your luggage too much. I shall use the bus in future, even if it doesn't end up a video. It is quite a lot cheaper and I'm not rolling in money tbh 🤷‍♂️ Thanks for watching and sharing those memories. Great stuff 👍

[@Priorw8]

Yet again really enjoyed your video.given me a idea for my next trip.and mode of transport

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Happy to be of service! Get out there 🚌 Thanks for watching 👍

[@neilr009]

Long bus journey, need a cast iron bladder.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha. I forgot to mention there was a working toilet on both buses. Thanks for watching 👍

[@kencook7580]

How hard could it be, that depends on who is on the bus with you.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Fair point. Though true for public transport in general, not just the Megabus. Luckily nobody was being loud or abusive on this trip! Thanks for watching 👍

[@superted6960]

£375k approved last month for temporary repairs to Leeds Bus Station roof. £3.5m expected to be authorised for a full replacement roof, but that work not expected to start for another 12 months. Glad my council tax is being spent wisely

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Well they cannot carry on with buckets forever! I'm not a roofing contractor, so I don't know whether those prices are justified 🤷‍♂️ Anyway, thanks so much for watching and commenting 👍

[@tonys1636]

Did the Megabus have an on board toilet as 6 plus hours is a long time without a rest stop, the driver may have been able to survive that long but elderly passengers would struggle to.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, there was a toilet. I don't do toilet reviews, but i should have mentioned it. Thanks for watching 👍

[@robertwalters5654]

Did you pass the house on the priory on the M62

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I was sitting on the left so I didn't see it this time. Thanks for watching 👍

[@paulrowbotham3110]

Hello can u plz confirm the bus stop eg location for exeter plz

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@paulrowbotham3110 my advice is to check the Megabus website for the current information. Thanks for watching 👍

[@JayJourneys_1]

I used falcon it's great

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes it is very handy for the airport. I use it a lot. Thanks for watching 👍

[@JayJourneys_1]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels I used falcon at 2am from Plymouth why does it come under Megabus but you can purchase a tickets on board . And it yellow

[@user-eg8pv2om7j]

Why did you/ they call you The Hoover ? Jimmy the Hoover was a 1980s pop band.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Was in a punk covers band years ago and we all had names based on white goods suppliers. Best wishes and thanks for watching 👍

[@cliffwoodbury5319]

Thats the negative of taking buses... their facilites are never on par with good railway stations...

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Indeed bus stations have always been the poor relation of their railway brothers. Thanks for watching 👍

[@greenlight7107]

javelin park drive past it most days the residents of haresfield held protests because they did not want it built one protester got himself arrested on his birthday

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes i can appreciate that the local people will have been nervous about having an incinerator on their doorstep. Still, I'm pleased it is named after my dads plane. Thanks for watching 👍

[@A_Canadian_In_Poland]

Only ever took one trip with them, in Canada, overnight Toronto-Montréal, only because I was coming off a transatlantic flight in Toronto and it was the only way to get to Montreal early enough for a morning meeting. Every single seat on the bus was sold at $70-$90 per ticket. No space for luggage; I managed to squeeze it under my seat. Seat recline was okay, but still only got 2 hours of sleep. Miserable trip, but I didn't have another option here.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Crikey, that sounds a miserable trip, especially straight after a flight. Thanks for watching 👍

[@sowitandhopeitgrows]

You should try Warsaw to Kyiv! By train... Via Krakow Premysl Lviv and Ternopil under missile attack!

[@horsehollerer]

I'm a little concerned about the effect Marky "Let's Make It A 10-Hour Trip" Mark is having on you. Just kidding, another great watch cheers. I enjoy the variety too, although I'll always be a hardcore train itineraries 'n' station buildings follower at heart 🤣 P.S. As I'm warming up to write an article, here are two bits of utterly useless info sparked by your video: 1. The first thing I do every time I come back to the UK is bag a Gregg's vegan sausage roll. Sometimes I even think about it on the flight. 2. As an ardent Ipswich Town fan of almost 50 years, I gave Elland Road the obligatory one-fingered wave as you passed it. Thanks for the 9 months of abuse, Leeds fans ... enjoy another year in the Championship! (Sorry, it won't happen again.)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Mark has been a bad influence... 😂 Love the Greggs story!

[@topmandog1]

ive nevrr liked calling coaches buses, i find modern coaches boring, i loved your video though

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! I think it is fair to call them busses, given that they use the word "bus" in their company name! Thanks for watching too 👍

[@topmandog1]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels when the company started they used to use old buses so it was true then

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@topmandog1 oh gosh yes. The original megabus buseswere dreadful.

[@kencook7580]

Trades union and vegan sausage rolls, mmmmm.......

[@2opinionated866]

I used Mega Bus to London NEVER AGAIN 😢

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha! I have heard that said before... my trip wasn't so bad. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Fan652w]

Thank you Johnny for an extremely interesting video which I thoroughly enjoyed. I enjoy both train and bus travel. But one big drawback of bus travel was very evident in this video. The quality of British bus 'stations' often leaves a lot to be desired. And I am not just referring to the leaking roof at Leeds. The stops in Birmingham, Cheltenham, Bristol and Exeter all looked very spartan.... One possible advantage to you of bus travel is that you probably see more city architecture from a bus than a train! I particularly enjoyed your very instructive comments on the various buildings we saw out of the window.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Roger. I have to agree that these services often just use a bus stop at the side of the road, often without any weather protection. And i agree when there is a bus station, it is often a world away from the railway stations that we live that are "cathedrals to travel". Still it helps to remind you how little you are paying for the ticket! Thanks for coming along 👍

[@Fan652w]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels I absolutely agree with what you are saying. But I would also add that in Continental European cities the bus station is usually directly outside the train station. However at The Hague Central and in Chur (Switzerland) the bus station is ON TOP OF THE TRAIN STATION. When the Chur combined station was opened about thirty years ago it won a an architecture award. (Escalators lead up from the train platforms to the bus platforms.)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Fan652w Yes. If you haven't have a look at the start of my video from Namur to Luxembourg. Namur has an amazing bus space at the top of the new station!

[@Fan652w]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Thank for the tip Johnny! I have just looked at the opening few seconds of the Namur-Luxembourg video. 'Oh crumbs, Wow!' I said out loud. Namur is even better than Chur! And they have clearly built a substantial ramp to get the buses into the bus station! I have watched your videos where you visited Zwolle. There a bus only bridge has been built across the tracks at the west end of the train station to allow buses to get into a new bus station on the south side of the train station.

[@jeanrobinson705]

Had the worst journey of my life on Megabus last year. from London to Lancaster The toilet was OK until after a few miles, by which time a few blokes had had a wee standing up (on a lurching bus - you can imagine it). The legroom isn't good, and my husband has long legs. Unfortunately the guy in the seat in front was also tall and insisted on reclining his seat aggressively. The guy behind very kindly offered to beat up the bloke in front, but we declined his offer ("No, it's fine, honestly"). Almost half the nearly 8-hour journey was driving in and out of cities and waiting at bus stations there. We only used Megabus because the trais weren't running. The train would have got us from London to Oxenholme in less than 3 hours. Awful. Cheap, but you get what you pay for. (I remember the wonderful Gay Hostess buses in the 60s.)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@jeanrobinson705 that really does sound terrible! I don't mind noisy groups (i have big headphones) but all that you describe is really awful. But thanks for watching my slightly less eventful ride! 👍

[@xanpagebrown]

Watched this in the cullompton services car park, watched a falcon go past on the bridge haha :)

[@xanpagebrown]

Also interesting to note that the falcon no longer serves Sowton Park & Ride to save some time

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@xanpagebrown thanks for that bad news! Honiton Road P+R is really inconvenient for me. Looks like I won't be using the Falcon anymore to go to the airport 🥲 I can get the train to Weston super Mare and a bus from there.

[@BRae-r5f]

A bit of a slog for you, Johnny, but thank you for the time and effort you put in describing all the places along the way - much appreciated. Hopefully, there was a loo on board after six hours to Bristol!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

There was a toilet, and i should have mentioned it. Thanks for the kind words and for watching 👍

[@phronsiekeys]

It's a long ride and those Megabus seats...oy. But the price is definitely right, and the views from the motorway are nicer than I would have thought. Were there ANY leg stretching breaks?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, there are good views on the motorway as the bus has such a high position compared to cars. The only leg stretch break was the 30 mins at Bristol 🤷‍♂️

[@lovefive5733]

A great video, thank you for uploading this video, hope you're well 😊😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for the kind words, and thanks too for watching 👍

[@clivelangham435]

Enjoyed this. I'm doing a day trip to Hiroshima next week on the Shinkansen. Four hours each way.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Well that is more exciting than a Megabus! Have a great trip 👍

[@garymcgregor7048]

Great video, we do Northumberland to Devon quite often. Can't do it for £21 but at around £45 in diesel and around 7 hours we prefer that.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Ah there's the thing with cars. You can fit more people in... once there's two or three people in the party, driving becomes more attractive! Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching 👍

[@Stevenspielburger]

Interestingly video. I'm often forced off the rails due to eye watering fares so use coaches sometimes. They're really not to bad and so much cheaper

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, i have been pleasantly surprised at the general quality too. Thanks for watching 👍

[@PaulGodfrey]

I would get the coach to save money and guarantee a seat. My preference is National Express as the vehicles and service are more standardised.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes i think i prefer NX and would pay a small premium for their service. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Trond_travels]

Nice video. This is something I would do only once, too long, but a lot of interesting scenery. Although, I hope there’s a toilet onboard. I recently took the AirCoach from Belfast to Dublin, 2 hours, no toilet onboard. At least, I knew about it before the journey.

[@GabrielsReviews]

Megabus is supposed to have one but it can break occasionally (that was a very painful 5 hours Sheffield to London with no working toilet and it was the overnight M20 so going to the Meadowhall shopping centre wasn't an option.) It should have been 4 hours but London traffic meant it arrived an hour late .

[@Trond_travels]

@@GabrielsReviews All respect to the bus-drivers who have to hold it for hours almost every day.

[@GabrielsReviews]

@@Trond_travels True . But a few times on national express the coach pulled into a services unexpectedly .

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes there was one and it was working. I don't generally do toilet reviews, but should have mentioned there was one on board. Thanks for watching 👍

[@JayJourneys_1]

You can't talk ykh can get train Leeds to Exeter

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes you can. But it is expensive and you may have to stand...

[@gregepps4710]

May I suggest, give buses a rest and stick to trains please. Coaches are for students, and you won’t see me dead on one. Thanks for the trains reviews, you’ve given us a lot of ideas to try so thanks for that.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for the kind words. The bus trip was really a necessity as the train home was eye wateringly expensive. I thought people may be interested to see the alternatives. Back on the trains next week 😉

[@Stevenspielburger]

You might be surprised. I do Leicester to London on trains and buses. The return fare on the coach is usually over £60 cheaper. This huge price differential has lead to lot's of non students using the coach more

[@gregepps4710]

@@Stevenspielburger I understand the situation in the UK. Over here in Germany I have a monthly pass to cover all local and regional trains, buses and trams across the entire country for £44 a month unlimited. I used to pay more for my season ticket to Waterloo 25 years ago and that was for a 12 mile journey.

[@Stevenspielburger]

@@gregepps4710 I wish we had the same here

[@katashworth41]

The last time I got a Megabus it was over an hour late (there were no reasonably priced trains from Preston to Birmingham. The bus itself was comfortable enough, but having taken it to London in the past it’s generally the last resort. Though seeing the M62 reminds me of being a kid and my brother and I showing our homemade “passports” to get into and out of Yorkshire.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, the bus is always there when you cannot or will not pay the higher costs of trains! Love the idea of a Yorkshire passport! Thanks for watching 👍

[@johnroberts2331]

I would never use Megabus or Flixbus. As a disabled traveller I use National Express. Firstly, I can get a coachcard saving 25% or more on journeys. Secondly, on some trips there are service station breaks. Thirdly, NX use a lot of proper stops like bus or coach stations. NX use Bristol Bus Station where you find toilets and a Greggs! I was there less then a month ago and the NX staff were amazing and couldn't do enough to help me aboard n get my seat. I travel to Edinburgh on Tuesday with NX and I'm so excited but my partner not so much! She prefers a days fishing then a day on a coach. I'm a train and bus/coach geek all in equal measure! Highly recommend NX though Johnny! Glad you also enjoyed your trip but you were lucky as I don't hear a lot of praise for Megabus if I'm honest! However Flixbus are meant to be okay but due to no service station break on flixbus I use NX.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I think most people agree that NX is still the leader. I should look into getting a coachcard if i plan to do more NX trips! Thanks for watching and for sharing your experiences 👍

[@johnroberts2331]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Thanks for replying Johnny. Yes I can recommend the Coachcards on NX. Plus the fact of bus stations and service stations ate big plus points. Hope to see more coach trips soon now you have had your first trip. Have a great weekend.

[@sueweston502]

Great scenery from the window and interesting commentary.Also about the right length - yes I've seen the videos where they try to take you along for every minute, wouldn't have fancied that for this trip! Thank you for posting; I'm just starting to video / photo my daytrips and I know how much time and hard worke it entails 🚍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it is the editing that takes the time... and also the editing that makes the story flow. Nobody want to watch 45 minutes, you have to keep the flow... ... best of luck with your videos 👍