London to Birmingham (then Shrewsbury) with National Express. Cheap, Comfortable, Convenient?

Hello everyone! Yes I'm back on the coach again - another National Express one which, I must say, I wasn't intending to do so soon. However, because of engineering work on the West Coast Mainline, I thought I'd do it just to eliminate any potential delays in getting home.
In this video, I'll tell you all about the facilities on board. Whether it was comfortable for the length of journey, how much it cost and we'll look at some comparisons there and, ultimately, whether it was convenient or not?
Thanks as always for watching - I really appreciate the support.
Cheers for now,
Mark
🔴 Ko-fi page and shop here: ko-fi.com/letsmakeatrip
🔵 Instagram trip pics: / lets_makeatrip
🔶 Twitter: / lets_makeatrip
🔴 Facebook Page Link: / letsmakeatripwithms
🚄 #railtravel ✈️ #flightreport 🚌 #coachtrip ⛴ #ferrytravel 🚎 #urbantransport 🎲 #random
#letsmakeatrip
📖Chapters
00:00 - London Victoria
01:40 - Departure
03:50 - Interior Review
05:52 - Arrival at Birmingham
07:50 - Telford
08:52 - Loo Review
10:35 - Arrival at Shrewsbury
11:27 - Final Thoughts

[@thehumanehuman9456]

I’ve just started working for NX as a coach driver, it’s great to see passengers like you appreciating the service 👍🏼

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Humane Human! Thanks for the comment yes it’s always good to hear from the drivers. Don’t get me wrong, I will tell it how it is 100% (which is how content should be really - see my Flixbus video) but credit should be given too and I haven’t had a bad thing to say about NX drivers. I spend my own money on these trips just like everyone else and it’s great to meet people who actually enjoy what they do - it makes a big difference. Good luck with the job and keep smiling 😊

[@stephenosun745]

I'm a bus driver. Just wanted to know if NX treat their drivers well?

[@thehumanehuman9456]

@@stephenosun745 no complaints as yet, but only started in March. Passengers are less trouble than on the busses generally. And longer routes more enjoyable than constant stops and pickups.

[@criticalthinker-vw2yy]

@@thehumanehuman9456 do you pick your shift pattern? for example, the choice to only work the day shift? and hoe many hours a day on average do u work? cheers

[@neilcoram3495]

Great video. A wise choice getting the coach. Engineering works cause total chaos on the railway nowadays. They never seem to have enough drivers so a lot of replacement buses get cancelled. Really good price as well.

[@cameronsutherland8079]

Great video as usual Mark! Always enjoy watching your content; keep it up!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Cameron and thanks very much for your support 👍

[@AnatolyDyatolov]

Good video mate! Watching these videos make my day so much better!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Anatoly, glad you enjoy them 😊👍

[@simonwhitlock9189]

Most enjoyable and i did enjoy the scenery, thank you and stay safe, cheers.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Simon, thanks once again for your comment. All the best, Mark 👍

[@Timstravels01]

Excellent review. You’re convincing me to dive back into the world of coach travel again.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

That coach from Inverness to Ullapool would be a good one Tim. I keep threatening to do it but it’s lot closer for you and I reckon with the ferry across to Stornoway it’d be a good watch.

[@cabovermike]

I think it was after watching this video that i decided to try national express for the 1st time, i usually drive to london heathrow and park the car at "purple parking" but as i was traveling to thailand for 7 months it would have cost a small fortune in parking fees, thanks to your video i saved a bunch of money, your the best and easiest to watch travel information channel, .thanks

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Mike, appreciate the kind words and I’m glad it saved you money - one of the main reasons I do this. Cheers 😊👍

[@DVWNatSecResearcher]

Good to catch up again with your channel. And brilliant video.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Debra, good to hear from you and thanks for the comment! I’m doing one or two more coach videos I think but, as usual, will try and mix it up a bit as I’m sure not everyone is into buses 😊👍

[@FrostyGaming8394]

Great video mate im used to coaches me been on 5 holidays within 5 years since 2017 and all was great was thinking to go with national express.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Frosty Gaming, yep theoretically you can go to the beach on this coach, the 409, as it goes all the way to Aberystwyth! There’s worse places to have a holiday (I think 🤔).

[@kcsnew]

Liked and subscribed and been watching most of your UK videos Cheers 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi kcsnew, many thanks for the sub and the views! I hope you enjoy your time here 😊👍

[@chriseseigbe9768]

Much better trip for you on the National Express than your trip from London to Scotland on Flix bus.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, NX certainly my preferred option in the UK now. Maybe I have another Scotland overnight trip planned with them 🤔

[@AndreiTupolev]

The toilet seems to be a full height one, so that there's room to stand up, which is a welcome improvement on the horrid pokey semi-underfloor arrangement, reached by a cramped staircase that also serves as the emergency exit, in most recent coaches I've sampled

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes my Flixbus and Lux Express videos had those. The Flixbus one was terrible but the Lux Express one well, it had free coffee from a vending machine opposite so can’t really complain 😂

[@MaidaValeTom]

I personally always favour the train when making this journey, The Avanti service can do London to Birmingham in around 1hr20 with a connecting service to Telford only taking 30-35 minutes, rounding off at under 2 hours, and for regular prices of £25 return with a railcard, It’s hard to find much fault in it. The slower LNWR train can take up to 3 hours (TFC-EUS) although tickets can regularly be found for £10 or under with a railcard.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Tom, yes I do this journey on the train regularly to/from Shrewsbury. I fancied the coach for a change and yep, it was fine tbh, great drivers and I just sat there and read a book most of the time. I was a bit drained by the end but I think that comes with not being able to walk about when you want. Cheers for the comment 😊👍

[@srfurley]

I normally use Chiltern from Marylebone to Moor Street, takes about an hour and three quarters. Sometimes use the coach, but it takes longer.

[@johnnorris1236]

Hello and thankyou for these great videos It's nice to see from a customer view in what they see and comment However I am a national express coach driver myself which I enjoy I drive the service 440 which is from Victoria to Leicester/derby would be great to have you on board and see what you think to our services

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi John, good to hear from another driver 😊 I haven’t tried that service yet but hopefully I will get around to it at some point and it would be good to meet you. I’m certainly not an expert on coaches tbh but the videos seem to do rather well on here so I guess I ought to make some more! Just to improve my knowledge, what sort of coach do you drive?

[@leannejayne4900]

I've always travelled via national express! Always got the 504 from Plymouth to London!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Leanne, that’s a route I’d be quite interested in taking. I notice there’s an overnight bus as well 🤔 maybe something I’ll look at in the not too distant future. Cheers for the idea 😊👍

[@leannejayne4900]

@@LetsMakeaTrip yeah there is but I'm not sure of the number, there's also one from Plymouth to London but makes a stop via Exeter that one takes near enough all day

[@SoldierCivilWarYT]

Man is it just me or are the caetano levante 3s probably one of the most beautiful buses ever😅

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Just you. I prefer the Irizars 😂

[@donnadanielsen9411]

I take national express from london stansted airport and going into london. Really affordable if booked in advance. Great service, comfortable and with USB charger for your phone!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Donna, yes, thanks for the comment - booking in advance is always the right thing to do if you can isn’t it. Cheers 😊

[@DavidsCafe]

Subbed... I plan on doing a Brum to London vic flixbus journey soon - any advice for a first time coacher?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi David cheers for the sub mate! Yes, advice for a Flixbus customer: don’t bother reserving a seat or paying for an empty seat next to you as you’ll probably find everyone’s sitting where they want and it’ll be a total waste of money! Other than that, I hope you get a green one and try and enjoy the journey! 😊👍

[@BIGV710]

all the levante coaches are built in spain

[@jamesdoyle8442]

👍

[@alexn643]

Great video! How about a trip video on the Shrewsbury to Rhayader/Llanidloes bus (X75)? Would be interesting

[@alexn643]

Celtic Travel

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes I have thought of that but I’m not sure how popular a local bus service into the middle of wales would be? Have you done it?

[@alexn643]

@@LetsMakeaTrip It is quite long, 2 hours+, I think. No, but on my to do list!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@alexn643 let me know how it goes!

[@danielbogar6012]

Hi Mark! Could you help me? I'm going to Birmingham with Wizz Air from Budapest. But unfortunately the home journey is not from Birmingham. I have to go to Luton Airport. How can I get there easier? Is there a direct train? or can i just go by bus? Thanks for the help. :)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Daniel, Depends where you're staying in the UK really. Good news is you can get to Luton by train or bus but, rather than me describe it all for you here, you're probably best looking on the airport website here: www.london-luton.co.uk/to-and-from-lla and that'll give you your best option obviously depending on where in the UK you're travelling from. Cheers, Mark

[@AndreiTupolev]

Glad to see that NX drivers seem to have improved customer service from the time when one shouted "Oi oi oi oi!" at me from where he was having a 🚬 break on the other side of the bus station when I boarded the coach, which he'd left open, without waiting for him to check the ticket one time 😒

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, yeh I remember the days when you used to get on a bus and wait for the driver then eventually they’d show up and you’d go and pay and all was good. Probably going back to the early 80’s, Midland Red, Hotspur, Crosville round where I lived.

[@detroid89]

I moved away from trains and use coach instead as it's far cheaper and far more convenient for me. I travel from Telford to London and back.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi detroid89, used to be able to get some cheap fares from Wellington railway station (and free parking). Might be worth a try if you’re near there?

[@pedrorubiotejero_aka_prt]

Is there any problem for a great city like London to have just a bus station like Victoria?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It’s certainly VERY busy around Victoria coach station. If you’re into coach travel well, most stuff arrives and leaves from here tbh.

[@iainjones5002]

For Express Coach services between London and other cities and towns across the UK, Victoria Coach Station has always been the main Terminus Hub in London for these services, plus connecting Coach services linking to and from European destinations in France, Spain and Northern Europe. London also has a series of Bus Stations each acting as terminus or connecting points for local services in and around different parts of London. Thus, in London, Express and Inter City Coach services don't use the Bus Stations and vice versa. For anyone new to the UK or who is unsure about UK travel operations, Buses tend to operate in town and outer suburban / country routes, whereas Coaches tend to operate on express services between cities and towns. However in some towns and cities across the UK, all types of routes and services will be combined into one site, but are generally segregated and well signposted. Victoria Coach Station is unique though from other Coach Stations, in that as the services it handles over the decades have increased in frequency, and with modern vehicles increasing is size, the Coach Station is split into two sites, albeit only 20 yards from each other and on each side of a street. One section handles all Arriving Coaches, where passengers disembark. The main section handles all the Departing Coach Services, as seen in this video.

[@benjibatch]

Please try BlaBlaCar Bus I’m intrigued to know what that’s like

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yeh I’ve had the occasional look at them but not taken the plunge yet. Thinking about planning some stuff towards the end of the year so might give it a go. 👍

[@sarthaksharma346]

Hi I had a little query. I am an international student. And hence my luggages are exceeding the permissible limit both in sizes and weight. I have 2 large luggage (80cm in height) as well as one small cabin luggage. Will it be a problem for me to avail the service ?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi, I would definitely advise contacting National Express as I’m not a travel consultant and I wouldn’t like to say to you either way tbh. Send them a tweet, they’re normally quite responsive 😊

[@relentlessphenix5665]

I did colechter - London - Birmingham and then Glasgow. 15hr trip and it was ok lol. Except from it being extremely busy for such a long trip

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes, I think the one thing I haven’t experienced yet is the coach being so busy that the seat next to me is occupied. I think that is a major factor in whether the journey’s comfortable or not. A long time back, I went from Toronto down to St Pete’s FL on various greyhound buses and had the pleasure of sitting next to some real big Americans. Have to say, it was a bloody nightmare!

[@relentlessphenix5665]

@@LetsMakeaTrip I'd just love to know how such a late trip can be so busy lol. I left at like 11 at night.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@relentlessphenix5665 popularity of the price I would guess!

[@relentlessphenix5665]

@@LetsMakeaTrip yeah £76 lol

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@relentlessphenix5665 How much!!!

[@paradise9151]

how much did your ticket cost? would train have been cheaper and quicker?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Paradise, you mean you didn’t watch the video all the way to the end 😂? All prices and comparisons with the train from 10:00 onwards 😊

[@sloopycat1954]

What's the cheapest way to get tickets from Cardiff to Birmingham etc Thankyou

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I would look on the internet and see if any of the coach companies do a direct service, otherwise it’s into London and back out again. The train will be a lot quicker even with connections but more expensive too.

[@Camymanc]

Mark have you taken advantage of the Great British rail sale? I went from Manchester to Windermere for £3 return. Great value

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Cam, well not really tbh. Only reason being, I’m booked up with stuff I’d already planned prior to it being announced. And, I managed to get a ticket for the cup final next week but the sale had finished by the time I knew that 🙄 I’m keeping an eye out for the northern £1 sales again hopefully later on in the year 🤞but we’ll done for getting the Windermere ticket for £3. Hope you watched my video on Windermere before you went 😉

[@Camymanc]

@@LetsMakeaTrip I have watched your video and it was superb as always. Good luck in the final I hope you get your revenge for 2018

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@Camymanc I hope so, cheers mate 😊👍

[@sammydingdong4540]

Nice ......better than mega full...................

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I agree.

[@malbig2344]

is that the 75-seater or a 72-seater.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Gotta be honest, I don’t know.

[@jonjohnson2844]

I'm amazed how they make any money at these prices

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

The best value was London to Aberystwyth. Big student use I would’ve thought but you cannot go wrong for the money (student or not)!

[@angelaclements1244]

I travelled n.e B'ham /Manchester return for £10 something last month. Then did same this month only one way. Difference being it cost £21 one way trip because the trains were on strike so they could exhort more money out of people

[@oaip1878]

I'm sure after your video they will increase the rates

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, maybe they can pay me for the free advertising 😂🤔🚌🚌

[@miketodd4552]

Every time I get national express I always try and get the seat by the exit due to leg room

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks for the tip Mike. I'm still learning about coach travel so I'll bear this in mind.

[@iainjones5002]

Mike. Also try to get seat 2A, which is the window seat behind the seat which converts into the wheelchair space. That space only has one seat in normal times but when either in seat format or with a wheelchair passenger in place instead, the legroom to the left hand side is extensive and you can stretch out, especially if a taller person like myself. There is one drawback in that there is no USB charge point for that seat - I don't know why, but if you can have a charged PowerBank device handy with you, it makes up for the absence.

[@derisleybrittain]

🌹🌹🌹🙏🙏🙏🤩🤩🤩❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👍👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate😊😊😊😊🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️

[@clintbrook]

I live in Minsterley

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I know it very well. A lot of my family are from Snailbeach, Pennerley etc a lovely part of the world!

[@oldfatbastad6053]

I used to get the NX to visit both sets of rellies because the coaches stopped right in their towns, unlike the choo choos.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hello 7th Penguin Overlord (with gravy)! Yes it depends where you’re going to a certain extent and of course airports are a bit further out for obvious reasons! One thing that can sometimes be an issue is the distance between bus station and railway station if you’re going from one to another. Bristol is a good example of that.

[@oldfatbastad6053]

@@LetsMakeaTrip out in the stix is a bugger but when its a 7 minute walk from coach stop to final destination its a no brainer. luckily both sets were served with a NX stop . To get to 1 lot they would have to pick me up by car and a half hour(+ ?) journey. getting to either Stratford or Aldgate Bus Station was a distance but very easy to get to 😃 I was an accomplished solo traveller before i was 16.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@oldfatbastad6053 well I hope you keep travelling - I’m still doing most of this solo and I’m well past 50 now! Good luck with it all 👍

[@thebasingstokesupporter7001]

Hi

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hello Thomas!

[@jamesdiskin6142]

Are you Mark Swain by any chance?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hello Jim! How are you doing? Long time no see 😊

[@jamesdiskin6142]

Hi Mark. Good to hear from you. Great videos.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@jamesdiskin6142 cheers mate, likewise. I hope you’re well - been a long time.

[@jamesdiskin6142]

Ou n FB?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@jamesdiskin6142 yes mate.

[@jamesdiskin6142]

Bargain trip

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

You still living in Birmingham then mate?

[@jamesdiskin6142]

@@LetsMakeaTrip yes

[@joedee1863]

Hi Mark, just saw your video and enjoyed it so much I subscribed. However I do have a challenge for you to consider. About a couple of years ago an OAP councillor from Walsall made news when he declared how he travelled the length of England on his senior citizen buss pass. (Landsend to Berwick on Tweed in 3 days.) I checked bus schedules, time tables etc. to try and work out how he did it with no success, so I wrote to him via his email congratulating him and asking him if he would be willing to share his research with other OAPs. Perhaps on his Facebook or similar. He didn't reply so I kept chipping away at the challenge within my scope. I would love to see the EDEN Project and spend a couple of days in Cornwall as I have never been and would love to before I depart this Earth. The idea of doing it on my OAP pass would be a great achievement for me. I wasn't aware that such things as London to Shrewsbury can cost as little as £4.90 so your experience has great value for old timers like me. I would share this info with fellow travelling backpackers if you would care to share your know how on this channel. Best regards J

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Joe. Well first of all, thanks for subscribing. I hope you find some of my stuff useful - I’m always trying to get good deals on things and affordability is one of the main aims of the channel (well mostly, although I do allow myself some luxury when I can afford it!). Shame that guy didn’t reply to you - always think when people make the effort to get in touch, the least you can do is acknowledge it. Anyway, the Eden Project they do promote the use of public/sustainable transport to get there. From London, personally I would take the train to Truro or St Austell and get a bus from there. National Express do serve Truro (cheapest I found was £16 o/w) but it’s a long trip that one with a very early start from London. So unless you live in the capital, you’re going to need two nights accommodation before you even get there. The train was more like £40 o/w from London but again, depends where you’re starting from really. I did go there many years ago (by car I admit) and it is well worth a visit. Couple of things for you: I normally use the National Express website directly for coach bookings and if you sign up you will never be charged the £1 booking fee. I normally use the TrainPal app for rail bookings, you can always save a few quid here and there with vouchers they promote and they will split tickets for you as well. Play around with dates, ALWAYS book in advance, I normally look at a 4-6 week window especially for train fares. Do let me know how you get on and GOOD LUCK😊👍

[@joedee1863]

@@LetsMakeaTrip - thanks Mark I appreciate your reply so respect to you sir. As for the Walsall Councillor I am not certain of his health condition so I will give him the benefit of the doubt. I have a friend South of Croydon who was keen on the idea of linking up to share the journey to the EDEN Project and at least established that travel to the Heathrow Terminal would be free with a travel pass but after that it didnt seem like any local buses along the South coast offered any continuous connection so I am at a loss as to how the man in Walsall pulled it off. I won't give up trying though and would be glad to share anything useful with your channel. Thanks again Mark. 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@joedee1863 good luck Joe, I hope it works out and yes, please let me know how you get on. I did wonder about the chaps health so yes, I guess there could have been good reason.