Super-Cheap National Express Overnight Coach from London to Edinburgh. Worth the Money?

[@TheRausing1]

There’s something extremely satisfying about living vicariously through you and these bleak, tiring journeys…

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, cheers I’m glad you enjoy it even when I don’t 😊

[@ianinkster2261]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Err.. fall asleep on a bus at 10pm, wake up in London at 7am in your destination. What's bleak?

[@peaceformula5830]

@@ianinkster2261 Teach me this wizard ability of falling asleep while travelling please

[@Theytoldmetodoit1]

When my life is a mess, I always take the National Express and it puts a smile on my face.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I see what you did there 😉👍

[@jameswyse8250]

And the National Express in the Divine Comedy song refers to the nickname for the NHS in Northern Ireland.

[@jannylane3254]

I'm from Mexico and I'm taking notes for my firt trip to Scotland the next year wich it's a dream for me, thank you so much, your guide help me so much

[@vengermanu9375]

Wow! £11 ... wasn't expecting that. I pay the same amount to get a return bus ticket to my neighbouring town 10 miles away!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, great fare. I did book approx 3 months in advance tbh but that’s what you have to do sometimes!

[@aprilsmith1166]

I'm so pleased to have had this video pop up on my KZbin suggestions because two days ago I was told that the direct London to Edinburgh coach has been discontinued! I was told it now goes through Birmingham with a 3 1/2 hour wait at Birmingham and getting to Edinburgh at 17:15! I was gutted as I used to go to Edinburgh once a month this way, just for the day, and couldn't afford the train. Thank you for the video! 👍🙂

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi April, glad you found it useful. Yes you can get to Edinburgh direct, either by day or night, plenty of choice: Nat Ex, Megabus, Flixbus all do it. Thanks for the nice comment - much appreciated 😊👍

[@s125ish]

The 591 goes from London to Edinburgh via Newcastle

[@aprilsmith1166]

@@s125ish Thanks for that! 🙂

[@jmcdowall15]

I've done this journey myself, I found it comfortable and even got some sleep. My journey back was also fairly good too, I managed to break my foot while out in the Scottish mountains and was given seat 2A for my journey back. When you consider the train can cost over £150 and a couch only around £30 return I think you're getting value for money with National Express.

[@scott1506]

well thats it 30 quid return. if your savvy can get a flight for under 60 return unless youre afriad of flying.

[@jmcdowall15]

@@scott1506 I've donee flight as well but only when visiting friend's and family, also cheaper than trains. They do have their drawbacks though. You can't take a 30ltr backpack with ice axes strapped to it on a plane but you can on a coach/bus. It's swings and roundabouts when it comes to couch/bus and planes. Even driving can cost more than a bus or plane these days and it's so tiring. Personally, I think train lines need to seriously revise their prices.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I think if you can get some sleep and bag 2a you can’t go far wrong with the coach. I struggle to sleep on them tbh and probably prefer to fly especially if I do t have much time. Loganair in one of their sales if possible!

[@paulone805]

Id drive you mad completely blondie,, untill we got too the mountain an then you would warm too me even appreciate me,, but its a no go by then 🙋‍♂️🤣 im bored

[@jmcdowall15]

@@paulone805 ha ha, I might be the one driving you mad... 🤪 If I travel with someone else then I'm more likely to drive as long as we can share the driving.

[@Bri-254]

Getting out of the house and taking a long trip for 14 notes is good therapy.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Certainly is 👍

[@joebloggs2473]

I travelled this route in 1953! I was four. It was a real adventure.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I would love to hear about that Joe! How long did it take?

[@HaydnG266]

@@LetsMakeaTrip How the fuck do you think he's gonna remember that?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@HaydnG266 well I’m assuming he didn’t do it on his own. Thanks Haydn, great comment 👏

[@HaydnG266]

@@LetsMakeaTrip 😂 Touché

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@HaydnG266 😉

[@shanewaterman4125]

That same journey would cost £75 in diesel alone in my car (Range Rover) and I'd have to drive!! For the minor inconveniences alone, that saving is well worth it. Enjoying your videos - only found you a week or so ago. Straight and honest. Now do one on the Orient Express! 😂😂

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Shane! If more people like your good self sign up to the channel, maybe one day I’ll make the Orient Express! 😂 The coach thing Vs driving, well, here days it is expensive in fuel if you drive and tbh, I just can’t be bothered with a long drive and would rather just relax on the coach (or the train). The price certainly helps my mood too!

[@jakebuchanan4994]

Loved this !! I've actually done this trip with National express they are good and buses are good unfortunately megabus isn't so good now hope you enjoyed my home town Edinburgh!!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I didn’t have much time on this occasion Jake - but I’ve been there many times in the past and love it!

[@briocheoleary5043]

Jimmy looks an awesome guy. Hope you run into him again. Liked that, lots of comedy potential, lol.. loved that stint about the hack: . from Scott, to Steve to yourself.. my current favourite KZbinrs!! Are there any others out there like you guys? Loved the video.. did you really just go to Edinburgh for an hour or two, as that's dedication to the channel. Lol

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Brioche - he is and it really made the trip a lot more fun! The seat hack, like Scott says, is well-worth knowing but I reckon may be harder to come by the more people know about it. I don’t know of many other people doing bus/coach videos as regularly as myself and Scott. I’ll aim to get one out at least once a month together with my other stuff. And Edinburgh I timed my stay there at 13 minutes 😂 Cheers for your support 😊👍

[@briocheoleary5043]

@@LetsMakeaTrip 13minutes, that’s insane 😂!,!!

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Thanks for another interesting video. There is certainly lots of travelllers taking the London-Edinburgh route just now. You probably read about rail overtaking air on this route and the endless rail disruption, as you say, must mean a rise in coach bookings. Interesting that Ryanair has restarted its STN-EDI route and doubtless seeks to lure budget conscious travellers.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Alex and cheers for the comment. The disruption on the railways is certainly making me reconsider my options. I’ve had to change my plans for early November so expect more bus videos! 😂 And STN - EDI for as little as £10, well, it’s not a bad price is it!

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Yes usual keen fares from Ryanair. Let us hope Ryanair stays on the route this time.

[@robelvery]

I love the art deco facade of Victoria coach station. The fare is great value especially if you are on a tight budget but I'd sooner take the train especially for a journey of that distance.

[@michaelstaley2241]

Very good Mark as always.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Michael, appreciate the comment 😊👍

[@NonstopEurotrip]

You're a sucker for punishment mate 😂 Still no jolly hostess tho 😆

[@craigthurston7731]

Still hoping for Elaine to turn up?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

There will be one in my next coach video - I pretty-much guarantee it 😂

[@ronaldfarrell8280]

Informative clear and well presented well done 👍🇬🇧

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Ronald, appreciate the kind words 😊

[@battenburg6089]

I've used National Express for so long, maybe about 7 years, to travel about England. Never had any real issues, except for maybe busses running a little bit late on occasion, or having to wait longer than anticipated for late passengers. Pretty cheap too, I always use them to get up to Heathrow, as, like you stated in the vid, the rain network is so unreliable and expensive, a bus is a better option.

[@battenburg6089]

Not to mention, in Victoria, coaches can regularly be late depending on traffic in Central London. I was told by a driver years ago, that essentially if "One coach is late, they're all late" as the service is supposed to sort of run in sync.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, cheers Battenburg, agree with what you say. And I think you need to be a bit relaxed about the timings to a point. They don’t seem to depart very much on time in my limited experience so far. But that’s no big issue is it if they try to run them in sync. And yes value for money for sure and if you can sleep better than me, it’s a real bargain 👍

[@mikewilliams4499]

Wow. I used to travel from York to London on the train then bus from Victoria to Marlborough College. Nothing like this modern station and once the train was delayed and the buses left without us. Dad left work, hired a car and drove four of us to school.

[@Narcjus]

National Express. Love You Guys.

[@paulmark63]

Glad you like enjoyed the ride Paul

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, yep not too bad this time round!

[@nicholasriley3569]

£11 for that journey is very good value and worth the money. Tickets bought on the day with Nat Ex tend to me more expensive. I used to commute daily with them to London from Dorset. Nat Ex are pretty reliable on the whole. I can't say I'm a fan of their Portuguese Levante coach bodies nor their seats but at the end of the day you can't really beat their combination of value/reliability if ticket bought in advance.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers for the comment Nicholas. Agree buying in advance is the best way. I normally try to do it at least a month before the journey for the best prices, can't go wrong then.

[@peterwhitaker4038]

only just found some of your videos mate after years watching Geoff, Tornado22 etc etc. you are growing on me and really enjoing yer stuff. the caledonian sleeper train was a greatwatch and i do like the way you present it all. thanks mate will stick with you and enjoy the rest. P.S. can you do merseyrail Hunts cross to Southport about 30 mile trip underneath Liverpool at one point on Merseyrail?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Pete, many thanks for the kind words - really appreciate your support (you’re better off sticking with my comparatively lowly channel anyway as you’re more likely to get a reply 😂). Don’t know if you’ve seen it but I did one Merseyrail video which, tbh, was pretty bad. It was from Meols to West Kirby I think during the pandemic. I wouldn’t mind doing another one, it’s not far from me. Whether many people would watch it is another story I guess! All the best, Mark 👍

[@SpudgunStreams]

You may not have had a dedicated USB charging port, but check between your seats. There should be a standard 3 pin socket. Take a USB plug adapter along (I use one with two USB sockets just in case whoever I'm sat next to insists on getting to charge a device too) and just have a look down below between your seats

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Spudgun, yep I think you’re right. I missed that but others have pointed out there should be one there. Always a next time mate and I’ll be sure to check it out 👍

[@MrL1mey]

You look knackered. This is like an ad for easyjet

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, I was a bit.

[@JohnTaylor-bf6ll]

My experience, particularly with older people, suggests that only students on a budget will entertain overnight coach travel. Unless you've got a bed to go to at say 8 or 9 o'clock in the morning, after arrival, you need youthful stamina to get you through the next day which will be a wash-out, heavy with drouzyness all day.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Completely agree John. Yes day rooms are the ‘plan B’ for me but that wastes at least half a day and min extra £50 aswell.

[@Bulletguy07]

I went to see the Le Man 24 hour race via an organised coach trip from Victoria station. Going was ok, bit cramped, but soon had plenty of time walking around the race track. Suring the night some of us wandered back to the coach which had been left open so we could get a few winks. Return trip went ok but once home, within an hour or so my legs had swollen up like balloons and walking was extremely uncomfortable. I've never travelled by coach since!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Sounds painful! Yep the thing with coach travel is you don’t get much opportunity to stretch your legs and the trains always going to have the advantage there. Those kind of organised trips would be good on coaches with tables/bunks. But gets expensive then doesn’t it.

[@Piner5074]

Last time I took the Edinburgh coach out of Victoria in the late 90s, it was via Glasgow. So could understand those people asking the question.

[@augustsky6248]

Great video thanks.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@TheCoopsvids]

Rather you than me but thanks for taking us along 👍🏻😀

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Lol, no worries, appreciate the comment and thanks for watching 😊👍

[@Devkumar43072]

I'm on the coach and it looked like that nobody else reserved a seat (probably as soon that 2A has been taken nobody else reserves a seat)

[@jengetsherlifetogether]

I've recently started using National Express and copped the 2A seat whilst I sat the opposite side behind the driver. My next trip, I booked that seat but sadly got put on an 'overflow' bus without reservation, NationalExpress were happy to refund my £3 seat reservation fee but I am yet to enjoy the 2A seat! Due to tomorrow on my return trip though! X

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Well you had a bit of bad luck last time Jenna but I hope you’re more successful tomorrow. Have a great trip 😊👍

[@jengetsherlifetogether]

@@LetsMakeaTrip can confirm 2A is a great seat... ps: there are USB sockets for these seats under the seat!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@jengetsherlifetogether 👍 sounds like you enjoyed it! Thanks for the tip re: the usb sockets btw, I’ll look out for them next time 😊

[@jonathanm2690]

New subscriber, just discovered your channel :) sat here with a cup of tea and enjoying your videos :)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Jonathan, cheers for the sub (and comment). Great to hear from you and I hope you enjoy the content 😊

[@shilpashetty3867]

I'll be travelling to Edinburgh from London and was looking at these overnight coaches for my trip. Since I am travelling for the first time wanted to know is it safe for solo travelers to opt these overnight coaches or are the coaches that go out during the day better?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Shilpa, personally I’d do it in the day now I’ve experienced both. Not that it’s particularly unsafe at night but I struggle with the sleep deprivation aspect. With National Express, if you did travel at night, I would book the seat behind or very close to the driver if you wanted extra reassurance.

[@adamdavanna6229]

I’m having to go down to Plymouth from Edinburgh a few times early next year so been weighing up my options of how to get there. It’s horrific the difference in price between trains and coaches!

[@SeanMidlandstransporthub]

That's because Crosscountry run the Plymouth route! Uk's most expensive train company

[@davidrumbelow]

The other reason you may not get the bus company you ordered is . When I had my tourist and transport business I would take a booking I could not do and sell it on to a friend with a similar business. Then if they were a regular customer and one of my friends charged more than me I would discount the customers fare on their next trip with me. Keeps your customer coming back to you. If I was coming back empty I would charge half price. Most people paid me full price anyway .

[@davidrumbelow]

Extremely good value, how far would you get on eleven pounds of petrol in the cheapest car.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Not very far these days. Agree it is great value and a nice coach too 👍

[@dazzlingdaz187]

Perfect journey! Legroom, entertainment and overnight accommodation all for £11. Its almost worth doing the return trip just for that...

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hmm, I may do the day journey at some point but one after the other, I'm not so sure I could last that long!! The train was a welcome alternative on this occasion.

[@vincutler9176]

I travel a lot but no chance of me doing an overnight journey except by rail in a sleepimg compartment, that is why I just travel abroad, cheaper too !

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I do like the sleeper and tend to get a bit more sleep on one of those but still struggle a bit come morning. That’s more down to me being a light sleeper though - wish I could just drop off like some people.

[@keithwhite1478]

Thelad next to you seemed a nice fella. Does make a dfference if your travelling neighbours are nice.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Keith, I very rarely travel with anyone tbh but I agree it does help if you have nice neighbours. In this case, that was Jimmy who’d come up to London for the ride. He’s in one or two of my other videos, a nice guy I met through doing KZbin.

[@petercotton89]

I used mega bus and national express before. Megabus was awful, everything you said and a 10 minute stop with no toilet on board for the whole trip. NX was comfortable, clean, had a toilet and included 2 30 minute stops at services.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Agree, but if I could guarantee it was a branded Megabus up to Scotland maybe it wouldn’t be so bad? But yep, given the choice, NX every time 👍

[@briocheoleary5043]

Just watched the latest Geoff Marshall video. He ended with a : cheers! Maybe the: ‘cheers for now’ vibe is spreading!? Btw, hope you hit 10k soon!!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, well you never know! Hopefully won’t be long to the 10k - a big milestone 🤞 and another one - 1 million views coming up soon and thanks for the support - much appreciated 😊👍

[@AkbarTissaJourney]

Thanks man! Im Indonesian that will try this trip too in next 2 weeks after I comment 😂

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Enjoy and good luck!

[@JohnCasserly]

This brought back some memories. This is a journey I have done more times than I can remember, starting back in 1972 with Eastern Scottish. Nice to see it's still cheap since National Express took over the route from Scottish Citylink. I'm from Edinburgh but I live in Berkshire now, and if I was to travel back home by coach it would cost me more to get to London from here than London to Edinburgh. I actually drive that same route in my car these days, but our regular stop off is at Tebay services on the M6. I'd much prefer driving a coach though if I'm honest. Best seat on the bus. 😏 I actually drove for Eastern Scottish and Scottish Citylink, but the furthest trip I did was Dumfries.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Interesting history there John, thanks for sharing. Tebay is a decent services too - probably the one I’d use in the car heading to Scotland. The scenery’s great at that point too. Always good to hear experiences from drivers/ex-drivers too. Cheers 😊👍

[@thellamaking7248]

That looks like luxury after my Nasty Megabus experience unless I bag seat 2A and take a usb fan I not going on a coach again national express is much better than Megabus Hell

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Oh definitely get seat 2A if you can. It makes a massive difference and is worth paying the extra few quid 😊👍

[@rezaalan3991]

Great trip.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate - it was certainly better than the last one!

[@zzhughesd]

Wonder why when delivery companies have GPS chips why coach firms cannot show where delayed coach is and when it is due.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Adam, there is (I have discovered) a coach tracker for National Express which will definitely be useful for future journeys. Cheers.

[@countteddy]

as a disabled person i guess that 1A is it ?,gets booked up early ?,are there any other disabled seats ?. thanks.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Not sure there are any other disabled seats although I’ve been informed that there are two seats further back with better legroom. These are by the emergency exit I think.

[@countteddy]

@@LetsMakeaTrip thankyou. a bit of a difficult trip at the moment, i think.

[@regmusgrave4657]

If you are that concerned about your customers why don't you reply to Mrs Byrns complaint, regarding her return journey to Liverpool from Leeds, 24th to 28th June 2024. It's common courtesy.

[@enricomonti156]

I had the same issue with seating in July travelling between Metz and Strasbourg, as the seats I booked for myself and my mates were occupied already in Paris, where the coach departed. I travelled during the day between Leeds and Luton Airport via Milton Keynes (where I changed) and had a very good time on the 2A seat which for some reason wasn't reserved do I took advantage of it

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, they’re not always reserved I guess. I had a ‘reserved sign’ on mine for this trip. I’d be interested to know whether those guys in Paris had reserved those seats or whether they were just sitting where they wanted and it wasn’t enforced.

[@granthardy3550]

Is it more about the actual journey than the destination ? If you hadn't been pressed for time you could have had a hurl on the trams.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It was this time Grant unfortunately. Wish I could have stayed longer but I needed to get back. Edinburgh is a fantastic city though and I've spent many a night there in the past. I'll be back in a couple of weeks anyway and taking the tram over to the airport. All the best, Mark

[@popeye8813]

In went up to Edinburgh in the 90s when you could smoke on the coach there was a man sitting next to me chain smoking and drinking gin one of the worst experiences of my life I just felt sick all the way through the journey it cheap but it takes ages to get there from London

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Blimey, that sounds like torture. I remember smoking on aircraft at the back and everyone who was sitting near the front would congregate at the back in a cloud of smoke. Unthinkable these days!

[@TruthNotfame]

Victoria coach station. A true London mark in London

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Iconic I would say 😊

[@Michael.Talbot]

Wow £14?.. I just spent more than that on a pizza, Nice 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, love this comment - must use the pizza analogy in a future video! Cheers Michael.

[@gracedenton3737]

You do have to factor in delays , most drivers have to take the flack, I’m an ex Nat ex driver

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Grace, yep, I would imagine there’s a bit of flex in the schedules for this too?

[@gracedenton3737]

@@LetsMakeaTrip unfortunately no there isnt

[@geoffreygreene5551]

Doesn't National Express send out a text message or e-mail about delays?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

There’s a coach tracker you can use via the app. That’s pretty good tbf and it gives you an expected eta.

[@spacy7test812]

nice

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers 😊👍

[@MariaLuisa-vv4ug]

Did the seats recline? And how long was the journey? Not sure if it was said, I do have some trouble with accents since I'm not a native english speaker 😅 I'll be taking a trip to the UK next year and I'm on a tight budget, so the coach seems like my best option to travel between edinburgh and london

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Maria. The seats do recline (a little). You can expect a journey time of around 10 hours. Book well in advance if you can for the cheapest price. Cheers.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Yes . Reclining seats but accents MIGHT be a problem. Depends if any Glaswegians on board...?

[@kennethbell54]

So no sink water but was the toilet working?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It was Kenneth - absolutely fine 👍

[@michellebeebelewisfrith1544]

I actually work for national express here in the USA. I drive a special needs bus.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Michelle, thanks very much for commenting. I’m heading out there in a few weeks - not doing many bus journeys this time round, mainly flights and trains but I’m back next March and I’d be interested to know what the NX buses are like out there. Cheers 😊👍

[@johnridpeath1728]

Great vid as normal.when you say sign up with national express is that just there website or become a member.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi John, yep it's just their website you need to register with and then you don't need to pay the £1 booking fees.

[@johnridpeath1728]

@@LetsMakeaTrip cheers m8

[@ooz139mm]

Regularly used the National Express coaches from Liverpool, unfortunately they closed the hub (thanks corrupt Liverpool council!) and now you have to freeze your balls off at Liverpool one, near the docks while you wait. They also closed the ticket office.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It is cold down there I agree. Took the Flixbus up there recently (see other video) and it was cold walking to James Street I remember!

[@garsimmulholland4984]

I stopped using them after the police at Stranraer tried to stop me for smelling of cannabis....I’ve never touched the stuff!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

This sounds like the start to a great story!

[@garsimmulholland4984]

We’re the same generation, I didn’t realise this was their excuse to search you. I haven’t since just jumped on the coach to go to Belfast from Victoria.

[@skinteastwood2358]

when a seat is double booked who gets the seat ? is it first come.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I reckon it is first come.

[@derisleybrittain]

Excellent ❤❤❤❤❤🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Derisley 😊😊😊😊🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@junehitchcock170]

The fare is far too cheap. They should put the fares up!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Advance fare though June with incremental price rises up to date of departure.

[@laurastuart3814]

Jimmy looks like a Jimmy.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

He’ll see this comment 😂

[@monkeytennis8861]

Try doing mammoth bus journeys in Asia. This is nothing mate

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yeh but have you tried hosteling with Chris Eubank 🤷‍♂️

[@sandersson2813]

Buses are an insufferable form of transport for anything more than a few hours.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I need to try a long day trip I think. Maybe London - Scotland in the day could be a good comparison video? Some people can easily sleep on them - I struggle tbh.

[@ltee2261]

On a London to Edinburgh bus I once got we were not allowed to even keep a single seat beside us for our fellow travellers while they put luggage in hold I was told to move my friends bag and let a stranger man sit beside me Ridiculous and very intimidating. The people were getting on literally right behind us. So many shady looking people also travel at night. Good way for people to travel untraced and disappear into the night at one of the stop offs.

[@simonjones7727]

That is true, but my tip would be to try and look a bit shady yourself and people will leave you alone. I can never manage that, and am too undersized to look intimidating, but I think it is the way to go!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@simonjones7727 I believe this approach has a very high success rate! 😉

[@paulone805]

🤣🙋‍♂️

[@mcharrisment4765]

L Tee : all over it and correct

[@lord.onk99]

Gosh, so cheap.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, booked in advance but these fares are achievable 👍

[@paulstewart4195]

😊

[@thomasthomas6645]

Why can't we have luxury bus here

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Anything like this, I would be first on it 👍

[@mspring00]

It's cheap - but omg it's nasty!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, well put!

[@thomasthomas6645]

It's always these horrible national express bus

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Seat 2A’s pretty good though Thomas and I prefer NX to the others at this moment in time 👍

[@ianharvey3696]

I can understand going Edinburgh to London, why would anyone want to go to Edinburgh????

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Ian, Edinburgh’s one of the great cities - l love it there 😊👍

[@ianharvey3696]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Not while the SNPish is there!!!

[@2msvalkyrie529]

To eat Haggis ?

[@daveglen6063]

I LL TELL YOU WHAT BOSS I WOULDN'T GO TO LONDON IF YOU PAID ME ITS A FU3

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It’s a what 😂

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Are we allowed to say that it’s almost disappointing as a viewer when one of your coach rides goes well? As ever, great vid and a superhuman effort to make that round trip in such a short time

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Lol, I know! I’m under no illusions, this won’t get anywhere near as many views as my last disastrous trip up there. Gotta be honest though, it was a pretty-good trip all-in-all. 👍

[@Neil070]

It's good to hear about good experiences if you are planning the same trip, though, tells you which operator will give a good experience and what you need to be prepared for. Saves "I wish I'd known" and "I should have brought..."

[@steve-marsh]

Absolute class review mate and cheers for the shout-out! And you were braver than me reviewing the coach toilet as well. Now GET OOT MY SEAT :D

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Steve, cheers mate and credit where it’s due that seat 2A is well worth the extra few quid! Like Scott says, the secret’s out now 😂 👍 You didn’t miss much with the loo- very unexciting affair. Overall though, yeh decent enough. Berry’s coaches next weekend if you’ve ever heard of them - supposed to be one of the best 🤔

[@steve-marsh]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Looking forward to it!

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

I featured the magic seat 2A back in May, and quite a few KZbinrs have mentioned it since. It was a great discovery, but I think it's going to be more difficult to get in future now that the secret is out! :-) Great video.

[@briocheoleary5043]

Love your channel, this channel and Steve's. My current favourites. Love the bewilderment. And fascinatiion of the underbelly of the UK' s less glamorous side of infrastructure videos

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Scott. Yes it was truly a relief and much appreciated after my earlier, disastrous overnight experience!

[@silvina-viajes]

Is it possible to book seats aboard the National Express? If so, how is that process? I can´t find that option in their web page. Thanks in advance

[@mozdickson]

I used National Express for Dover to Kings Cross then on to Paris (yeah, should have just done a ferry!) in August 2018. Clean, tidy, comfortable, and I found the staff to be accomodating and excellent safe drivers. It was good value all round even tougher I burned a whole day of my trip somewhat foolishly! But I don't mind the sights from a bus tbh.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yeh I’m the same with the sights, it’s quite relaxing looking out of those big windows. I have thought about the Manchester to Paris direct service with Flixbus but haven’t plucked up the courage yet! 14+ hours that one!

[@robertp.wainman4094]

Don't know why faux leather seats are so popular on public transport nowadays - in my opinion at least it's never as comfortable as traditional wool moquette.

[@JFinney]

Would be interesting to know if these reservations are available on all journeys on the route or if it just depends on the coach used. Doing the opposite leg from Edinburgh back to London in March I haven't been given an option to reserve seats so looking forward to a free for all 😂

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

That’s interesting. I assumed with National Express there’s always the option to reserve the front few rows (it’s extra cash for them). I guess you just need to be near the front of the queue mate. Good luck! 😊👍

[@jillcox6685]

I have travelled this route, prefer the train, but financial difficulties! I have always found the drivers fantastic, they are utterly brilliant. Hoping to sleep, but only managed to occasionally doze. Will concur though, that being able to travel such a long way so cheaply, accepted the challenges!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Jill, thanks for the comment. Yep the drivers (in my experience) have been excellent and if you can manage to get seat 2a too - you can’t go far wrong for the money 👍

[@JoeM1971]

Makes coach travel sound almost appealing! I need to visit Manchester in the new year. After my last Megabus trip I swore never again! And always paid the extra for the train. This was both interesting and informative and has changed my perception on coach travel.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Joe and good luck with your future coach trips 👍

[@shaneD7378]

I have found myself using the coach a lot more since the on going issues with the railways. I try and always book 2A its also worth the extra cost also thanks to Steve Marsh and Scott for the tip there is normally a double usb socket underneath the seat. It is a bit hidden away when

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Shane, yes I can't help thinking I may have missed that double usb socket when looking at the seat - harder in the dark admittedly and I assumed it would be in the seat back. I'll find it next time mate!

[@fatwalletboy2]

Great value for the passenger but at just under 4p per mile I honestly struggle to see how they make any real money........

[@Timstravels01]

I'm glad to see you had a decent overnighter this time around. Jimmy looked like a good laugh too!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

He was! And yep, much much more comfortable than last time!

[@FrostyGaming8394]

Yeh you have finally uploaded the video after a bit of a delay hope your doing well my bud great video as always I really do like your coach videos as there really enjoying to watch keep up the good work and have a nice day.:)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers FG, yep, just so busy with stuff atm but plenty of opportunities to do some more coach travel. Finding the time is the biggest issue really. Onwards 😊👍

[@studebaker4217]

Once I took the sleeper to Edinburgh from London, held some meetings, and then got the sleeper back that night. Worked well enough, but I suffered 'mal de mer' syndrome the next day. Also, I accidentally cleaned my teeth in the gloom with foot cream - not recommended, but my teeth have never had Athlete's Foot since.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, great comment (though I wish I’d read it after dinner tbh)! I could do the sleeper both ways but with the new one, I’d have to have the double bed and that would be very expensive!

[@Devkumar43072]

I have reserved seat 2A on my upcoming trip to Manchester on the 31st of July. I have done the same journey in April without any seat reservation but feeling a little cramped on the back seat. Why are just the first 5 rows can be reserved on national express? I have never heard a bad review of seat 2A in which I will see how well does this seat preforms to my standards.

[@sarom399]

I remember when we were coming to Leicester from Paris in coach in 2004 and waiting to change at Canterbury station at 4/5 am in the cold outside for a German bus to pick up lol😅 those were the time when money was tight and nee to UK unforgettable experience who has pro and cons but the beauty of travel I think it took the same time also not too sure

[@ambesyosa]

hello, is one stored luggage (20kgs) included in the price ticket for adult? thanks

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi, tbh Nash I always advise with this kind of thing to check the National Express website. It will all be detailed on there.

[@jameswyse8250]

The coach tracker shows this route taking the A702 but the coach takes the A1 and M1 all the way and stopped at services near Durham.

[@sang-cheolkim5149]

When I watch this video clips I always remember my first boarding of National Express Bus from Heathrow to Sheffield in December 2000.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Coaches better or not then these days (in your opinion)?

[@Bluediamond200]

Mine was Nottingham to Heathrow our bus broke down at notts station we had to wait over an hour before a replacement arrived, but boy did that driver put his foot down on the motorway, got us there at the correct arrival time, I was so worried I’d miss my flight back to South Africa

[@jamesjimbob71]

at the end of he day it doesn't matter what you pay, the point is you have paid for a long distance journey and you should expect a decent trip, like ie comfy seats, maybe a stop off to stretch your legs and helpful staff

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Totally agree👍

[@What_Happend]

I watch this video alot

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thank you 😊

[@TheEggysalmon]

The usb slot for 2A should be under the seat also if the disabled person has a guide dog he will be in your leg room, and if a coach has to go on the M1 just expect chaos but that price is insane I've had to charge people way more for much shorter trips and honestly those trays are terrible your better off not having one and the driver is given way to many tasks and little support to do them

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi EggySalmon. Yep, tbh, I think I just missed the USB port this time round, I’m sure you’re right and yep, totally agree with the other points. Hadn’t thought of the guide dog situation, I would need to spend the whole trip resisting the urge to say ‘busy busy’ (if you know, you know) 😉

[@stuarthardy3070]

That's a bargain for the distance going.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Agree 👍

[@kristinagoss6349]

Did you pass through Darlington?

[@JamesTilsley1]

National Express > All other coaches.