Megabus

[filthiestfis]

I'm considering using Megabus to save money. Has anyone used this company? Is it recommended?

[Buenchico]

Megabus is a division of Stagecoach, which runs bus services all over the country, as well as South West Trains, East Midlands Trains and the Isle of Wight's Island Line. (Stagecoach also owns 49% of Virgin Rail). It's neither much better or much worse than its big rival, National Express, which runs nearly all of the other express coach services throughout the UK (as well as some rail companies).

The only real difference between Megabus and National Express coach services is that Megabus has 'cherry-picked' the busiest routes (which are principally services to or from London) , whereas National Express operates many more 'cross-country' services. That means that Megabus can often (but not always) offer cheaper fares, but without the flexibility of routes (and scheduled connections) that National Express provides.

Chris

[KARL]

Buenchico's typically good answer misses out the fact that when it comes to Scotland (Stagecoach's home turf) Megabus have a network of long haul routes with frequent and budget-airline-type pricing connecting Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness through Perth (their base), plus some services to Oban (seasonal ?). They operate the 747 shuttle to/from Edinburgh Airport which connects with Megabus services at an inclusive ticket price - there is absolutely no reason to shy from using them. Their site should provide any questions, but to Megabus it may be the case that 'the country' is Scotland, which they serve far better than National Express do ;)

[KARL]

My typically excessive haste: please read ' with frequent departures and...' plus 'provide answers to any questions....'.

[katie_21]

Hi, i've used Megabus a few times and all i'll say is; IF you have to use them for saving on travel costs then be aware the buses are usually packed full of students, rowdy teenagers & soap dodgers. You'll have limited space to make yourself comfortable, which is fine if you're not travelling far but can get rather tedious on longer journeys. Finally my biggest let down was the bus being over-booked on two occasions, both of which was returning from London, luckily my friend & i were allowed on but others were not so lucky... but this was 2yrs ago so things may have improved.

National Express coaches have really good 'funfare' rates from �5.50 (inc booking fee) so i'd much rather go with them! xx

[filthiestfis]

Thanks guys. I'm aware of National Express's funfares. I've also read elsewhere about the type of traveller that Megabus attracts, which is the only thing that is currently putting me fof booking with them. I may just scrape a few extra pounds and go with national express. Still not decided.